The Duchess Wears Michael Kors & ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’ Hat for War Memorial Dedication

Kate was in Michael Kors for today’s Service of Dedication and unveiling of the Iraq-Afghanistan Memorial in London.

HM and Prince Philip as they were greeted before the ceremony.

The Duke and Duchess and Prince Harry arriving at the event.

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, chatting with Chancellor Philip Hammond, Kate, and William.

More about the Memorial from The Daily Mail’s coverage:

… it commemorates the duty and service of those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect the nation’s interests far from the UK, helped those in danger or worked to improve the lives of those in the Gulf region, Iraq and Afghanistan from 1990 to 2015.

You can see other senior royals and dignitaries in this photo, including the Duke of York; the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall; Prime Minister Theresa May.

The special drumhead for today’s service. (Historically, drums were used in the field to create a temporary altar.)

Back to the Mail’s article:

Around 2,500 invited guests, including representatives of veterans, serving military, bereaved families, charity workers, civil servants and politicians, are at the military Drumhead Service on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall.

Nearby, members of the public and schoolchildren (in some very snappy hats) watching the events.

From The Telegraph’s story:

Prince Harry marked a sombre tribute to the start of the ceremony, quoting “A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace,” from the Bible, as acting and former servicemen watched on.

Prince Harry speaks at unveiling in London of memorial dedicated to those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan wars https://t.co/CkkwiPnDsYpic.twitter.com/L7oFuk7cNI

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) March 9, 2017

The sculpture features a medallion between two monoliths; one representing Iraq and the other symbolizing Afghanistan.

More about the Memorial from The Plymouth Herald.

Artist Paul Day gave the Queen and Philip a guided tour of the memorial he created, pointing out features of the double-sided bronze tondo, or circular sculpture, between two large stones.

He also designed the nearby Battle of Britain Monument as well as The Meeting Place, a large bronze statue of a couple embracing at St Pancras railway station in the capital.

Below, HM and Mr. Day.

The Memorial honors both military personnel and civilians. t

The Queen was given a flower posy by Alfie Lunn.

More about Alfie and his parents from The Plymouth Herald’:

Before leaving the site of the new memorial, the Queen received a posy from the Lunn family – Sergeant Mark Lunn, 29, who was awarded the Military Cross for his actions during a fire-fight in Basra, his wife, Corporal Michelle Lunn, 26, and their two-year-old son Alfie.

Following the service and unveiling, there was a reception.

Veterans, active duty military personnel, and family members attended.

Prince Harry served two tours of duty in Afghanistan. Below, with Lance Sergeant Johnson Beharry, awarded a Victoria Cross for “acts of great heroism” in Iraq, and his wife Mallissa at the reception.

William appeared amused by something on the table.

Kate meeting Royal British Legion beneficiaries.

Now to what Kate wore for today’s ceremony and reception.

Many readers will recognize the Duchess’s coat by Michael Kors.

We first saw the piece on Anzac Day in Australia during the 2014 tour. Kate wore it again last year to open the Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace.

From our original post about the garment:

The garment is single-breasted with flap pockets on the front, a full skirt. It is described as an “indigo twill jacquard swing coat” by Hello! magazine, who also reports the piece retailed at £1870, that is roughly $3150.

Kate’s hat is by Lock and Company.

The ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s‘ style is described this way by the milliner:

This ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ hat is a style saviour. The stunning, lipped drop-brim and wide Petersham band make this hat a real classic which is perfect for dressier social engagements. 

Thanks to Franciele for her suggestion on the Facebook page that the likely reference is to this hat from the classic film. The hat retails at Lock and Company for £325.

The Duchess wore her Cornelia James ‘Beatrice’ gloves.

The gloves are made of 100% Australian merino wool and adorned with a bow at the wrist. They retail for $85 and come in a rainbow of colors.

We saw Kate’s Rupert Sanderson ‘Malory’ heels ($675) in navy suede.  The pump features a 4″ heel and pointed toe.

The tanzanite earrings and pendant we first saw back in 2015 at a service honoring those who served in Afghanistan returned today. The gems are by royal warrant holder G. Collins and Sons.

The company currently offers a similar pendant with diamonds and tanzanite (£8475), as well as almost-identical tanzanite/diamond earrings (£8750).

Kate’s hair was up; I *think* she may have used a thin hair net to keep it in place.

There was a bit of an update on George and Charlotte; more from a People story:

“She said that Charlotte is growing up really fast. She is the one in charge,” Samantha Burge, wife of Warrant Officer Class 2 Chris Burge, told reporters. “We have both got 2-year-olds and they are ruling the roost. It was a bit of a mummy chat,” said Samantha, who is mom to daughters Isabella, 4, and Amelia, 22 months — similar in age to George and Charlotte.

“[She said] they are both becoming really good friends, George and Charlotte,” Samantha said.

We’ll leave this portion of the post with a 1:30 piece about the Memorial from the Ministry of Defence.

Her Majesty The Queen will unveil the Iraq and Afghanistan memorial today in London. Watch this video to find out more about it. pic.twitter.com/qlbwMaPEqx

— Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) March 9, 2017

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Also today, some quick notes.

• Kensington Palace announced today that Kate and William will distribute shamrocks to the Irish Guard next Friday, the 17th. They will then leave for their two-day visit to Paris.
• LK Bennett is offering an additional 50% off sale prices; this is only on the USA/CAN site.

LINKAGE:

• Learn more about the Memorial here; the Ministry of Defence has the ceremony on its YouTube channel; to see a copy of the written program for today’s service, click here
• The Daily Mail story is here; Robert Jobson’s story in The Evening Standard is here; The Telegraph’s story is here; The Express story is here; The Mirror’s photo gallery is here
• People’s story is here; PopSugar’s photo gallery is here;