NOTE: Some of you may have seen me reference a second post to deal with the activities after the welcome and Palace arrival, but I decided to keep it all in one post, including the outside events with Kate in new boots and her alpaca hat.
Kate returned to Catherine Walker for day 3 of the royal tour.
There was heavy snow in Sweden and Norway today as the Duke and Duchess arrived at Oslo Gardermoen Airport.
Kate and William were greeted by Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
You get a sense of the snow in this photo from People’s Simon Perry.
Kate and Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
Today’s high tempo in Oslo was expected to be 36℉ and it looked windy; it had to be brisk out on the tarmac.
After the airport greeting, the Duke and Duchess headed to the Royal Palace.
When they arrived the Duke and Duchess were welcomed by King Harald.
This is where William and Kate are staying while in Norway.
The couple was also greeted by Queen Sonja and other members of the Norwegian Royal Family. Below you see Kate and William with King Harald and Queen Sonja.
The photos were taken in the Bird Room. It is one of the best-known rooms at the Palace; its decor was designed to resemble an open garden pavilion.
This picture includes Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
After lunch, it was time to tour the Princess Ingrid Alexandra Sculpture Park. Below, you see Princess Ingrid on the far right next to Queen Sonja; on the left, you see Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon.
The garden was officially opened last fall by the 14-year-old, second in line to the throne. More from the Evening Standard.
Following lunch, the couple were given a tour of the Princess Ingrid Alexandra Sculpture Park within the palace gardens, Slottsparken, which opened last year to mark the 25th anniversary of 80-year-old King Harald V’s reign and is named after the young princess.
Kate, William and Crown Princess Mette-Marit looking at a sculpture.
The Park focuses on children and is located on the Palace grounds. People reports there are four sculptures at this point, and they are “designed by and for children, through cartoon competitions in schools across the country.”
Here you see the young Princess with her grandmother, Queen Sonja, and the Duke and Duchess.
Then it was time for a walkabout.
There was quite a crowd waiting to see the royals.
Here you see a gift Kate was given under her arm.
More from Hello!:
During the walkabout, William and Kate received gifts from the crowd, including a traditional Scandinavian knitted hat in red, white and blue, which had been presented to the Duchess by a teacher in the crowd, who said: “I thought the Prince might need it.”
Kate and William also visited MESH.
It is the largest co-working space in the Nordics, home to many start-ups and entrepreneurs.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit with Kate and William as shown in this photo via the Royal Family’s Instagram account.
In this picture, Prince William is getting a virtual tour of Saint Andrews University.
Kensington Palace shared a video on Twitter.
Embed from Getty Images
Simon Perry reports the four royals were trying out a device called the reMARKable tablet in this picture.
Kate and Crown Prince Haakon seemed to be having some fun with the tablet.
We have a sidebar note about events before the arrival in Norway. The day was supposed to begin at Uppsala Airbase in Sweden, but an engagement there followed by a departure for Norway was canceled because of the weather. More from The Daily Mail:
In an announcement in the early hours of Thursday morning, Kensington Palace said: ‘Unfortunately the snowy weather in Stockholm today has meant that TRH’s travel plans have had to be changed. This morning’s engagement at Uppsala Airbase will not go ahead.’
In a speech last night, William said he had been ‘looking forward’ to the scheduled visit to Uppsala Airbase, an hour north of Stockholm, saying: ‘Your security concerns are ours, and it is hugely important that we continue to work ever more closely together to reduce threats.’
A planned meeting with Swedish Armed Forces Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist was moved from the Airbase to Stockholm.
Now we move to fashion.
Kate was in a new Catherine Walker coat.
The Duchess returned to a favorite brand for today’s dress, Séraphine Maternity. She was in the Marlene dress, a style from the company’s Luxe line.
The piece features a lace bodice and sleeves, ruffled collar and cuffs, solid blue skirt, black trim at the waist, collar and cuffs, and a concealed back zipper. The fabric content isn’t listed on the website, I imagine it is a mix of fibers.
The Duchess wore her Tod’s suede heels for the arrival and MESH visit.
And a new pair of brown boots for the park tour. With thanks to Maddelena and Emma4Royal, it looks like Kate wore the Stuart Weitzman Fifty Fifty.UPDATE FEB 6: Russell and Bromley confirmed to Middleton Maven that Kate wore the Stuart Weitzman Half ‘n Half in brown, the style currently shown on the brand’s site.
The boot is available at Russell and Bromley (£455, about $635 at today’s exchange rates), described as offering “…a knee-high alternative to the iconic 50-50. In luxurious brown suede with a low block heel, these boots are detailed with trademark stretch panel at the back for a clean fit and elongated silhouette”.
For the sculpture park viewing and walkabout, Kate wore her Lacorine ‘Sumac’ hat in chocolate brown. We first saw it when Kate attended church services at Sandringham in January. 
The Duchess carried her black Bayswater clutch by Mulberry at the airport and then switched to her brown Muse bag for the afternoon activities. (*Thank you* to everyone who commented about this, I forgot to include it when updating.) When arriving Kate had on a pair of her Cornelia James gloves, it looked like either the Imogen or Beatrice style. UPDATE: Kate is wearing her Clementine gloves, also by Cornelia James; the pair was first seen at Sandringham in January.
UPDATE #2 (Feb. 2): After getting all of your input and looking at more photos, I was clearly wrong saying Kate only wore the one pair of gloves. She obviously wore the black gloves at the airport with her black shoes & clutch and then switched to her brown pair with her brown boots and bag for the after-lunch walkabout and sculpture park tour.
Below left, the Beatrice glove and on the right, the Clementine.
Kate wore her sapphire and diamond earrings and her hair was up for the arrival, styled much as it was for last night’s reception.
For the afternoon events, Kate wore her hair down.
Happy to see Kate roll out the brown accessories (even if it means the return of that dreaded hat)! They complement the blue coat so well. It was nice to see a bit of a messy bun with that structured collar. I think it’s very easy to mess up a long coat-boot combination but Kate nails it here. I was eyeing the 50/50 boot during post-Christmas sales, sadly it never got within my price range and I imagine it’ll be gone in no time now!
Not a big fan of the dress, though I can’t pinpoint why. At some angles I think it looks juvenile and others I think it’s dowdy, reminiscent of the blue Temperley with black bow worn last fall that I also wasn’t a fan of. But I am happy Seraphine made an appearance on this tour.
Favorite look of the tour. (So far) This is maternity wear at its best. I want this dress and im not even expecting. Very pretty today!
I live in Oslo (but am from Texas) and was able to see the Duke and Duchess in the Sculpture Park yesterday. It was very exciting! She looked as beautiful as the pictures show. I think brown and blue are so pretty together, and the colors really popped in the snowy park. I was standing in a spot that was inaccessible for the couple to come shake hands because it was off of the walking path and quite icy. However, Catherine Quinn (Kate’s private secretary) battled the ice to come over and gather flowers that visitors were holding out. She was so gracious and chatted a bit. Someone apologized for our weather, and she said that they loved it! It must seem like a winter wonderland (coming from Texas, I still get quite excited by lots of snow too). It was a chilly 31 degrees and today is going to only be 21(!), but it’s a clear day and their visit to the Holmenkollen ski jump should offer gorgeous views of Oslo.
Also, the state news channel broadcast the beginning of their dinner last night. When Kate walks in with the King, it was Wow! I’ve linked to the video below (not sure it it will work outside of Norway, but give it a try), Kate walks in at 43:10. The King’s speech (in English) begins around 53:40 and William’s speech is right after.
https://tv.nrk.no/serie/nyheter/NNFA41003318/01-02-2018
Thanks for sharing
What a treat!!! Thank you so much for sharing……the rooms, the tables, Kate so beautiful and poised and William enchanting and royal and warm. Wow-
Thank you very much for this link. It was great to see Kate and her dress in motion, but listening to the speeches at the end gave a real insight into what these diplomatic visits are all about.
I love the Duchess in blue! What a beautiful coat and dress! I agree that booties would have looked really great with the Seraphine dress, but I have a feeling they wouldn’t be as comfortable at this stage in her pregnancy. I think I would have preferred her outfit during the walkabout without the fur accessories, but that’s a minor opinion on my part. I hope one day we learn what her hair and skin regiment secrets are! I know it sounds corny, but she is glowing like a winter, Disney princess! I know, really corny….
Blue is the DoC’s signature color (said in Julia Roberts deep southern Steel Magnolias accent).
Her stylist is going to heaven.
Another gorgeous lacy frilly dress, reminded me of last night’s velvet in some ways. Liked the brown with the blue coat, softer. Two things I’d like her to ditch, oversize hats & beige tights, had enough of them in my youth, everyone wore the same shade – American Tan (no disrespect to Americans of course). She looks good in the Barely Black shade & they go with everything. Navy & Pewter would be good too. Looking at everybody, this is how I would like the British Monarchy to look, like ordinary people in ordinary clothes, albeit more expensive than for most, not the stiff formal look of loud shades of ultra-formal costumes with flower-pot hats that the Queen & British Aristocracy choose. The Queen has conducted herself impeccably all her life with an incredible sense of duty, but she looked so out of place in the O2 arena when she linked hands, just, to sing Auld Lang Syne one New Year’s evening, dressed in a hat & gloves too. I’m glad it’s changing, it’s all to do with mixing.
Kate looks great on the walk about with the blue coat and brown (furry) accessories. The dress is okay. A velvet bootie would have elevated it loads.
I really enjoyed the post today. The pictures were delightful. I don’t know if it is the lighting being different so far north, or what, but the Duchess just looked so radiant in the outdoor shots you posted.
I love everything about how she pulled her look together today. I especially loved the brown/blue combination. I really think it was striking, and a nice change from black.
I adore Kate in that alpaca cossack hat! As some of you younger commentators might say, “she really rocks it!”
She looked wonderful today!
I have lots to say about this outfit, but nothing new…So I would just like to highlight how handsome and stylish William has looked on this tour! I love the scarf tucked in the coat look!
I agree. I think he might be the breakout fashion star for this tour. With the smoking slippers and the scarves and all.
I completely agree with you about how great Prince William has been looking on this tour!! He looks very handsome and I’d love to see his style change a bit after this tour, now that we know he can definitely rock more than those blue suits, haha!
Yes! This caught my eye too. William has looked impeccable all through the tour (with the unfortunate exception of last night’s unbuttoned jacket and tie under his ear, but no one’s perfect!)
Another good choice and I like that the accessories have been changed according to the job in hand. Good choice of maternity dress which no doubt will get lots of wear over the next few weeks but managed to hold its own in very dignified circumstances today.
I do disagree that the coat needed something else. I prefer the simplicity of the colour here with the touches of fur and do think a brooch on a thick Winter coat would be an anomaly. This is definitely an outdoor coat designed to keep Kate warm.
This has been the best overall look during the tour so far. I loved the McQueen dress worn yesterday, but the look was ruined by pairing a cherry red coat with burgundy accessories. I had nothing pleasant to say about either Erdem dress, so I chose to keep my opinions to myself and not comment on those posts!
The Seraphine dress is pretty. I don’t love the sleeve details, but that is very minor. The coat is beautiful. I do wish she would stop wearing the silly hat. It looks odd when standing next to William who has no head covering at all. I thought her pumps were an odd choice, as suede seems like a bad material for snowy conditions.
It seems to me that Kate has taken some style inspiration from Meghan by wearing longer coats with tall, slouchy boots. Also, Kate seems to be sporting her version of the “messy bun.” I must admit, I like Kate’s messy bun worn today much better than Meghan’s from a few weeks ago. This is much more appealing than the dreadful hairnets she has worn in the past and makes her appearance more youthful. I was wondering if we would see the women influence one another, and it seems like the answer is yes!
Princess Ingrid is lovely, isn’t she?
gorgeous dress which sits beautifully and the lace and cut really sets it apart. No jewellery needed, what do the style gurus say?, look in the mirror and take one thing off, usually a piece of fussy jewellery and let the garment showcase itself. Think heavy black tights would have ruined this look, as I mentioned the dress is the statement piece.
Gorgeous coat, stunning colour and cut and no doubt warm.
Many pregnant women wear heels so not sure why the comments. if you are use to wearing them pre pregnancy then go for it. Just because you are pregnant does not mean you have to sacrifice your personal style and tastes.
Overall a lovely look.
There have been a lot of comments about the desire to see a brooch on this dress. Kate is only 36. How many women this age really wear them? I think she looks beautiful in this outfit.
@Karen
I was the one who initially commented I thought a brooch on her COAT would have added a nice touch. I agree, a brooch on her dress would have looked out of place or unnecessary.
While I understand what you are saying about “dressing like others her age,” I really don’t think you can compare her to other 30-somethings. She may have been “a commoner” before marriage, but she’s a royal now.
Age has much less significance given her current role or “station.” How many other 36-year-olds wear bespoke designer gowns and diamond tiaras to dinner when special friends or guests are in town? None, unless they are married royals, which she is.
Wearing a brooch (usually something borrowed from the Queen’s collection) is something she’s done in the past and is a common way of utilizing subtle “fashion diplomacy” especially on foreign tours. (Think about the diamond Maple Leaf brooch she wore to great effect when she and William toured Canada .)
Don’t get me wrong. I liked today’s look very much — my favorite so far of this tour. However, since the coat was so simple and clean, to me, it was the perfect “canvas” against which a nice brooch (or as others have suggested, a lovely scarf) could have made a real statement.
If she had done so, I don’t think anyone would have thought it was “age-inappropriate.” I think they would have commented how clever she is to find small/subtle ways to honor her hosts and/or the occasion through her style and fashion sense. But, that’s just my opinion… 🙂
I’d forgotten about the Maple leaf. I guess I think of that more in the pin category. (I’m remembering my older Aunts wearing brooches) I guess I just think she looks great dressed down and dressed up. Your point about others her age not being royal is a good one. I don’t comment too often but I always enjoy your posts. 😊
Thanks @Karen. Always a pleasure to read this blog and get to know others who enjoy following the Duchess of Cambridge, too. 🙂
The one problem I could see happening with wearing one of the Queen’s brooches (assuming we mean good and gemstones) is that the cost is worn in two outings today, and the boots seem too casual/informal to pair with a brooch. The courts wouldn’t be a problem, of course. She changed gloves, shoes and hairstyle/hat, but a jewelry change might have been too much. Just a thought.
@JR
That’s what dressers are for… 😉
In some of the photos it looks like she is carrying her Stuart Weitzman Muse clutch.
In some of the photos it looks like she is carrying her Stuart Weitzman Muse clutch as it s slightly longer.
Love this combination. Coat is a beautiful shade of blue and switches nicely from black accessories into brown accessories. I am not sure many of us could get away with that fur hat but she pulls it off with aplomb!
I did notice for the first time the heavy treading on the Tod’s shoes. I wonder has she picked them (as they have appeared a couple of times on this tour) because they have a bit more grip on the ice/snow?
Seraphine dress lovely on her, actually I think she looks better in it than their model!
Love both looks but especially the coat with the brown accessories, I think the brown gives the whole look a softer look than the black accessories do. I guess that may be part of the reason for the nude hose instead of black, that would have been one element too hard to swap out with the change to brown accessories. I love the fur hats on the Duchess, they look great on her and fit the locations. I wish I could wear a hat like that but I never look good in hats.
Did anyone notice that in the formal photograph which was inside the Crown Princess pulled a Kate so to speak by leaving on her coat for the photo. I guess Kate’s not alone in leaving on a dressier coat dress at times. After seeing MM during the later part of the day I had to check but it does seem that she completely changed at one point.
Hi,
Looking at the pictures it looks like Kate is carrying the black clutch for arrival but has changed to the brown ‘muse’ russell and bromley clutch for the wal about
I agree, Jenny, her accessories switch from black to brown, including clutch purses, which is why I’m puzzled that Cornelia James is saying the fur-cuffed gloves were worn on arrival and walkabout. I just don’t see the large, brown fur cuffs on arrival, but there definitely seems to be a bow on those black gloves. There must have been some photo confusion.
I am really loving how transitional all of her looks have been. Especially today, same coat, two totally different looks.
Definitely have to get me a fur hat now.
@Jordan Parks
You and me both about “needing” to have one of those lovely alpaca fur hats. Just love them but the $250 price tag is a bit grand — especially since I would LOVE to have one in every color! 😉
I know it has been reported here and by various media sources that these hats which have been worn by the Duchess as well as her sister Pippa on various occasions were purchased from either Lock & Co, Lacorine, or William Evans, but I’m not so sure.
According to a story published and distributed by the Associated Press last December after sighting Kate wearing yet another of the alpaca hats at Sandringham during Christmas, the maker was identified in the story as being an American company called “Peruvian Connection.”
http://www.cjonline.com/news/2017-12-27/hat-worn-kate-middleton-duchess-cambridge-made-kansas-based-company
Based in Kansas City, MO the company has locations across the US as well as one in Chelsea (London, UK) so it doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibility they were indeed the supplier.
The hat is currently available on the company’s website in five different colorways. Best of all, the price is 60% less than the $250 price tag asked for by Lacorine. IOW, you can snag one of these beauties from Peruvian Connection for 99 bucks sans any customs fees or VAT since the company is located stateside!
I suppose it’s possible several companies are sourcing these hats from Peru under their own labels so perhaps the AP news story isn’t accurate and Peruvian Connection was not the supplier.
However, take a look at the link below and I think you’ll agree they are dead-ringers for these gorgeous winter hats the Middleton sisters have favored, so at the very least, the Peruvian Connection versions are worthy candidates for “RepliKate” status!
See: http://www.peruvianconnection.com/product/890001-vallnord+alpaca+fur+hat.do?sortby=ourPicks
Things I ponder: Are they shown to a room in the palace to change footwear (arrival: court shoes; for the walkabout: boots; afternoon engagement: court shoes)?
How does the Duchess manage hours of standing in high heels at this stage in her pregnancy? Her feet don’t appear too swollen (maybe the frigid temps help.)
Is their entourage served lunch in a different venue?
How is Mette-Marit pronounced?
NB: I love the Queen’s practical rubber boots for the walkabout!
Great questions! I’d love to know the answers to those as well.
@Julie
Mette-Marit is Norwegian is pronounced roughly like: MEH-deh MAA-wree
FYI, here’s a link to a native speaker saying her name: https://forvo.com/word/mette-marit/
Both names (not surprisingly) are Scandinavian in origin. “Mette” is a diminutive of “Margaret” (or “Mathilda”). “Marit” is often commonly used as a Norwegian form of “Marie.”
So in English, her name roughly translates to Margaret-Marie though I’m sure even though all the Scandinavian royals speak fluent English she is referred to/goes by her traditional Norwegian name. Hope this helps. 🙂
First line of above should have read:
Mette-Marit *in* Norwegian is pronounced roughly like: MEH-deh MAA-wree
(not *is* Norwegian) Sorry ’bout that. Sure wish we had the ability to edit posts for say a minute or two after they’re posted like is possible on many other discussion boards so we could correct embarrassing, niggling, irritating and sometimes confusing typos. Not a complaint, but just a suggestion, Susan… 😉
Thanks! One question answered. In my head I was giving it a French flair 😌
I love all these random ponderings! I have the same questions!
Also how is Kate’s hair so magical that it can change styles within a day like this (without washing) and still look like perfection each time!?
Mette – Marit is pronounced “met-eh” “mar (with emphasis on the a like in car) – it 🙂
Oh, thank you! I have wondered that myself. 🙂
I, too, would love to know how to pronounce Mette-Marit! I have been saying “meta mareet” in my head, and I’m sure I’m wrong 🙂
Hahha great to see I’m not alone, I’m always lost in the details. Even the changes of footwear need organisation 😰
I have always wondered the same thing. There is a total behind the scenes operation that we cannot even begin to imagine. There are months of planning that go into a tour like this: from what entrances they will enter, where they will be able change shoes or add fur to coats, in what order they will stand in the formal photos with the King and Queen, and every guest that will be sitting at their table during the more formal dinners. One if the things I am most interested to know is how Kate and her stylist change her hair so often, where all their staff eat, and where do their staff stay (at the Palace)? We can only wish one of their staff will right a book some day that gives some insight in a Royal overseas tour. Sadly, through it is not very likely.
@Elizabeth R
Here’s a couple of articles that might help answer some of your questions:
http://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a10309303/royal-tour-planning-process/
https://www.cntraveler.com/story/how-the-royal-family-travels-six-surprising-facts
Mrs. Cambridge–thank you for these wonderful links! The articles answer so many questions and are truly fascinating.
You’re welcome, Maureen C. Glad they were of interest. 🙂
Finally, something more “normal” for Kate! Loving the blue and the lace! (Those cuffs are perfection!) Loving the blue on Kate too – perfectly diplomatic.
Looking forward to the post on the McQueen tonight!
This is a great look for Kate! Yes, she has lots of mid-blue stuff already, but if a color makes you look fabulous, why not wear it often? The coat is beautifully tailored, clean and simple with a nice bit of interest at the collar.
I like that fur hat too. If I saw it in a store, I would have passed right by, making a joke about it, but she just looks so adorable in it. It’s great on her.
I like the dress as well. It looks comfortable but still beautiful. Personally, I love wearing those kind of flared skirts – the way they move and float about while you walk is very satisfying, and makes me feel very elegant. I imagine if you’re pregnant and waddling a bit, it must be nice to have a skirt that moves elegantly around you.
As for the Tod heels, I really wish I could buy that sort of thing. I’ve often wondered why shoe makers put those awful slick soles on shoes instead of treads/rubber that allows you to walk safely. I guess you have to spend an unholy amount to get shoes that are thoughtfully made.
Now that the post is updated I can comment that I really love Queen Sonja’s orange coat and lovely teal and orange scarf combination!
Yes, she was accessorized beautifully. It hardly seems possible that she’s 80! I wish I look that good when I am (knock on wood) that age!
@SG and hrhdhd
Queen Sonja often accessorizes with beautiful scarves and is not afraid of wearing outfits with a pop (or a lot!) of color which suits her fun-loving and enthusiastic personality to a tee.
Here’s a link to a recent slideshow created in connection with her 80th birthday that chronicles life and fashion over the years: https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/824238/Queen-Sonja-Norway-pictures-photographs-birthday-King-Harald-Norwegian-royal
And yes, I agree. We all should be so lucky as to look like that in our eighties! Amazing! Many have commented over the years they would have guessed she was 20 years younger based on her looks and joie de vivre. 😉
https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/824238/Queen-Sonja-Norway-pictures-photographs-birthday-King-Harald-Norwegian-royal
Finally it looks like winter there–looks like it does here in Edmonton!! Although we are way colder, we are up -18 now (0′ F). This might be my favorite coat yet!! Kate sure does coats well!! The dress–it’s okay, it is a maternity piece and that has to be more comfortable to wear. I’d leave off the ruffles on the sleeves though, and because of the black trim, some black tights or hose would have looked really nice. I don’t mind that there is no brooch or accessory for the coat, but the dress needs something. I hate to keep repeating this, but some kind of jewelery would add that extra touch to her dresses. As she chose the brown fur hat for the 2nd out outdoors, it was nice to see brown boots etc. with the blue coat–a nice change from always black and blue!!
A couple of other observations. It’s really nice to see CP Mette-Marit smiling and enjoying herself. In photos of her at events over the years, she looks quite serious and perhaps not so comfortable. With William and Kate she looks quite lovely and happy.
I loved the photo of King Harald greeting Kate. I wonder if Kate feels like pinching herself sometimes, when she thinks,”Wow, here I am meeting the Kings and Queens of these countries, who have been on their thrones for decades! And, me a middle class girl from Reading, Berkshire!”
I would love to have that Bird Room–especially in the winter–a scaled down version of course!! The ceiling with the blue skies and fluffy clouds–ah, to dream of summer!!
About Kate’s hair today–first thing I thought was, “Is that a deliberate ‘messy bun’?? A Meghan Markle effect, as the tabloids would say??? I know several people have commented that the wind had ruffled the hairdo, but I wondered.
And finally, thank you so much Susan for all the work you do putting together these posts and keeping up with all the outfit changes and the the tour activities. Do you get any sleep these day??!!
Here’s what I’m thinking about the hair–I think with her shorter cut, the pieces are more difficult to pin back without an excessive use of hairpins. I recently cut my hair shorter, and whenever I put my hair in a bun, there are pieces splaying out. She has had her hair shorter for a while though, so I could totally be wrong. She could also use a hairnet to tidy it up, and we know she has in the past.
And yes, a huge thank you to Susan for her hard work! I’ll be sad when the tour ends. Checking for updates has been so much fun. Cheers!
Classy dress by Seraphine. Goes to show price is not everything if the basic print of fabric and design is hopeless (aka Erdem). The Duchess looks great is all these photos. Can’t help comment on Crown Princess Mette-Marit – she looks lovely with the touch of red belt and red scarf. Something the other MM would do.
The coat is beautifully tailored, and I do like blue on the Duchess. I agree with someone above who mentioned a small embellishment like a brooch would look nice. There seem to be quite a mix of opinions on the dress. I really like it. It’s pretty and feminine without being overly fussy, and it looks like it’d be comfortable for sitting or moving around (high criteria of mine at the halfway mark of my own pregnancy…I can’t imagine having to keep up this schedule at this stage of her pregnancy!) I like this hairstyle…similar to last night in its easy elegance. I’m not loving the fur hat this time for some reason. I’ve always been so-so on those, and I’m falling on the dislike side today. Can’t put my finger on exactly why. I do understand the choice though, as it has to be nice and warm.
Wow, talk about being a quick change artist! Between the arrival at the airport, to the walk about, so much happened. Kate’s hair went from up to down. A hat (a style I like, although many don’t) was plopped on the head. Black accessories were changed to brown. Different gloves added a trim of fur to the cuffs and shoes were replaced by boots.
The one constant was the beautiful CW coat and oh yes, the sapphire and diamond earrings. I think this was all quite ingenious. Kudos for the cleverness!
BTW the Bird Room is quite exquisite…certainly not in anyone’s home…but it is spectacular in the Palace. I read up about it (thanks for the link Susan) and found out, that there are forty birds and six butterflies representing the species found in Norway.
No idea why I’m commenting so much on this post, it’s hardly a controversial look, haha!
However, I have to ask: why were the bow-detail gloves ruled out as the ones she wore off the plane? It seems very clear they had bows, and were swapped out with the fur-trimmed gloves for the walkabout.
It very much looked like there was faux fur or something else at the cuff on both gloves after looking at more photos. I also chatted quite a bit (via email) with Cornelia James and they felt it was the Clementine in both cases. 🙂
I thought for sure they were the Beatrice gloves. To me it only looked like there were bows on the top of glove and they were black. They don’t look as fluffy all the way around like the Clementine. I also thought that the heel on her boots were more in line with these halfnhalf boots http://www.russellandbromley.co.uk/long-boots/halfnhalf/invt/372789, but I haven’t spent as much time analyzing the pictures as I’m sure Susan has.
When departing from the plane in Oslo, Kate was definitely wearing a pair of gloves with a distinct bow detail on them. They look to be either black or navy blue in color, which would have matched her Tod’s pumps. Then when visiting the sculpture park and enjoying the walkabout, she is seen wearing a pair of brown colored gloves with faux fur attached to the glove, not the coat. It would make more sense that these are 2 different gloves ,one to match her outfit with the black pumps, and another to match her brown fur hat and new boots.
I’m with you JR – to me it looked like the gloves were swapped too. The first pair really looked like her black Imogen gloves. (I have the same pair).
Oops. Not the Imogen – not sure of many other variant names. But definitely bows look present…🤷🏻♀️
It looked like Kate had her Beatrice gloves on upon arrival. There was definitely a bow detail of some sorts. And it would make sense with her other black accessories that she had on at the time as well. Either way, I am quite jealous of her Cornelia James collection! I’ve always wanted a pair!
The coat has a very nice design so did the green one and they fit! I would have preferred a different color like an aubergine or a charcoal tone – for both these coats. They would have been really elegant.
The dress is dreadful. It looks like the material is cheap and it is poorly executed – the bodice does not fit well at all.
They both should have worn boots. Pumps in the snow? really?!
they weren’t in the snow—there was a red carpet rolled to the bottom of the stairs coming from the plane and there was a car on the other end of that red carpet. It wasn’t a very long walk, as you can see the plane’s wing in the photos of them getting into the car.
Love the coat and dress and accessories. This visit also seems more cheerful by the way the Norwegians are responding in pictures.
I do wonder what she’s wearing during the tour with Princes Ingrid. She’s let her hair down and is wearing boots and brown accessories. Maybe she’s wearing pants and a sweater?
I loved everything Kate wore today. I just saw a photo of Kate in the McQueen dress at tonight’s dinner and she looks great.
I agree that everyone looks really relaxed and cheerful in all of today’s pictures.
This reads as a Star Trek uniform to me. A brooch and a lovely scarf would have broken up the plane of military blue a bit and saved it, but alas. The dress looks cheaply made, though I like the design concept and am happy to see Kate in a dress made specifically to flatter her figure at this stage in pregnancy. I love her hair! Practical and chic.
I also find most of the Seraphine pieces have a cheap look; I’d use the word “chintzy.”
I like this Catherine Walker coat the best of the ones she’s worn on the tour so far. Probably because I love the long length, the color, the high collar, and the absence of buttons. I do not like the Seraphine dress. To me it is too twee; it reminds me of a long-sleeved version of the bridesmaid dresses in my wedding. Which, for a wedding, they were gorgeous and I love how everyone looked. For a royal tour though, it’s not working for me.
I feel like on this tour it’s as though Kate discovered ruffles and bell-sleeves and decided to wear all the trends all the time.
i agree with you about the dress. it also looks a bit like a dress you would wear to dinner in the evening. as for the coat, yes it is tailored well, but to me in the photos where she is wearing it with pumps she looks matronly. a bit like her grandmother-in-law, queen elizabeth. she is too young to look that matronly.
Brr.. it sure does look cold. I do like the lines and color of this coat. I totally agree with the person that said a brooch would add something to this ensemble. And boots outside would be sensible.
But maybe not chic. I guess they didn’t have far to walk. Glad she changed later. The dress works. Profession and comfortable. Understated. Those trumpet sLeeves are very on trend.
That is a beautifully tailored coat! The fabric looks rich, the seams are in the right place, and the neck looks cozy and interesting. I like it better with the boots than the pumps in the pictures with snow.
Not very fond of yet another dress with a fussy high neck and lace at the cuffs, but that is likely what she likes.
Will you have a What Meghan Wears blog? I hope so.
Yes, I am working on one with a friend, we’re just getting things going. Thank you for asking! Here is the URL: https://whatmeghanwore.net/ 🙂
What!!?? This is the best news I’ve read all day!!! I have been looking for a good Meghan fashion blog.
So very glad you are working on a What Meghan Wore blog. I checked it out already and subscribed. It looks great.
Just wish Catherine would cut her bangs again 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Updo’s are so aging 😏
Back to what the duchess knows works for her–I love the whole look. The coat is gorgeous and perfect for maternity and the cold temps (hello snow and wind), and the color is fabulous. Seraphine makes the best maternity clothes; they’re comfortable and stylish. This new number is really lovely and looks like it was made for her. High marks all around!
Looks good, I agree a brooch would have been great but no worries still works for me.
Good tones of blue, the coat especially shows up well in photos against snowy backgrounds.
I’m finding all the high necklines refreshing (to look at), as suits the climate. Maybe the hosiery has a unique thermal content. Even on the west coast I’d go for that.
That dress is GORGEOUS!!! I love love love it. Beautiful. Stunning. Absolutely perfect.
That photo of the King greeting Kate is cute — notice William looking like “now now, get your hands off my lady!” :-p
The coat is nice as well. The Crown Princess’s coat with the maroon belt and scarf is wonderful as well. I really like that combo a lot.
But that dress. That dress! Beautiful!
The D of C certinally outshines the other royals present. The Queen also has nude hose on so I don’t understand the negative comments about it. I have loved all the coats she had worn on this tour and most of the dresses. She looks very regal in the pictures today.
I don’t understand why no one stood by while she descended the steps. The metal can freeze quickly especially when it’s getting wet from the snow. I think her shoes have rubber soles but a pregnant woman can loose her balance. Even the D of C who can still bend down and great children is no competition for ice. It was a dangerous situation in my mind.
Favorite outfit thus far….
I like today’s coat, especially the little notch at the neck where the round collar parts company with the vertical placket. The Seraphine dress is pretty in concept, but I can’t help feeling that it looks a little cheap in execution. I would have liked to have seen the Duchess in boots on that snowy runway, but maybe they knew it would be 30 seconds outside before jumping into the heated car to be whisked to the Palace.
MM looks very nice, although again, boots would have seemed more practical.
That’s a sweet little wrapper tab at the throat, a sort of couture windbreaker like the ones on the best wet-weather gear 🙂
She looks great, the evening gowns we’re not the best choice, but something different and unusual. It was a mistake to wear same design two nights on the row though.
Love the color, cut and style of the coat, but wish the Duchess had accessorized it by borrowing a suitable brooch from the Queen as it looks a little plain and is begging for a little embellishment — at least to me.
The Jardine Star would have been a good choice and while it has no Norwegian connection it would have been a nod of sorts to the snowy Nordic climate.
See the last photo in this sequence where the Queen is wearing the brooch on a coat in a similar hue: http://www.thecourtjeweller.com/2015/04/sundays-with-queen-jardine-star-brooch.html
Plus it would have been very reminiscent of the stunning Faberge diamond and rock crystal snowflake brooches and pendants that were commissioned by wealthy Norwegian industrialist Dr. Emanuel Nobel in the early 1900s. (Yes, *that* Nobel family — the awards for which are presented in Oslo each year).
The story behind these pieces in themselves are interesting as Nobel had the snowflake-motif jewelry created so that he could present them to ladies attending one of his many elaborate dinners as a memento of the evening. (Nice party favor, eh?) 😉
The same snowflake/winter ice motif was also incorporated into one of Faberge’s most stunning creations – the Winter Egg presented by Russian Tsar Nicholas II to his mother, Empress Maria Feodorovna in 1913.
For more info see: https://www.luismiguelhoward.com/blog/2017/1/18/faberges-snowflakes
Great links Mrs C, thanks for the background 🙂
Agreed–a beautiful brooch would have really taken the look up a notch and completed the ensemble. Good call!
Agree with your comment that the coat needed something. Thanks for the interesting history of the brooch. A lovely scarf, such as Queen Sonja is wearing on the walkabout, would also elevate the look.
wow–thanks for such an informative post! I have a small Faberge pendant that I treasure.
I don’t think The Queen loans out pieces that she currently wears. She certainly could loan one out of the vault, but the Jardine Star is in the rotation, as it were.
@hrhdhd
Hmmm…
See the link below that features photos of both the Queen and the Duchess wearing the same pieces of jewelry. Gallery 9 features the same wedding bracelet the Duchess wore in Oslo with the pink McQueen gown and a comment that the Queen still wears it regularly…
https://ca.hellomagazine.com/royalty/02017080237735/kate-middleton-queen-elizabeth-jewelry/1/
Well, both the Swedish and Norwegian flags have blue in them, so I understand why she’s wearing so much of it. I quite like this Seraphine dress.
Sigh…another blue coat. It is fine, I guess. I am not big on the brown fur accessories she added later though. I quite liked the black fur ones that she wore in Sweden, but the brown ones are not doing it for me with the coat. And I am not a big fan of that Seraphine dress. If the entire dress were of the same material as the skirt, I would love it…but I really hate the fussy lace top. I know a lot of people didn’t like her hair on the last go around but I still like it…she’s never going to wear a messy bun like Meghan, and this is less structured than most of her updos.
I can’t believe Queen Sonja is 80…she looks tremendous.
In her defense, on this trip Kate has worn coats in cerise, green, red/white, and black twice before hitting on blue this morning…she’s covered a pretty wide range of colors with her coats, to my mind.
I more meant in general…Kate must own like 20 of them, lol.
Back to form! Kate looks so lovely in classic clothing.
Kate looks as beautiful as ever in this coat, which I must say I like so much more on her than the last two evenings outfits. Even compared to the royalty she is meeting, she looks so well put together. It’s impossible to like everything, but 95 per cent of the time is a good score!
I love the coat and dress and also her hair worn up. She manages to look stylish in the very cold weather!
Hooray for Catherine Walker and classic tailoring. Kate may be getting to the stage where the only thing she can wear is a tent, but with Walker’s help it can be an elegant tent. I like the pretty funnel neck which both looks warm and makes a nice tailoring detail to lead the eye away from the bump.
The strong blue colour suits Kate as well as ever, and is especially good with the lovely sapphire earrings. The coat is a good length on Kate and those handy Tod block heels have enough definition to support the expanse of fabric above. I’m happy as always to see those glove bows disappear up the coat sleeves though they are minimal interruption when they peek out against a solid tone coat.
The Seraphine cocktail dress is an inspired pick for lunch at the palace, its slight fussiness blends well with an antique backdrop. The contrast lace bodice once again leads the eye away from the bump and the body of the dress drapes beautifully. The black detailing works very well too.
I like the updo though there seem to be one or two stray hairs which I think we saw yesterday. I’m among those who support the use of a hairnet, I think it may be the only way to tame hair as thick as Kate’s. Maybe the tour one got left behind while repacking.
I absolutely love the notion of an ‘elegant tent,’ that is one brilliant term. BTW, you’re going to need to do a warning at the top of some of your comments: “Caution, reading ElizaMo’s witticisms may trigger the dreaded laugh-cackle, not advisable when drinking a Diet Coke. (Or other beverages.)” 🙂
😂😂 agreed!
Oh dear, my apologies to all Coke quarters, Diet or otherwise :-/
Oh great, autospell strikes again ‘quaffers’ was what I was aiming for 😳
ElizaMo certainly brightens the day for many of us. ROCK ON, EM!
re: her hair, since she took it down later in the day (and I cant determine how much time passed, but I’m assuming not enough time for her to shower and have her hair completely blown out), I wonder if she had it blown out this morning, then it was quickly pinned up, relatively loosely, for travel, arrival and lunch to accommodate the weather (so she didn’t have hat hair for the lunch, etc) and then taken down again.
Just curious, ElizaMo…
Why do you always emphasize how a design draws the eye away from her pregnancy, or “bump” as you call it? Is there a reason not to look at the baby?
Of course not, but the general aim in much maternity wear is to deflect from an expanding waistline. I’d be the first to agree that speaks of socially questionable attitudes. But I don’t think royals have yet quite embraced the prominent maternity tum happily displayed by some celebrities. I don’t doubt that change might be on the way though. Thank you for raising the issue.
I’m all for looking at babies, bring ’em on! – but while they’re “riding inside”, we’re actually looking at the expectant mother’s protruding abdomen, and a lot of women prefer not to draw excessive attention to their midsection during pregnancy, and enjoy finding clothes that are flattering to their ever-changing figures rather than the “tents” that ElizaMo so aptly referenced. Seems reasonable to me.
Riding inside? Very delicately put, and chortle producing 😉
Love the beautiful shade of blue on this coat, also the dress.
Messy bun! not sure it was on purpose, but this is most likely why she wears hairnets occasionally.
Lovely coat, love the color, love the style. Kate looks beautiful, although my legs and toes are freezing here in my overheated room watching her walk through the snow in shoes and nude hose.
As for the dress, a miss IMO. Ill fitting, too fussy, and why the black shoes with a blue dress?
The dress has a black belt and trim, I think it works here.
Ah. I took another closer look and you’re right. On my screen it looked like navy blue. Okay, Kate gets a pass. I like those shoes anyhow. 🙂
I”ve had to put on a thicker jumper to look at these posts:-D
PS The blue dress has black trim on it. I was hoping it might prevent some of the no-to-blue-and-black comments, but, alas, it still falls short in your case 🙂
I just feel bad for Prince William! It seems like the poor man never has a hat or gloves to wear, and he doesn’t have much hair to help keep his hair warm.
Yeah, I really don’t get why the men don’t wear hats.
I agree with you ! It would also be nice to see some elegant pant outfits – I know it is not her standard but it would prove interesting and more weather appropriate. She used to wear those black tights ( I remember the zara lace dress she wore with a black blazer and black tights which was quite nice)
Yes I thought black tights would have been warmer and even worked with the dress she was wearing. With the snow thought we might see boots but I guess when the red carpet is literally rolled out for you, the Tod’s shoes work fine!
I’m trying to envision an elegant pant outfit on Kate at this stage in her pregnancy – and failing 100%.
Yes! Finally an outfit I like! The coat looks beautiful as does the dress. I wish Catherine would lean away from the blues — she looks gorgeous in all other colors and I think she favors blue too much — but this is an excellent choice.
I Very much like that coat. Again the tailoring and structure are figure flattering. It’s hard at this stage of pregnancy to tell in advance just how your figure will be so I think it’s smart to have these three similar coats in differing colors.
I like her hair and makeup and understand the shoe choice.
I think that dress would be fantastic if she had simpl cut the frilly ruffles off the sleeves. Think how streamlined it would look if the sleeves ended at that black velvet band.
All in all a fine look.
I Hope she has time to rest today
It somehow looks like a messy bun! Great!!
She has boots of all sorts! A suede heel and nude hose seems so strange.
Perhaps because it’s so close to Canada’s Air Force Blue, but I love this shade, and it looks fantastic on her. I love coats with clean lines, and this is just perfect. Wish she’d lend it to me, as in my current state, it would fit me as well! Although perhaps not lengthwise –am a shortie at 5’3.5″. Yes, the half-inch is important!
…and perhaps a nod to the Norwegian flag blue? Her smile remains an endearing asset.
Ah I meant that I am very fond of that shade because my husband is in the Air Force. 😉
Brrrrrrrr, can’t help but think a how much simpler packing and clothes selection would be, if this tour were not in the winter. I do realize that it was scheduled earlier, but delayed due to the initial sickness during Kate’s pregnancy.
This Catherine Walker coat is quite lovely. I like the colour, style and the way it fits Kate’s ever expanding body. I am surprised that neither princess is wearing boots, given the amount of snow on the ground. Obviously, they don’t have far to walk, or snowbanks to climb and there is even a red carpet rolled out.
Those shoes certainly are getting well used and likely the thicker heel and the rubber sole give added stability. I look forward to more photos of today’s visit.
When I commented earlier about the beautiful coat, the phots of the dress were not up. This dress is fine and given that is is an actual maternity fashion, the fit is good. However, the bodice seems to be creased, like it needs to be pulled down and straightened. The dress is typically Kate in colour, length and lace.
Kate chooses blue quite often and since it is my favourite colour, I wear it often also. The colour certainly highlights and compliments her favourite, sapphire earrings and the engagement ring. I do have sapphire earrings to wear with my blues….but they are very tiny in comparison to the Duchess’.
I have liked Kate’s hair on this tour. It has looked really nice both up and down. The updos, especially have been less severe than she sometimes wears and this softer look is flattering, tidy and showcases the earrings.
She looks beautiful but as someone who lives in a cold snowy city (Montreal) I don’t understand why she’s wearing nude pantyhose. It’s so inappropriate to the climate that it looks odd to me, regardless of the fact that there is no way she can be warm dressed like that.
Also when she went to visit the school , she was wearing nude pantyhose – it looks off and must not be comfortable. It almost sets an example that to look good in winter , one shouldn’t dress warmly.
I am a bit dissapointed because I was looking forward to seeing her incorporate stylish yet warm attire in these cold countries .
Some of her other looks were more appropriate and looked warm and fabulous.
I live in Ottawa currently, and as someone who walks around in bare legs without them getting red at -10, I wonder if Catherine is the same. I’ve had strangers come up to me to touch my legs only to say in surprise, “They’re not cold!” I’m still not sure what sort of human being I am, haha.
To me, the only sign that you should actually be wearing tights/pantyhose/stockings is if your legs are blistering red from the cold. That’s a clear sign one can’t handle those temps, and you need to get the tights on, stat. However, I do agree. If one is to wear tights in the winter season, dark colours all the way.
I was more surprised by the ladies’ choice of footwear, but the soles of DoC’s pumps seem to be hardier than the average heel. Still!
On another note, it’s 2 degrees C in Oslo currently, and the humidity level is about the same as Ottawa. I’d say it’s not as piercingly cold over there.
It’s warmer there than it is in Michigan!
when her wardrobe was planned- they didn’t know it would be a “warm” day. which makes me wonder if they had multiple footwear options to wear based on temperature and conditions and switched it out because it wasn’t leg-numbingly cold out. even so, regardless of temperature, i think it just looks off to be wearing nude hose and heels (albeit chunky ones) while disembarking from a plane in snowy weather.
i was pleased to see that she donned warm boots and accessories for the afternoon park visit. she looked beautiful and regal while setting a good example of proper warm winter attire. It’s touching that during walkabouts she always inquires if the children are warm and bundled up but its disturbing to me that a lot of times she herself is not properly protected from the elements.
Although it’s snowing it was going to be almost 40 there today. Being from Minnesota (and seeing you’re from Montreal) that’s practically beach weather for us 🙂 Sometimes we go sans tights with skirts and dresses even in the winter if it’s in the high 30s or 40s, especially if we’re only walking from a car into a warm building.
When it’s winter and it hits 40 we always call it bathing suit weather or talk about how balmy it is. 🙂
I am envious of the weather they are getting. We are currently -30C (-22F) in Saskatchewan, but once it gets close to 0C we too are talking about it being warm and ditching our winter jackets. I do feel like based on a lot of the comments that I (and everyone I know) have been dressing completely wrong for winter for the last 35 years. In regards to hose, not a lot of women I know wear dark hose with dresses and skirts, usually going bare legged or nude hose even at -30.
Given that they appear to have gone straight from the airport to lunch with the King and Queen of Norway, I’m sure the level of formality for that meeting would preclude wearing an ensemble with tights, they’re more casual than stockings. But it’s a good reminder that royalty may have fabulous elements to life that we might envy, but there are levels of decorum and dress that we can escape.
I’m with you in wishing Kate a pair of warm tights and boots, but it just wasn’t going to happen at this point in the day. Princess Mette-Marit was wearing pantyhose as well, and the Queen herself was in nude pantyhose.
A side note on the Queen’s attire – I gave a thumbs up to my computer when I saw her wearing wellies on the walkabout at the sculpture garden!! That was darling!
Good point !
Thank you!
This is a lovely look based on what we can see. I’m kind of disappointed to see another Catherine Walker coat for the third day in a row (and this one looks very similar to her green one from two days ago, but not exact) but this is a really nice color on her and I like the funnel-neck and the lack of buttons, ha.
So far it seems like she is dressing very nicely for the day engagements. Interested to see what she wears tonight.
Updating my response to add that I really like the Seraphine dress she is wearing. Very pretty and again, that color looks nice on her.
Looks like Mette-Merit did not take her coat off for the picture 😉
It’s a beautiful coat, and I quite like the way that she has been wearing her hair up over the last couple of days. I love it down, too–I just am noting that she seems to have found a very attractive and practical way of wearing it back that has the added benefit of showing off her pretty earrings. It’s come a bit loose here on the arrival–I’m sure that’s from sitting in a plane for however long it takes to get from Stockholm to Oslo.
I absolutely can’t afford those Tod’s pumps, but every time I see her in them I want them more. They look so incredibly versatile and practical.
Also the dress underneath is very pretty; it reminds me of the Temperley she wore some months ago, with the black trim and the fluted sleeves, but I think I like this one better. I will say that this has been an awful lot of mid-blue accessorized with black over the last 24 hours!