The Duchess engaged in some sartorial diplomacy today in Paris.
She wore multiple Chanel pieces for the day’s early activity, a visit to Les Invalides.
From Rebecca English’s story in The Daily Mail:
The royal couple met with victims of the Nice and Bataclan terror attacks as well as World War Two veterans at the famous Les Invalides military hospital.
They learnt about the important historic and current roles of the site, in particular its work supporting veterans undergoing rehabilitation programmes.
Below you see William and Kate speaking with 25-year-old Jessica Bambal Akan. She was shot seven times while eating dinner with a friend at a La Belle Equipe during the November 2015 attacks. On her left is a firefighter named Kevin. The 28-year-old was at the Bataclan; he was shot in the leg. 
The Duke and Duchess met some of the oldest residents of the facility. More from The Mirror:
Kate was charmed by Colonel Jean Camus, 100, and Chief Petty Officer Georges Zwang, 101. Both reached for her hand to kiss it as they were introduced.
Col Camus fought in France in 1939-40, was taken prisoner by the Germans, escaped, joined the resistance and escaped twice more after being captured.
As they were introduced, the Duke exclaimed: “An escape artist!”
©Robin Nunn/Nunn Syndication / Polaris
They also met with emergency personnel who responded to the terrorist attacks.
Kate accepting flowers after visiting Les Invalides.
Greeting staff and even some tourists as the couple left Les Invalides.
William and Kate then moved to the Musée d’Orsay. More via Robert Jobson’s Evening Standard story:
Situated on the left bank of the Seine, the Musee D’Orsay is houses in the former Gare D’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900.
Continuing the Evening Standard coverage:
The couple, who met while studying for a degree in history of art at St Andrew’s University in Scotland, toured the gallery on the second day of their two-day visit to Paris.
It remained open to the public throughout, prompting gasps from tourists who crowded round to take pictures and videos of the royals on their phones.
Here you see the Duke & Duchess meeting both French and British children who take part in local programs put on by the British Council. The Council is the UK’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
Another shot from the Trocadéro. Ambassador Ed Llewellyn noted this was a “Festive moment at the Trocadéro to celebrate links between young French and British.”
The Duke and Duchess appeared to enjoy their time at both venues today.
Now for our look at what Kate wore today in the French capital. Many a Kate fashion follower rejoiced when they learned the Duchess wore Chanel. The cotton tweed coatdress appears to have been based on a design from the S/S 2017 pre-spring collection. It features a wrap-dress silhouette with flared sleeves and box pleats in the full skirt.
The coat wasn’t the only Chanel style the Duchess wore, she also carried the brand’s Nouvelle Flap Bag in calfskin with Enamel Handle. Readers will recognize the quilted leather and double C logo on the flap. Our thanks to Kate’s Closet for IDing the handbag so quickly. The photo is via Brag My Bag; info on that site says the bag is from the a/w 2015 season and its original cost was $4200.
The Duchess wore another piece by the renowned French fashion house, the Calfskin Leather Belt ($850). Thank you to the ever-savvy on all things fashion, Michelle of Perth’s Fashion.
We saw the return of the Tod’s Fringed Leather Pumps that were first seen during the Canada tour.
The other French brand worn by the Duchess today: Cartier. Kate opted for more designs from the jeweler’s Trinity Collection. Below left we show the Cartier Trinity Necklace; the product photo is slightly different from what Kate wears, her necklace does not have the center diamond. The earrings appear to be the same, the Trinity de Cartier Earrings ($2040). Both designs feature 18K white, pink, and yellow gold.
Here are links to our previous Paris posts.
- Paris Welcome: https://whatkatewore.com/2017/03/18/kate-keeps-her-catherine-walker-coat-on-for-paris-arrival/
- Cocktail Reception: https://whatkatewore.com/2017/03/17/its-alexander-mcqueen-in-paris-for-embassy-reception/
- Black Tie Dinner https://whatkatewore.com/2017/03/17/its-jenny-packham-for-paris-black-tie-dinner/
Anne
Monday 20th of March 2017
This look is a winner! I admire the fact that Kate was honoring Chanel. The flared sleeves are a beautiful touch with the flared hemline, and I like the slightly-above-the-knee length, which keeps the dress from becoming too matronly. The bag and shoes are perfect together-- I am so happy to see her continuing to wear the Tod's pumps. The earrings and necklace are not exciting, but they're perfectly serviceable. And most jewelry would fade into the background when a woman is wearing Diana's spectacular engagement ring!
Maegan
Monday 20th of March 2017
I love those shoes as much as the first time I saw them. And Chanel for the bag too – it’s a seriously chic item and so sweet.Letizia has been in this spotlight longer and in her early days made mistakes a-plenty, and even now can make choices I myself dislike
linda hoad
Monday 20th of March 2017
yes the chanel is a good look and the fit and tailoring spot on. only gripe is her hair it is too girlish for a woman of 34 or whatever especially with a blue evening dress. she needs to take the bull by the horns and cut it to shoulder length or wear it up all the time.
Hannah
Sunday 26th of November 2017
I totally agree and said so myself before! Wear this beautiful hair up and done and reserve the letting down for singular informal occasions!
Jenna
Sunday 26th of March 2017
Kate's hair is perfect and gorgeous as is. There are no rules for women cutting their hair at a certain age. I actually think a bob would do nothing for her. In fact I wish she would wear her natural stunning wavy/curly hair as it is far more youthful:)
Annie
Monday 20th of March 2017
Hmm. Well, my own prejudices are coloring my view of this outfit a bit. I'm a little surprised that she wore Chanel when meeting WWII vets, but I'm not quite as forgiving of Coco's wartime shenanigans as most people are. (I know, she's passed and didn't design these, but still...) I also don't like logos plastered on things. I like the purse with a handle enough to ignore it, but putting a logo next to the buckle on the belt is just blatant advertising on the designer's part. Very awkward placement.
On the upside, I like the shape and color of the coat (on the fence about the sleeves), and I've always liked those shoes. They're not a style I usually care for, but somehow I just like the way they look on her, and she's always worn them with things that work really well with the shoes.
SaraF
Tuesday 21st of March 2017
I was not aware of Chanel's WWII history. Thanks for mentioning it. I just spent two hours reading up on it and I share your feelings.
Stephanie Lish
Sunday 19th of March 2017
I absolutely adore this dress. I don't like the belt (or the purse for that matter) but the way fall of the skirt and the ruffle on the sleeves is done just perfectly!