We had news today that, as anticipated, the Cambridges are spending time at Balmoral, the Queen’s Scottish estate.
Today the Duke and Duchess accompanied HM to Sunday church services.
Today’s images show the family as they are leaving Crathie Kirk, the royal family’s place of worship when at Balmoral. More about the church from the Parish website.
The Parish of Braemar and Crathie is one of the largest, highest and most remote in Scotland. It is set in the magnificent Cairngorms National Park.
via Scottish Churches Trust
Also attending church this morning: Prince Charles, Princess Anne and Sir Timothy Laurence, along with Peter and Autumn Phillips. Edward and Sophie Wessex and daughter lady Louise were part of the royal contingent as well. Below, another view of the church. (You can see photos of the royals in this Daily Mail story.)
Kate was in a bespoke Catherine Walker design. For those curious about the blanket, the weather in Scotland was cold and rainy today. We had comments on Facebook noting the high temp was about 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is difficult to tell if this is a coatdress or coat. My vote is for a coatdress because of the snug fit and because Kate wears so many by the brand. Below, three Catherine Walker pieces with similar design elements. From left to right: The Ella jacket, the Astrid coatdress, and the Liza coatdress.
Kate’s garment is done in what looks like a fine wool; it features princess seams, a rounded collar, and long sleeves. The collar, cuffs, and buttons are trimmed in black and there is a decorative button at the cuff. The trim *could* be velvet, but it is really difficult to see from the photos. NOTE: In a comment, Josephine suggests the trim is navy, not black. That makes a lot more sense. The lighting is such that on my monitor the hat actually looks black.
The Duchess’s hair was partially up and her hat is a familiar design by Lock and Company, worn on previous occasions. Below right, Kate sporting the chapeau for a service honoring the 75th anniversary of the RAF Cadets.
We saw the return of the Queen’s Bahrain Pearl and Diamond Drop earrings, so named because the earrings were created using pearls that were a wedding gift to Princess Elizabeth from the ruler of Bahrain. The closeup below shows the earrings when worn for Remembrance Sunday in November 2016.
It looks like the Duchess wore her Cartier Ballon Bleu wristwatch. (The photo of Kate’s watch below left is not from today.) 
Kate carried a pair of gloves, most likely from royal favorite Cornelia James, although it is impossible to definitively identify them from the available pictures. Many thanks to Gabi and Christin on Twitter for their input on Kate’s hat and earrings, and Aaron on Facebook.
It turns out the family has been at Balmoral since at least Friday; a photo shows Kate driving Zara Tindall, Prince George, and Savannah Phillips to lunch. The Mirror has more about that in this story.
preppyhippy
Tuesday 11th of September 2018
I just have to say, YES! She looks fantastic and if I could I would totally wear those earrings while hanging out with the Queen. She’s dressed to perfection! I don’t need Kate to be on-trend, I just need her to keep rocking these Royally righteous looks because she’s the only one that can!
Jessica
Tuesday 4th of September 2018
This is a very 80s look, with the padded shoulders, covered buttons, and heavy makeup. Impossible not to think of Diana. It's not my favorite fashion era, but the Duchess is certainly doing it well; better, I'd argue, than Diana herself often did.
I'm fond of piping, but here I think I'd rather see it along the placket than around each individual button--I just feel like that would have been a little more modern. It's darling around the cuffs.
The earrings are glorious but I do agree that they look perhaps a bit much for the outfit, and for churchgoing.
monalisa
Saturday 1st of September 2018
In the past I've been a frequent of Kate's "matronly" style. But I see nothing matronly about Kate today. My first thought seeing her was she looked sophisticated and elegant - channeling a 30/40s movie star look which suits her very well. She looks serene and confident - perfect for the Queen she will be one day. The low bun seems to be off the neck and sets off the hat, the collar and those gorgeous earrings. They provide a perfect pop for the conservative but perfectly tailored suiting she is wearing - and I'm not a big Walker fan. The conservative look is further offset by the full makeup - love, love the lashes and the brow shape, although the bronzer may be a touch too much. I'd hardly expect her to dress down when riding to church with the Queen Bravo!!
Maluhia
Wednesday 29th of August 2018
My goodness, Kate looks amazing! I can't believe she saved this look for a non public event. I want to see more!! I love the fabric pattern and I also love her darker makeup/more dramatic blush. Or maybe she just has a summer tan, lol. Either way, she looks gorgeous.
Barbara
Tuesday 28th of August 2018
I would like to know what this shape/type/style of hat is called because I never like them on anyone except the sailors in Anchors Away. The earrings are absolutely gorgeous and I am a sucker for piping on a wool coat or coat dress. The Duchess looks beautiful. I hope someday to make it to the Highlands. It's on my bucket list.
admin
Tuesday 28th of August 2018
Barbara, I call it a “percher,” but I’m not at all sure that is the correct term.