Kate was in a familiar coat by Diane von Furstenberg for the morning’s Remembrance Sunday observance in Whitehall, London.
The scene from above.
From The Express:
THE QUEEN laid a wreath of poppies at the Cenotaph today as she led the nation in honouring fallen war heroes on Remembrance Sunday.
It was a bright, sunny morning in London as other senior royals laid wreaths. Below, the Duke of Edinburgh.
Prince Charles.
Prince William and Prince Harry.
From the left: Prince Edward, Princess Anne, and the Duke of Kent.
Prime Minister Theresa May laid a wreath on behalf of the government, followed by additional political representatives and military officials.
From The Telegraph’s story:
As Big Ben struck 11am, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired their First World War-era guns to mark the beginning and end of the reflection in the heart of Whitehall. The Last Post was then sounded.
This year’s service is especially poignant as 2016 marks the centenary of the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Jutland, the 25th anniversary of the Gulf War and the 80th anniversary of the first flight of the Supermarine Spitfire.
Another look at the Duchess of Cambridge; Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
From The Daily Mirror’s coverage:
The Last Post was sounded as war veterans and current service members stood together in silence with royalty, dignitaries and civilians in a stirring tribute to past and present members of the Armed Forces.
After the wreath-laying ceremony veterans and currently serving military march past the Guards Memorial.
The Chelsea Pensioners.
Victoria Cross winners, Sgt Johnson Beharry and Bill Speakman. 
The Scouts were on hand to help veterans make their way down Whitehall.
Back to The Telegraph article:
This year’s service is especially poignant as 2016 marks the centenary of the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Jutland, the 25th anniversary of the Gulf War and the 80th anniversary of the first flight of the Supermarine Spitfire.
As always, the crowds were sizable.
People start arriving very early in the morning to ensure they have a good position to watch the events.
We move to what Kate wore for the day’s events. As noted above, she was in a coat we have seen previously, the Lio style by Diane von Furstenberg.
The coat is 100% wool and features double-breasted styling with large faceted buttons. It also features ornate soutache trim on the detachable collar and cuffs; today is the first time we have seen the cuffs worn with the garment.
It also has storm flaps like those seen on most trench coats, a yoked back, and decorative stitching at the upper side that wraps around to the back.
We’ve not been able to see the dropped waist and pleating that makes for a full skirt, so I lightened one of the product pictures in an effort to show those details.
The Lio was first seen at the 2011 Remembrance Sunday ceremony; Kate wore the piece again for 2012’s Remembrance Sunday commemoration.
In 2012 the Duchess wore a Philip Treacy hat , in 2011 her hat was by Jane Corbett. This year it looks like Kate may have been wearing a John Boyd, one very similar to that worn for this year’s Commonwealth Day service in March. The crown on today’s chapeau is more rounded than that of the grey hat worn in March, but you can see how similar the designs are, especially that broad, sweeping brim.
UPDATE: As suggested by Anna of My Small Obsessions, Kate’s hat was by John Boyd.
This comparison shows you the John Boyd design that Kate’s Commonwealth Day hat was modeled upon.
I have been unable to see a photo that shows Kate’s gloves well enough to allow us to identify them.
The Duchess wore a new pair of earrings that are believed to have been loaned to her by the Queen, the ‘Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings.’
They are so called because the pearls used for the earrings were a wedding gift to Princess Elizabeth for her wedding. More information comes via Her Majesty’s Jewel Vault:
One of the wedding gifts received by Princess Elizabeth and Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten in 1947 was a pearl shell containing seven large pearls from the ruler of Bahrain at the time. According to the Royal Collection, two of these pearls were used not long after to create this pair of earrings.
The earrings each contain one large round diamond and four smaller ones, three baguette diamonds, and a Bahrain pearl dangling below.
They have also been worn by Sophie, Countess of Wessex. Our thanks to Anna of My Small Obsessions for her quick ID on them. To see the Queen wearing the earrings click here for Her Majesty’s Jewel Vault. To see Sophie wearing the earrings, click here to visit the My Small Obsessions page featuring the earrings.
Kate’s poppy brooch appears to be one of the paper styles offered by the Royal British Legion.
©Stephen Lock/i-Images
One quick FYI following up on yesterday’s post I want to share here in case you don’t visit that post again: if interested in watching the Festival of Remembrance broadcast, it is available on You Tube for viewing. Our thanks to Vicki for sharing that info in a comment.
LINKAGE:
- The Daily Mail’s coverage is here; The Sun’s photo-heavy story is here; The Mirror’s coverage is here; The Express article may be seen here
*unflattering
I have not checked in for a few weeks. I am very surprised to find the Duchess’s Remembrance Day fashion choices uninspiring. I love the the drop waist on this coat but that is about it. The detail on the removable collar and cuff bits looks like bedraggled handkerchief material.
The hat looks too much with the elaborate collar, double breasted buttons and storm flaps of the coat. To make matters worse, her hairdo makes it look like she is wearing a snood in addition to the hat, at least in these pictures. And it is an unlatteringing look on Kate.
I agree the earrings are to die for!
I was just going to say her black hat looks like the grey hat she wore to Commonwealth Day March 2016! I love the dramatic, wide brim hats John Boyd made for Diana so I’m excited to see Kate wear them. In this hat, I think her hair looks better down (March) then up (November). I understand it’s longer now (and looks fantastic!) and perhaps it’s windy this time of year in England so up may be convenient. I just think because her hair is so thick and dark that when it’s up she looks like a Gibson Girl, which was on point in the 1890’s but now looks old-fashioned and dowdy. I know many of you will disagree but I like her long hair down or at least she looks fresher with shorter hair than worn up.
Oh yes! Those earring are to die for! (*sigh*)
DUCHESS CATHERINE , LOOKED PERFECT AND THE UP HAIR DUE TO THE SIDE IS SIMPLY CLASSIC LADY STYLE . DUCHESS IS A FLAWLESS ,PRICELESS , EMERALD IN THE QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 ROYAL TIARA .
Um. Okay, Amy. Have a good day.
Lol
She looks lovely even with the quirky side bun. The earrings are perfect and seem very her.
I’ve always been a fan of this coat, mainly for the buttons, though I think I would only like it in this setting. It is a good, simple complement to a hat, and I’m not particularly fond of the bottom half as shown in the product photos. Those earrings are incredible though! Can I just say, what a clever wedding gift from the rule of Bahrain – instead of getting the lady some jewellery she may not like, provide her with the pieces she can use to make her own lovely creations! 😉
Does anyone know why the amount of poppies differs on Remembrance Sunday? I noticed the Queen is wearing four, Kate is and Camilla are wearing three though Kate wore two in 2011, and Sophie just has on a brooch version as did Kate in 2012. Since they are meant as a sign of respect I can’t imagine the amount worn is based on rank in the family? In any case, it is nice to see royals wearing the paper poppies just like us commoners!
There was once a thought that people wore the number of poppies to signify the number of loved ones lost in a war. But that apparently is not true, because as you note, Kate has worn a different number in different years. I think that it comes down to a bit of a fashion statement…how many look appropriate with the outfit that is being worn.
WIkipedia has some very useful information about the origins and usage of the Remembrance Poppy and its significance is various countries. It mentions white poppies worn for peace and purple poppies worn to remember animals that died while serving in a war.
Following debate about the timeframe to wear a poppy, what side to put it on, how many, one veteran said, “There are no rules about wearing a poppy, only that you wear it with pride.”
Thank you!! I especially like that last quote, as this week I was thinking about the “rules” I was taught for wearing a poppy in Canada – only over your heart or on the left suit/coat lapel, and never after Remembrance Day (which is actually commemorated on the 11th and not the nearest Sunday like in the UK). Clearly there are different rules in the UK, or perhaps no rules at all!
Yes, the amount of poppies correlates to members of your family who have served.
Sorry but I don’t think so. So many members of the Queen’s family have served in the military, that she’d be laden down if she wore a poppy for each person.
Also Countess Sophie is lovely and I enjoy seeing photos of her
I agree with you. It is a treat to see Countess Sophie!
Those earrings are insanely beautiful, I think the drop is just the right length too.
My favorite part of her look has to be those earrings. I want them!!!! I was to see her wearing fabulous jewelry all the time.
Apart from them, I thought she looked fine, but am hoping she’ll retire the coat after this.
The hat was fine, but I was a little confused by the hairstyle – not a big fan of the side bun.
I’d love to see a coat that’s not buttoned to the throat, with some jewelry at the neck (pearls being the obvious choice).
Very much like the coat and the hair is interesting with the side bun. However, I like her hair pulled off her face, but down in the back with hats like this. But over all, a good look. And certainly appropriate for the occasion.
And what if the three ladies switched hats? Sophie to Camilla, Camilla to Kate, Kate to Sophie? Just a thought!
The overall look is ok. But when you start examining the details, this coat is so heavy already and now with the additional cuffs and collar… it just does not look sharp. It swallows her completely. She looks so much better in clean lines. The earrings are exquisite!
Too many repeaters with this coat. Sometimes I do not get her intention. She wears brand-new very expensive outfits for simple charity events where she could do a repeater of state visit outfits. Andwhen the whole world is watching she wears the coat e years in a row.
You actually just made the point of the strategy, in my opinion. It’s all about attention: when wanting to draw attention to causes that don’t have a lot on any given day, wear something new. When wanting the emphasis to be on an issue such as remembrance, grieving, etc., that are definitely on the radar of the nation, there is no need for new, and older is in fact preferable. New hat and earrings are plenty here – she looks lovely, appropriate, and understated. Mission accomplished.
This is why I firmly believe that Kate does not want to be seen as a fashion icon or fashionista. She wants the focus to be on the causes she supports not on her clothes. I think that her strategy will work as long as people remain interested in her and the press continues to fall all over itself to cover her engagements. I can’t think of any reason this would change in the near future, in fact, I see it increasing when William becomes the Prince of Wales. The only time I think it will wane, is when George and especially Charlotte are old enough to steal the spotlight.
Maggie agree. I also do not think Kate is that interested in fashion. Someone from the Vogue shoot, the editor maybe, also said that Kate was not super interested in fashion.
I think JR hit the nail on the head. She doesn’t want to draw attention to herself on a somber occasion like this one, so she repeats an outfit. Meanwhile, when visiting a non-profit or one of her causes, she wears something new that will gain attention because she knows that her visit and her outfit will generate publicity for the cause at the same time. Think how many of these small organizations we would never hear about, except for the fact that the Duchess showed up!
I think all the royal ladies look appropriately dressed for the sombre occasion. I like the Queen’s hat best of all, but of the 3 ladies on the balcony, I like Kate’s hat. Camilla’s seems overpowering and personally I’m not a fan of hats perched on the head like Sophie’s. Sophie is very fond of the cowl neckline and wears many coats and dresses with that–it seems to be her signature neckline. Camilla wears the pearl choker much of the time–that seems to be her signature piece. The borrowed earrings that Kate wore, are so lovely. Sometimes I do wish that she enjoyed jewelry more and would wear more. But then I adore jewelry!! I like seeing the soustache trim on the collar and cuffs of the coat–it has a 1920s look about it is reminiscent of the Downtown Abbey styles.
Am not a huge fan of the crown of the hat that Kate is wearing. Just looks a little odd, but love the earrings and think that Sophie looks amazing. That neckline really looks good on her.
Kate is perfection in the photo showing the side up-do. Elegant, assured and stylish but dignified in black. A return to top form. Love her in big hats. The earrings are the perfect foil – she needs to borrow more from the Queen where she can, especially when they are as lovely as these ones. Hanging out for Kate’s next tiara moment!
As always, Kate looks great… but it’s Sophie who I think takes the prize. Such understated elegance – clean lines, no fuzz, classic.
I couldn’t agree more. Sophie’s coat is perfect.
Love the hat but not the strange cuffs and collar. The materials seem to clash, particularly with the buttons. Too busy. Sophie looked on point.
I love Kate’s coat, but I wish I could switch Sophie’s and Kate’s hats so that Sophie wore Kate’s hat and Kate wore Sophie’s hat. Sophie needs a more sweeping hat that brings her face in proportion while Kate needs a less robust hat that is also visually lighter (like her 2011 hat. It’s appears light and keeps her coat in check.)
This looks beautiful on Kate. The fabric at the collar and cuffs is wonderful, and so are the earrings (I am also curious about the protocol for lending the Queen’s jewels). The hat is fine too!
There really is no “universal rules” when it comes to a monarch loaning out the family jewels. It’s a personal decision and each monarch holds their own opinion about what they want to do.
However, you might find this link of interest: http://orderofsplendor.blogspot.com/2011/11/royal-splendor-101-loaned-jewels.html
… as well as the comments/discussion by others following the post.
Thanks for this link, with such interesting information. It says at one point that Diana’s jewels were left to WIlliam and Harry. We know that Kate wears Diana’s sapphire ring and also some sapphire earrings. But I wonder where the rest of it is. If William and Harry each got 50%, they should have quite a stash to share with their wives. Of course, Harry is not yet in that position, but William surely is. Maybe Diana had less gems than we think. Even if Kate didn’t care for a particular piece she could have the stones reset into something that suited her taste. Perhaps bit by bit we will see more.
After Princess Diana’s death it was announced according to her wishes her personal jewelry was to go to her sons so that they could pass it on to their wives/children as they saw fit: See: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1411088/Diana-left-jewellery-to-her-sons-future-wives.html -2002
However, you may not have seen much of Princess Diana’s jewelry to-date because of provisions in her will and the rather unusual way her estate was handled. A lot of her personal possessions were held in trust until both o her children had reached the age of 30. See: http://www.forbes.com/sites/trialandheirs/2014/09/16/as-remainder-of-princess-dianas-estate-passes-to-harry-troubling-questions-remain/#72be9fca728b
Obviously, there had to have been exceptions to this arrangement as there have been sightings of some of Diana’s more well-known pieces, namely Diana’s sapphire/diamond ring that William gave Catherine on their engagement, and a pair of matching earrings that she has modified/simplified and has worn on occasion.
For a look at some of Diana’s more popular/often-worn pieces which perhaps we will see more of now the age provision has elapsed and the boys legally have possession, take a look here: http://www.thecourtjeweller.com/2014/08/the-top-ten-princess-dianas-jewels.html
And finally, here’s a link to an article about items Catherine has borrowed from the Queen and a little more about the “protocol”: http://hrhduchesskate.blogspot.com/2013/10/kate-loves-jewellery-borrowed-items.html
Enjoy!
Mrs. Cambridge, Thank you SO MUCH for the information and the websites. It would seem that there is indeed quite a bit of jewellery for Kate and Harry’s wife, when he marries. I wish we would see more of Diana’s gems on Kate now. When she wears costume jewellery we al wonder why.
Isn’t the WKW community unique? We learn so much from each other. Thanks, Mrs. C for taking the time to inform us further.
I’ve always really liked this coat and am glad to see it again! I also like the hat but I’m a fan of big hats and I think Kate pulls them off well. The earrings are stunning!
I am *always* cold so if I was standing outside, in the shade, at this time of year, I too would be wearing a heavy coat. Last night’s choice wouldn’t have done the trick for me in the cold…but then again sometimes I think Kate isn’t a *cold* person because she wears those light dresses or short sleeves (Canada trip) when the day seems to call for length or layers. In any case, I like today’s look!
Kate’s hat with Sophie’s dress would’ve been perfection to me. Camilla also looked her best. I just felt like Kate’s coat was too heavy. The high was 52 today not 30, so she could’ve worn a lighter coat. Great hair and hat!
Loved Sophie’s sophisticated attire
Admittedly, you don’t have to look superstylish for this occasion but I must say that I am not a fan of this hat. It makes Kate look old and tired. I love the 2011 hat, and this year I so much prefer Sophie’s outfit. Appropriate yet chic in my view.
Oh, how I love this hat! It neither perches nor yet does it sag. It balances the heaviness of the coat beautifully, and while the solid black is quite severe, to my eyes the swoop of the brim adds great energy.
When the Duchess is done with the earrings the Queen could lend them to me for a bit…
Hee hee Mary G, I love those earrings also, I will happily borrow them from the Queen after you and Kate are done. They are beautifully designed and balanced with pearls, diamonds, shape and size.
I hate the hat with this coat. It seems to swallow her up. The earrings are lovely, however.
It’s a good occasion to recycle a coat and whilst I don’t love it, its nice enough and appropriate. Love the earrings and agree it’s good to see Kate in some proper jewels. I wonder how the borrowing process works amongst the royal family. Wouldn’t it be great to have such a choice!
Sophie looks fabulous. Appropriate but very stylish.
Agreed. I find that coat so heavy, and the hat really was too much for this. But she looks nice and it’s not really the occasion to go all out with fashion.
All the ladies involved look splendid and very appropriate for the occasion. The earrings that Kate is wearing are spectacular! Let’s hope that we get to see many more “real” jewels on Kate.
For those wondering about Lilli, there is an update on the November 12 posting, just previous to this one. I thought perhaps people might not refer back to it, with this being the latest update.
I wouldn’t change a thing. Fantastic coat and hat. I love the side chignon as it adds balance to the tilt of the hat brim. Amazing earrings that are showcased to perfection here as ElizaMo points out.
Thank you for pointing out why the chignon has been so angled – I’d only just worked it out on coming back here for a fresh look! My brain us on a serious go-slow today.
I’m still not convinced that the right angle has been found for hat and hair, but then I’m probably just nit picking. It’s the asymmetry I find jars against the heavy uniformity of a double-breasted coat and all.
And Kate could never have brought off those earrings half as well were she herself not looking so beautiful.
She is so lovely, isn’t she .
🙂
I completely agree with everything you said. Given the various constraints involved, I think this look is perfect. I have always loved this coat.
This is a great coat with a lot of visual interest. Definitely one of my favorites too.
I know this blogs about the Duchess of Cambridge. … but its Sophie whose pulling off regal elegance and looks every inch a princess.
Though Kate always looks good even in t-shirts, she just hasnt been dressing her usual impeccable self lately. Ive seen others comment that its her stylist, which is such a shame. Im disappointed in todays combo. Its just too much all together, almost like shes bundled up for a frozen siberian night.
I am thrilled she got to raid the vault. I wonder how hard it was to find something so dainty in there !! I love her jewelry style.
Love her whole look. Thought all the ladies looked great. I would not change anything with Kates look. I really like the cuffs on the coat. The hat, hair and earrings I think all look perfect. In all a gorgeous and very appropriate look.
The first picture of Kate by herself looks lovely; it looks like a portrait that could’ve been colorized from the 1920s. For those who don’t like the low brim with the high collar, we are going to have to agree to disagree. I think this look is perfect for the occasion. Finally, she’s worn her hair up; now she won’t get in trouble in the press for “twirling” her hair. She looks mature, lovely, and dare I say more confident in her position. Something about this, to me, definitely says, “I am a future queen, I know this, and I am confident in my abilities to support, love, and help lead my people.” I love this look. I also like how it felt as if she took a nod from Queen Maxima about the hat; I love this style.
I think the Dutchess looks perfect and appropriate for today. I much prefer this type of hat on her rather than facinators. To me, the brimmed hats look more elegant and Kate’s is the right size as I always feel Camila’s look too heavy. I’m so happy to see Kate wear some of the Queen’s jewelry. I wonder if the Queen doesn’t offer it or Kate doesn’t like to wear it? Does anyone know the protocol?
The Queen offers it when she is being represented.
Earrings: exquisite.
The three ladies look quite splendid together, they are premier wearers of hats. Of the three I think Camilla’s is carried off best. I find Sophie’s perched a little high and Kate’s brim is too low with the high collar, a sweeping brim needs room to breathe.
The effect here is too cluttered. Kate made the same mistake with her previous Boyd chapeau over the Erdem coat. Having her hair up ought to help, but the odd side placing of the updo also jars with me.
I’d been secretly hoping Kate might give this coat another outing as I’ve always liked the rich collar, it reminds me of a textured fabric which for the moment I can’t remember the name of – devore? But it’s this soutache which involves detailed braiding, and I’m surprised by close ups which show it looking a bit frayed at the edges. Surely DVF could manage a better finish than this?
But all is forgiven and forgotten when I behold those fabulous earrings – to die for! My heart leaps up when Kate finally manages to unearth some royal bling she’s happy with. She has showcased these to perfection.
Gorgeous and absolutely appropriate. Classic and timeless in every way. And it goes without saying that the earrings are beyond flawless.
It’s a solemn occasion, so fashion commentary seems a little frivolous. But, Sophie got it exactly right. She’s a good role model for Kate going forward.
Also, the Queen is remarkable in the way she presents herself. Her coat is perfection, to quote Mary Berry.