The Duchess on the Tennis Court and Kate’s Favorite Russell & Bromley Styles

Kate returned to solo engagements today with a visit to the Lawn Tennis Association.

The Duchess’ new private secretary, Catherine Quinn, accompanied her.

They were at the National Tennis Centre in southwest London. Kate took over as patron of the organization last December; it is one of the patronages the Queen formerly held. The Duchess met with coaches and officials to hear about ongoing programs and initiatives.

Many readers know how much Kate enjoys the sport. She attends Wimbledon frequently and has played tennis for years; there is a court at the Cambridge’s country home, Anmer Hall. Today she was in her element, taking part in a Tennis for Kids session.

That initiative is aimed at inspiring 10,000 children ages 5-8 to play tennis for the first time and become involved in the sport.

It sounds like Prince George has also been playing a little bit. More from Simon Perry’s People story:

Sam Richardson, a coach with the association, tells PEOPLE that Prince George may have the tennis bug.

“[Kate] says with George just being 4 he wants to whack a ball. So, she was asking what sort of stuff should be doing,” Richardson says. “She said he’s interested in it but more in whacking the ball.”

More on George from Hello! (still quoting coach Sam Richardson):

“She said she spoke to Judy Murray and she suggested taking away the racket and do more of the basic stuff, which is absolutely right. But four-year-old boys want to swing the racket around,” said Sam.

A quick video of Kate with some of the kids.

On Court 4 The Duchess gets involved in a @wearecoachcore training session, which is being delivered by Coach Core apprentices. pic.twitter.com/98s9mdwUgp

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 31, 2017

Kate saw a wheelchair tennis demonstration. Below, she chats with Alfie Hewitt, a Wimbledon and US Open medalist, and Paralympic champion.

Kate also watched Coach Core apprentices as they lead a training session. On the right, British champion Jo Konta.

Now to what Kate wore for today’s engagement.

She was in a new jacket, the ‘Clarice’ by PlayBrave Sports (£129, about $170). The jacket is made of a technical stretch material; it has a front zip, two outside zip pockets, and is constructed with multiple sections that enhance ease of movement. A Tip of the Tiara to Charlotte of HRH Duchess Kate for the ID.

The Duchess was in the Monreal track pants we first saw in February 2016, worn when she took part in a workshop in Edinburgh with tennis coach Judy Murray. The Tuxedo Track Pant is done in a poly/elastane blend. The style remains available in limited sizing ($345).

Kate wore a new pair of trainers, the Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit in white ($190); the style is also available at Finish Line and in Canada SportChek has the shoe in stock. Our thanks to Laura on Twitter for her shoe ID. 

We saw the return of Kiki McDonough’s Grace earrings, featuring a white topaz surrounded by diamonds (£662, roughly $875).

Kate wore a poppy today; it appears to be the basic paper style readily available for purchase. 

The Royal British Legion launched the annual Poppy campaign on the 27th. There are loads of poppies available in different styles and materials in the Legion’s Poppy Shop.

The Duchess wore her hair in a ponytail.

Kate receiving a pretty posy of flowers after the day’s activities.

It’s good to see the Duchess enjoying herself.

The day wrapped up with a group photo.

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Also today, a look at one of Kate’s favorite retailers and a new partner for us: we are excited to welcome Russell and Bromley to What Kate Wore.

The brand is very much a royal favorite. The Duchess has chosen Russell and Bromley styles for many of her most important appearances and engagements, from Princess Charlotte’s christening to tour wardrobes and sporting events.

The heritage label dates back to 1873 when George Bromley married Elizabeth Russell. The company is still owned by the Bromley family, operating 40+ stores, including its Bond Street flagship. (A must-visit when in London.) While the majority of the company’s products are made specifically for Russell and Bromley, the luxury retailer collaborates with a limited number of brands like Stuart Weitzman and Aquatalia.

Just two weeks ago we saw the Duchess in the retailer’s Fallon Dry ankle boot.

The style is a gaucho-Chelsea hybrid in weather-resistant suede, with two zips and a stacked heel. The Fallon Dry comes in Kate’s black suede, as well as grey, chestnut, and smog.

Many readers know how fond Kate is of her Russell and Bromley boots. From left to right you see the Duchess wearing the Ruby Dry Ankle Boot, the Hi and Dry Stretch Platform Boot and the HalfnHalf Stretch Knee-High Boot.

Made in Italy, the Ruby Dry is available in black suede, printed black suede, wine suede and black leather.  

Kate also wears the HalfnHalf Stretch Knee-High Boot from Russell and Bromley’s collaboration with Stuart Weitzman, seen below left. Readers will recognize the style she is wearing in the photo below right, the Hi and Dry Stretch Platform Boots.

The HalfnHalf is offered in 3 different finishes/colors. From left to right we show Kate’s black suede, a brown suede version, and the boot in black leather. The Hi and Dry is available in black; it is a style WKW readers have given positive reviews, with many saying it is very, very comfortable.

As we mentioned above, Kate turns to Russell and Bromley for key engagements, many of them during international tours. Here you see the Duchess on last fall’s Canada tour.

She accessorized her Alexander McQueen dress with the Pinpoint, a classic pump in red suede with a point toe. 

The Pinpoint is an outstanding basic for any wardrobe, available in a variety of colors.  

When on tour in India last April Kate paired a cotton maxi dress with the Russell and Bromley Xpresso.

Kate wore the shoe in a soft blush suede that we show below left. Made in Italy, the Xpresso is offered in several other colorways.

We see Kate accessorizing casual ensembles with Russell and Bromley designs. When out shopping with Prince George the Duchess was seen in the ‘Chester’ loafer, wearing the shoe in navy nubuck.

The Chester is a timeless loafer design with a low silhouette and fringed tassels. It is offered in a wonderful selection of colors and materials. Other go-to styles for Kate include the Sebago Bala and the Minx wedge by Stuart Weitzman. Below left you see her wearing the Bala last April in Kaziranga National Park and when visiting St. Martin’s Island in September 2016. On the right, the Duchess wears the Minx at a polo match.

Kate’s collection showcases just a few of Russell and Bromley’s designs. There is a lot to love in the upscale retailer’s autumn collection. From left to right you see the brand’s iconic Brewster loafer in black patent, the Charming Ballet Flat in bordeaux patent leather, the Dee Dry mid-heel Bootie, in weather-resistant suede, the Albert Bow Trim Slip-On in velvet, the Delicious Bow Trim Flat in navy suede, and the Atta Bow in black printed suede.  

The collection offers outstanding options for those looking at pumps, especially if it’s time to choose something to go with that pretty party frock in your closet. Below you see (from l to r) the Cipriani in gold crackle suede, the Kick Back Kitten Heel in black patent leather, the Plunge Stiletto in dark red patent, the Vivacious Bow Trim pump in rose-toned metallic leather, and the Cipriani Pump in quilted black velvet.    

We’re delighted to be working with Russell and Bromley.

LINKAGE:

• The Lawn Tennis Association website is here; the organization’s Facebook page is here, its Twitter feed is here and Instagram page here
• The Coach Core website is here and the group’s Twitter feed is here
• The Royal British Legion website is here; the Poppy Shop is here; the charity’s Facebook page is here, and its Twitter feed is here
• Richard Palmer’s Express story is here; The Daily Mail’s coverage of today’s engagement is here; The Sun’s story is here; Danielle Stacey’s story for The Mirror is here; Caroline Leaper’s fashion piece for The Telegraph is here
• Ainhoa Barcelona’s piece for Hello! is here; Simon Perry’s story for People is here; PopSugar’s primary gallery is here and the fashion gallery is here;