The Duchess Wears Philosophy by Alberta Ferretti in New Official Photos

We are back with a quick look at the new official photos of Kate.  In yesterday’s post we spoke about the new solo shot of the Duchess, something initially covered last Thursday. Then we saw another new official photo, this one of Kate and William together. That picture was shared on Twitter this morning by Paul Ratcliffe.

Mr. Ratcliffe received a ‘thank you’ from the Palace for his congratulatory correspondence to William and Kate on the occasion for their 5th anniversary.

The note on the card reads:

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were so touched that you took the trouble to write as you did on the occasion of their 5th Wedding Anniversary. It really was most thoughtful of you and Their Royal Highnesses send you their warmest thanks and best wishes.

Mr. Ratcliffe is a photographer who has been following the royal family for years. He says he has been “fascinated by the pomp and pageantry associated with the monarchy” since he was young. His blog, Royal Family Photography, showcases some of his work over the years. There are some lovely photographs, including many of the late Diana, Princess of Wales; I think you will enjoy visiting the site.

Now to the solo portrait of Kate.  It was initially seen when posted on Twitter by Stephen Connor while he attended the International Children’s Palliative Care Conference. Mr. Connor is the Executive Director of the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance and he shared the news that the Duchess sent a message of support to the Conference.

It turned out Kate and  Archbishop Desmond Tutu were listed as Ambassadors in the Conference program. Just yesterday we shared a photo of Kate’s letter of support, along with the new photo as published by E Hospice News. 

Both of the new official photographs are by Chris Jelf. You may recall Mr. Jelf took the family photo used for the Cambridge Christmas card.

 Below, a closer look at the solo portrait of Kate by Mr. Jelf, shared by the International Children’s Palliative Care Network on the organization’s Facebook page.

Kate wears a jacket that many of us thought bore resemblance to Rebecca Taylor styles. The tweedy, fringed look is something Ms. Taylor does very well, and Kate owns Rebecca Taylor pieces. But we were wrong, it turns out Kate is wearing a Philosophy by Alberta Ferretti piece. The ID was made by Melissa J on the What Kate Wore Facebook page. The jacket was also offered in a rich, deep blue.

The fitted jacket has front patch pockets, concealed front closure, three-quarter length sleeves and applied ribbon detailing at the collar, sleeves, front placket and the pockets. A closer look at the trim.

The jackets came with matching skirts.

As best we know this is a new brand for the Duchess. Philosophy is the Alberta Ferretti diffusion line targeting a younger demo, featuring more contemporary designs and lower price points. The brand is carried online at YOOX, as well as Barney’s Warehouse, and the Philosophy portion of the Alberta Ferretti website.

The Duchess appears to be in the Whistles Lina Dobby Skirt first seen in Los Angeles during the North American tour in 2011, although it is difficult to be sure without a full-length view.

If for any reason Kate is in a different skirt she might have opted for something like this Joseph skirt, suggested by the ever-savvy Michelle from Perth Fashion.

There is nothing to suggest Kate is wearing a new skirt, this is merely a contemporary piece by a brand she favors. The look reminds me of the separates worn to the Epsom Derby in 2011.

Many thanks to Paul Ratcliffe, Anna of the Kate & Sophie blogs, and Melissa on the Facebook page for their contributions to the post!

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Also today, a quick retail note about a shoe many were fond of, the Agata by LK Bennett.

It was first worn to the ARK dinner in 2011, and now it has been reissued in new colors. Below left, the ‘pink mashmallow’ version ($395), and on the right, the new navy colorway ($425).

There are some differences between the new Agata and the style worn by Kate: the 2011 version is in the middle. On the left, you can see the new bow, which is wider than the 2011 version. On the right is the new black leather style ($395). With thanks to Lacey for her comment, the heel height is also significantly different: Kate’s style has a 4″ heel while the new Agata is listed at 2.7″.

It’s fun to see this shoe reissued, it is a favorite for many Kate fashion followers.

We leave you with this video released by Kensington Palace from last Friday when Kate went for a sail.

More great footage of The Duchess taking to the waves with @LandRoverBAR @AinslieBen and the team on the Solenthttps://t.co/rSUpVhRrne

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 25, 2016