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It’s Jenny Packham & Hugo Boss Breton Stripes on Day 4 of the Royal Tour

As the royal tour continues, we see Kate once again practicing fashion diplomacy via her clothing. Today’s first example is a dress from one of her go-to designers, Jenny Packham.©RONALD WITTEK/EPA/REX/Shutterstock

Kate and William started the day in Heidelberg; the city is a twin (akin to a sister city) to Cambridge. In a comment, Lara points out that yellow is the color of Baden Württemberg, where Heidelberg is located. The duo’s first engagement was at the German Cancer Research Centre in Heidelberg. Below you see the Duke and Duchess with board members from the Centre.

Then it was time for a walkabout in Heidelberg’s Marketplatz, or Market Square, with Mayor Prof. Dr. Eckart Würzner as their tour guide.Kensington Palace

Next, a pretzel making contest. More from The Express:

The royal couple also got their hands dirty as they were pictured trying their hand at making traditional German pretzels during a vist to a market in the Central Square.

Kate giggled and appeared to tease William as he had a go in front of a crowd of revellers in the centre of the market.

Kensington Palace

This brought back memories of the cooking class Kate and William took in 2011 at Quebec’s renowned Institut de Tourisme et d’HôtellerieDuke Duchess Cambridge Cooking Class Quebec 2011 Kate Middleton Chef uniform

They also tried making sweeties.

Now to what Kate wore, starting with the Jenny Packham dress.©James Whatling

Crafted from what I initially thought was a brocade, the dress is made in a fabric that is more like a lace (thank you to Sarah for the heads-up on this). In a comment Alexa suggests it may be ‘linen with appliqued lace or embroidery,’ and I bet she is right. The color is either a sunny yellow or rich gold, depending on the lighting. I like Jessica’s word in a comment; she referred to the color as marigold.©Stephen Lock / i-Images / Polaris

The dress features a fitted bodice with princess seaming that is accentuated by white piping. It also has a set-in waistband with box pleats that create the volume in the skirt. (I initially thought there was an asymmetrical front flap, but Erin pointed out in a comment that was really a trick of the way the skirt fell in that particular photo.)©James Whatling

The dress looks like it may have that beautiful sheen and the floral motif is very pretty, but the fabric somehow makes the dress look heavy.

The Duchess wore a new pair of earrings by Oscar de la Renta, the brand’s Pearl Star Button earrings ($175). They are made with gold plated pewter and glass (or resin, depending on the retailer’s description) pearls. The style is also available at Neiman Marcus, as well as Halsbrook. Our thanks to Katie on Twitter for the speedy identification of the earrings.©REX, Shutterstock/Oscar de la Renta/Halsbrook

Kate carried an Alexander McQueen suede clutch she has used previously.©REX/Shutterstock

And wore her Fleur espadrille wedges by Monsoon. These made perfect sense for the cobblestone streets Kate had to walk on but seemed casual in contrast to the dress.Monsoon / REX

The Duke and Duchess did a quick change of clothing and headed to the River Neckar for a friendly rowing competition, with each leading a team.©Stephen Lock/i-Images

This video shows Kate and William as they head to the River and gives you a sense of the crowd size.

More from Robert Jobson’s Evening Standard story:

The Royal couple renewed their friendly sporting rivalry as they faced off in a competitive boat race during their visit to the picturesque city of Heidelberg.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took to the waters of the River Neckar and were both charged with steering their respective boats.

The Evening Standard piece noted that Kate “….jokingly told her crew: “No pressure, but I do want to beat my husband!” 

Longtime followers of the couple will remember another event in Canada during the 2011 tour; only the teams were in dragon boats.

Canadian Heritage

Canadian Heritage

Prince William was the victor on that occasion.

Canadian Heritage

Canadian Heritage

That was also the case today. From The Telegraph’s story:

They have a long history of friendly spousal rivalry.  It was the Duke of Cambridge who had cause to gloat today, after he beat the Duchess in a Royal boat race.

The Duke punched the air after his boat crossed the finish line narrowly ahead of his wife,

William’s team took first place, but both Cambridges were awarded medals.©Zak Hussein

After the race steins of beer were hoisted in celebration.©James Whatling

Kate’s top is by Hugo Boss

We saw the return of Kate’s Superga Cotu Classic trainers. We show them at Nordstrom, they are also available at Superga, and at Zappos. They are $65 at all three retailers.©Zak Hussein

NOTE: Kate and William are headed back to Berlin, and we will have a separate post for their evening event. We will continue updating this post with images and information.

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Lara

Monday 24th of July 2017

Thank you for your entertaining, respectful (and sometimes even educational) blog. I like the new shorter hair ! It looks a lot less heavy and more youthful. I always thought fashion was something superficial but starting to understand that it can be anything from fun to diplomacy . yellow is the colour of the state of Baden Württemberg.

admin

Monday 24th of July 2017

Thank you for the information Lara, I added it to the post. :)

Larissa

Saturday 22nd of July 2017

I can't pinpoint exactly why but I am so in love with this dress. The sleeve length is just perfect, the colour makes Kate shine and look so tan, and I love the full skirt. I really hope we see this one make a few repeats! The sun earrings were a great touch. I wish she had just left the clutch behind though since she barely carried it anyway, and brought back the long-abandoned LK Bennett black Maddox wedge instead of the sand-coloured wedges. Otherwise that look was just great, it even looked flattering under the apron.

I am always amazed that Kate seems to trot out another new Breton stripe when the occasion calls for it, but I really like this one. The twisted collar is a nice addition. Sadly I'm sure it's a bit out of my price range and unlike the Duchess, who undoubtedly has an enormous walk-in closet, I can't justify buying another striped top!

Love the choice of events for today as well. The two seemed to really enjoy themselves, especially at the pretzel-making. And as a (half-)German myself, I get a kick out of seeing them with those huge steins. What a great day!

Yolie

Friday 21st of July 2017

I like the yellow dress but I have to agree that the shoes are really off - the style and the color. I can see the need for wedges on those streets, but there are plenty of dressier looking ones. These just look too casual for the dress.

TravelingBlush

Friday 21st of July 2017

I think she is a true neutral toned gal, all colors seem to work on her. Love the dress. Flats would look good, but I don't think she likes flats for engagements. It's nice to have additional height amongst crowds, one can see better.

I like the earrings - hope there is a replikate to it, wil surely pounce on one. Personally, I like her wearing costume jewellery; easier to replicate than those from the royal vault.

Thalia

Friday 21st of July 2017

According to the comments of some people: Kate has no fashion sense at all, she doesn't know how to accessorize her outfits, they don't like her fashion choices, they don't like her makeup, they don't like her hair, they don't like her posture, they think her fashion is, not only, not exciting, but it is boring, boring, boring. They think she dresses like an old woman. Why are these people visiting a forum dedicated to the fashion of the Duchess of Cambridge then? Do they like to suffer? No insult intended. I am just curious.

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