The Duchess returned from maternity leave with an outdoor engagement at a forest school in Paddington, London.
As you would imagine there was enormous interest in Kate’s return. In this photo from Silver Sunday UK, you can see some of the photographers on hand this afternoon.
Silver Sunday UK Twitter @SilverSundayUK
Kate’s visit was at the Sayers Croft Trust Forest School and Wildlife Garden. The Trust is a charity “..with the aim of involving the local community, especially young people, in the enjoyment and care of the environment.”
Above you see the Duchess being welcomed by students from St. Augustines Primary school. More via The Mirror’s coverage:
When she arrived at the school, which gives inner city children the change to learn about nature, she was greeted by a group of excited kids who gave her a bunch of flowers.
They then gathered around her and hugged her legs.
You can see the children hugging Kate in a video shared by Emily Andrews of The Sun.
Video: Kate is hugged by reception kids (ages 4&5) from St Augustine’s CoE Primary in Kilburn. So sweet! Kate asks them what their favourite thing about forest school. “Eating!” says one & Kate giggles. #duchessofcambridge pic.twitter.com/icqAhZDYhj
— Emily Andrews (@byEmilyAndrews) October 2, 2018
A focus of the Trust is providing outdoor equipment and facilities for those who would otherwise not have access to them, offering children “…an opportunity to learn about and engage with the natural world,” according to Kensington Palace.
From Simon Perry’s People article:
As she walked through the park, Kate shook hands with other parents out with their children and met with locals. She told one group of well-wishers that she had enjoyed her time with the kids at their forest school. She smiled and added, “All I found were tiny slugs!”
The Duchess on a trail in the park.
The Duchess of Cambridge is visiting @SCTrust Forest School and Wildlife Garden, which gives inner city children a unique opportunity to learn about and engage with the natural world 🍃 pic.twitter.com/GdB9v20r2H
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 2, 2018
This is the sort of engagement that is really in Kate’s wheelhouse; it was outdoors and involved children. Rebecca English reported in The Daily Mail that “After crouching in bushes with youngsters to search for bugs, the royal told teachers at the school that she hunts for spiders ‘for hours’ in her own garden with her children Prince George and Princess Charlotte.”
More from The Telegraph’s coverage:
She appeared relaxed and chatty as she toured the Sayers Croft Forest School and Wildlife Garden at Paddington Recreation Ground in west London, asking one young boy from St Augustine’s Primary if he was going to show her around.
She laughed as she repeated his reply: “No boring bits? No!” She added: “Wow, this is so cool, I can’t wait to see it.”
Who had some fun with her plastic cup.
This is a great “Mom look,” if ever there was one.
Victoria Ward reports in The Telegraph that “She was referred to by one enthusiastic young fan as “your majesty”…”.
Everyone was a royal today as the Duchess helped the children make leaf crowns. Rebecca English posted a video of the children with their regal headwear.
The Duchess of Cambridge helping the children to make leaf crowns…. pic.twitter.com/5wrLjXjnag
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) October 2, 2018
In this image, I *think* everyone was working on planting seeds for the garden.
The children getting water for the seeds.
The Duchess of Cambridge joins St Augustine’s Primary School for a spot of gardening @SCTrust 🌱 pic.twitter.com/vBlqGS1OiK
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 2, 2018
Emily Andrews also shared these pictures of Kate meeting 7-month-old Romi, and in her story noted that Kate “greeted students at the forest school in Paddington, cooing over a seven-month-old “almost the same age as my little boy.”
A lovely photo of Kate.
When it was time to leave little Anwaar wanted to give the Duchess a hug. 
Kate was more than happy to oblige.
This ITV video has some nice shots of the children and the Duchess.
From giggling with a little girl as she plays with a cup to joining youngsters on a bug hunt.
Here’s what the Duchess of Cambridge got up to on her first solo engagement after maternity leave: https://t.co/1hcA0HReLb pic.twitter.com/XkrjvTDVL7
— ITV News (@itvnews) October 2, 2018
Thoughts on Kate’s style today from Bethan Holt’s Daily Telegraph column:
It was little surprise, then, that Kate’s chosen outfit chimed so closely with the off-duty look which she has carefully cultivated over the years. This is a photo-ready version of Norfolk Mum Kate and the ultimate way to segue back into life in front of the camera.
There were some very familiar Kate style tropes in the mix here: we’ve seen the Zara skinny jeans many times before, ditto the Penelope Chilvers boots. These are becoming as key to the Duchess’s image as Launer handbags and silk scarves are to The Queen.
Now to what Kate wore for her first engagement after maternity leave.
She was in a jacket we’ve not seen her wear previously, the Fjällräven Stina. For those not familiar with the brand, it is a Swedish-based company specializing in outdoor clothing and equipment. The Duchess wore a Fjällräven sweater when visiting Sweden in January. 
The Stina is made of a poly/cotton blend; it has an attached hood, a zip front, vertical front zip pockets, and adjustable tabs at the wrist. It is available at Amazon in smaller sizes; as well as at Moosejaw, and at Backcountry. It is roughly $200 at all three retailers. UPDATE: Kim reports in a comment she was able to snag the jacket at EMS and used promo code TRAIL18 for $15 off the price. Thanks, Kim! Below, two hallmarks of the brand, the Swedish flag tab, and Arctic Fox logo. 
Our thanks to Heaven QRF, Christin, and Michelle for their speedy jacket ID!
It appears that Kate also wore a Fjällräven sweater, the label’s Övik Re-Wool Style ($150) style, so called because it is a blend of recycled wool and polyamide. It is a classic style with ribbed cuffs and collar. It is available at Backcountry and also at Fjällräven in Kate’s frost green color; it is $150 at both sites. Thanks again to Christin, she also IDed Kate’s sweater. 
The style comes in dark garnet (maroon) and alpine purple as well; those colors are available in all sizes at Backcountry, as well as at Fjällräven. The dark garnet is also in stock in all sizes at Amazon. 
If interested in Kate’s sweater from the tour, it is available again at several stores. We show it at Moosejaw, where it is $159.95. (The photos on the right show a bit of the sweater peeking out from Kate’s coat when she wore it in Sweden.)
Beneath it, Kate wore the Joseph Rainer Bud Print Blouse; here you can see the fabric match. 
A Tip of the Tiara to Laura spotted for her ID of the blouse, with thanks to Caroline as well.
The shirt is from the brand’s pre-winter 2018 collection. It is 100% silk, cut in a loose fit with chest flap pockets, epaulets, and a curved hem. We show it at Matches Fashion ($595), but it is also available at Joseph, as well as at Farfetch. 
The trousers are the Zara Biker Jeans first seen during the tour of India, and again at a City Farms for Children engagement in May of last year.
Kate’s boots were recognized immediately, her Penelope Chilvers Long Tassel Boots (£475, about $640). 
We also saw the Monica Vinader Siren earrings. 
Kate’s hair looked shorter and a little lighter in color.
More from a Harper’s Bazaar story:
Her new hair looks a few inches shorter than when we last saw her, with some layers and lighter highlights added in for extra bounce and shine. Even with gusts of wind blowing her new style around, Middleton’s sleek waves looked flawless—as always.
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Also today, word of a new engagement next week.
Tuesday, October 9: Kensington Palace reports the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend the first Global Summit on Mental Health Culture Change Summit. Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit on Tuesday 9th October. The Summit will see political figures, academics and policy-makers from around the world come together with one common goal: better mental health for all.
- Click here to learn more about the Sayers Croft Trust; the Trust’s Facebook page is here; the organization’s Twitter feed is here
- Emily Andrews’ story for The Sun is here; The Mirror’s coverage is here; Rebecca English’s Daily Mail article is here; The Telegraph’s news story is here; Rebecca Perring’s Daily Express piece is here
- Bethan Holt’s fashion column for the Telegraph is here; People’s story by Simon Perry is here; a PopSugar slideshow is here;
I am, once again, way late with my reply, but I loved this post too much not to comment! This is such a perfect event for Kate’s return from maternity leave, she looks so at ease and clearly gets along with children very well.
I was so excited to see her in Fjällräven pieces – the Swedish-loving part of me squealed when I recognized that arctic fox on Instagram! Great to see Kate trying more from brands she’s worn on tour and a nice change from the Barbour jacket, which would have made the whole look too repetitive to the similar event she attended last year. The jacket and sweater freshened things up.
I sure wish I had any footwear that I trusted as much as Kate does her Penelope Chilvers boots! I’ve become fond of investing a bit more money into timeless pieces so it makes me happy to see these boots survive after so many years and events.
I can’t figure out how to post this as anything other than a “reply,” but if you order from the Fjallraven website, use the code COME BACK-10 for a 10% discount. I got $15.00 off on the sweater (but in a different color).
Please remove if this isn’t allowed – been following the blog for years but first time commenting.
Zara has a very similar-looking pants, the Z1975 zippered jeans, in dark khaki and black for anyone looking for a replikate. My local Zara also had a color very similar to Kate’s that I tried on but didn’t see it on the website.
Link: https://www.zara.com/us/en/z1975-zippered-jeans-p05899172.html?v1=6949549&v2=1074545
I love this look. Honestly it’s something i could see myself wear on a weekend. Those boots are incredible and I always love to see her wear them (wouldn’t you love to see where all these items are stored?!!) I’ve been obsessed with those Zara jeans since she wore them the first time (and own them myself in black now!). They are not too tight at all! Her hair looks amazing and all of us should be so lucky to look so trim, fit and happy after 3 children in 5 years.
Yes it looks totally possible as a weekend outfit for me to wear on a weekend.
The jeans look like they have give due to the design around the knees.
She looks absolutely fantastic!
So happy to see Kate again! I’ve missed her. I think she looks gorgeous as usual. I think the pants look fabulous on her. I would kill to have her figure and look good in pants like this. I don’t think they are too tight at all. Only downside is it makes me jealous of her bum. 😆😂
I think she looks lovely. I am in my mid thirties, a bit younger than Kate, and an American who works in the corporate world (which I believe is a rather conservative environment). I think the pants are a bit tight, but honestly, I like seeing her in them. She is tall and slender and has such enviably slim hips, the pants are tight-fitting, but not obscenely so. I would muse that if she was significantly curvier, that same style might look inappropriate, but her build suits slim cut garments and this is no exception–my opinion of course. She looks so natural and at ease at this time in her life, especially when you compare with earlier photos of her when she was just learning her new role as a royal. Motherhood too, seems to have especially relaxed her in many ways.
Well, I do not comment on this site regularly but I just have to now! Kate looks absolutely fabulous in my opinion. She looks healthy, youthful, happy and relaxed, which just radiates from the pictures. And for me, even her outfit is on point. The jacket is extremely flattering.
I do not think her pants are too tight! Actually the pants issue is why I decided to join in the conversation, haha. I think Kate is absolutely rocking the style with her gorgeous legs! I would never think somebody could think that skinny pants are inappropriate clothing for an outdoor event?! Kate obviously fits right in and I cannot imagine how she’d wear baggy pants or a skirt with knee-high boots.
And her hair, obviously. Divine.
Overall, she won this for me and I cannot wait to see her again!
Ella
Yes, I totally agree with you on all counts, Ella. 🙂 Welcome to the comment party.
Thank you Maureen! 😊
Agree 100%!!
I think there are definitely several types of pants that fall in between the “super tight” and “baggy” ends of the spectrum that one could wear. It is not an either/or proposition.
I am so happy Kate chose an engagement like this for her return.
Casual, outdoors, and with children- I think that’s where she is most in her element. I recall last year someone commented that if she hadn’t become a Duchess, she would have been an excellent primary school teacher- and I have to agree!!
I have a feeling she’s loved being out of the spotlight- though she is an excellent royal, I don’t think she minds all eyes being on Meghan right now. Kate has had been scrutinized for well over a decade- and though that won’t go away (she will eventually be queen consort and then queen mother), I’ll bet she’s welcoming the reprieve.
I have no complaints about her clothing- very laid back, casual, and perfect for a day of gardening! For those saying her pants are too tight- I can see where you might think that, but let’s alllll take a moment to remember how our clothes fit 5 months postpartum! I, for one, did NOT want to purchase a brand new wardrobe that would only fit during that awkward in-between stage! If she does lose those last 5 pounds (which she absolutely doesn’t need to as she looks fabulous as is), her clothes will fit as they did before. Otherwise, perhaps she will buy all new pants in the next size up- but let’s give her some time!
As someone whose wardrobe is budgeted on a continuing basis, it’s always inspiring to me that the Duchess continues to wear long-time favorite clothing and accessories paired with newer acquisitions. In this case, her pants and boots have been seen on numerous occasions, and they work well with the new autumnal blouse, sweater and jacket. I especially like the blouse — such a versatile choice. I can easily see it with a suit.
I’ve long admired the Duchess’ ability to remain true to herself while dressing appropriately for any occasion. It’s lovely to see her back in the public’s eye.
Hooray for the return of the DoC! In my opinion, she looks absolutely perfect for this event. I think we all guessed that the Penelope Chilvers boots would make an appearance today. 🙂 I like them more each time she wears them. She looks to be in her element and as beautiful as ever.
I think she looks lovely – its a typical outdoor-engagement outfit for her, but she still looks very nice. I think she really shines at these types of events and I think she should do more of them. (outdoor events in general, but especially with children.) Outfit isn’t my favorite ever but its fine for the event.
my only two “issues” are the earrings – I think they are a little “off” with the rest of the outfit, casual studs probably would have worked better – and the boots. I like the boots in general, but she was still in London here. She wasn’t off traipsing through Norfolk woods. Most of her walking appeared to be on gravel or paved paths. (YES I know she did some walking on grass, but still…..) I cant figure out what would be better shoes though so whatever works for her lol.
No issues with the skinny jeans. They are still very in right now, especially for moms in their mid-30s (trust me, I know this, haha!) and with the boots other pants wouldn’t haven’t worked as well. Skinny jeans, if they fit right, can be really comfortable and allow for a lot of movement, so I’m not surprised she went with them for the event.
Just a note that the post indicates the Ovik sweater is a men’s only design, but it was indeed made for women’s as well. You’ll note the slender arms and fitted look in the image throughout the body that visually demonstrates that it is a women’s design. If you haven’t found it, it’s because it’s sold out. Here’s an item link to Fjallraven’s Swedish site: https://www.fjallraven.com/shop/fjallraven-ovik-re-wool-sweater-w-F89913-frost-green/?sku=7323450359799
Hello, and thank you for the input, I appreciate it. Yesterday the post said I believed the sweater was a men’s style, but only for about 20 minutes, when that sentence was deleted and the post was updated with links to the proper women’s sweater (Kate’s color), as well as the other women’s colors. Hmmm…I wonder what happened, why you have a version that showed the old info…? I’m grateful you let me know, it’s very odd, but also helpful to know. 🙂
kate’s pants are NOT too tight. ::insert eye roll here::
The entire outfit works….love it! Her hair is fun too and looks great shorter (for her). She rocks the casual style (as usual).
her hair is truly spectacular.
Asolutely gorgeous outfit. Love the skinny jeans and Autumnal colours put together. Kate is looking extremely stylish and fashionable.
Welcome back Catherine, just love this event wonderful photos with the children. Casual or formal wear the Duchess of Cambridge dresses with style and grace. Nice to have her back to work, she looks great looking forward to the rest of the years events.
While I usually like Kate’s casual look, this is not doing it for me. I like every piece individually, except for the pants (don’t like the knee pattern thing and they are WAY too tight, as others have mentioned, and not just in the leg region…the pelvic part borders on inappropriate). But it looked like she piled on a mishmash of items that don’t go together. Olive green jacket, grey sweater, black and white blouse, brownish green pants, brown boots, and, most inexplicably, bright green earrings. Literally everything she is wearing is a different color. I realize this is a kids outing and not a fashion shoot, but some coordination would not be amiss. It sort of draws attention to the fact that her weak spot is styling, as she often puts things together that look off. But, I will say, I really love her hair like this. Good color, great cut…and just a bit of wave rather than giant curls…it is very flattering and I would like to see her with this more relaxed hair on a regular basis.
The sweater is indicated to be frost green and the blouse is brown and white. Actually the pieces all go together very well I think, all in shades of olive and brown.
Looking at these photos all I could think of was how awesome her hair looks!
I would have liked to see her hair in a high ponytail today – though it does look amazing.
She is fabulous.
I am happy Kate is back, and I agree that this outfit works for the occasion. However, the pants/jeggings/whatevers are too tight. I also must be the only one who has no love for these boots. They look too workmanlike to me (emphasis on “man”), and I don’t like how the horizontal lines on the pants compete with the lines on the boots.
Ah, well, her hair looks good. 😉
While the outfit in and of itself isn’t my favorite (never really get too excited about earth tones), she look 100% like herself and that’s what I love. She’s wearing classic Kate pieces, not trying to come back with an attention getting statement. If anything, it’s the opposite. She’s doing things she’s always done, wearing the types of clothes she’s always worn (those boots – I hope they never die!), and being her radiant, confidant self all the while. Honestly, if I were coming back from maternity leave with a spiffy new sister in law and the eyes of the world on me, I would feel nervous and insecure! She seems completely at ease and confidant and I love that about her. This is 100% unpretentious and genuine Kate. I love it!! She is so beautiful inside and out.
@Katie:I love the way you phrased this and it echoes one of the reasons I loved this engagement so much for her return. Nothing big and flashy or trying to show anyone up especially with all the idiotic comments and comparisons over the last few months. Just Kate being Kate in her comfy (ancient) boots, old jeans and earrings and nice casual outfit similar to one she has worn before. Great, down to earth engagement involving children and nature which she has promoted since her patronages were announced back in 2012.
This is one of the reasons I admire Kate. I’ve always felt that despite her shyness she has a steadiness and quiet strength and determination. She isn’t the type to seek attention or make a big fuss but she gets things done her way. I think this is something William, the rest of the BRF and the many people who have met her over the years recognised in her and why she is such a huge asset to the Royal Family and will continue to be.
I so appreciate what you articulated in your second paragraph. It doesn’t get mentioned enough about the DoC and is such an invaluable character trait.
I also like your comments. Her beautiful smile and the warmth she radiates are so genuine and makes her approachable. I think she looks great.
The outfit was did not need to be changed up for this outing it was totally appropriate and the pants fit her shape very well and are not too tight. If she continues to like her boots, I hope she can keep wearing them until she’s 102! 🙂
Kate looks radiant after her maternity leave! I love how she doesn’t have to “try hard” to look like a glamorous royal. I have so missed her and am glad to have her back!
Echoing others — lovely to see Kate again. I’ve missed her! She looks wonderful and happy. What a great organization, too.
Thought the color palette of Kate’s ensemble fit in beautifully with the woodsy colors and organic atmosphere at Sayers Croft Trust. Her jacket, crew neck sweater, silk blouse, biker trousers, and boots blended nicely to produce a natural look. A little reminiscent of the color scheme Kate employed in 2004 when she posed, wearing the same pair of Penelope Chilvers boots, in front of Blenheim Palace (you have that photo posted in the tab “Iconic Looks”).
Especially loved the photos with the children making and wearing the leaf crowns, such a simple craft project yet full of learning skills and natural beauty. Did Kate make one?
So impressed with Sayers, thank you for providing their website link. It must be noted that not only do they provide various children’s programs they also offer classes for children with special education needs (SEN). Bravo, Sayers!
I’m so happy she is back. Great casual outfit and engagement for Kate today! This was such a fun and adorable engagement. I really loved seeing her with the children and she was so sweet to stop and chat to members of the public too.
Adore all the affordable and appropriate pieces for this event and love that she has no issue rewearing parts of her wardrobe especially those incredible boots after 14 years. I’ve always loved this pair of earrings. They add a nice little splash and glamour whilst managing simultaneously be discreet but not too over the top for her casual look. I’m so happy she is growing her longer again too.
On a slightly more superficial note watching the videos of Kate at the engagement today she really is so glamorous even dressed down like this. She’s so tall and willowy with the gorgeous hair and amazing smile that your eyes are just drawn to her.
I’m looking forward to her next engagement.next week and knowing we will have regular events to look forward to. October is going to be a busy month.
What a return, that natural radiance coupled with the outfit and styling, she nailed it! Expertly pulls off those natural colours of the fabric while still looking glam somehow, instead of washed out and overly casual like some of us regular people might – very inspiring!
So happy to see her 😊🌷.
Hello Everyone, I’ve just returned from a month in India, so wasn’t regularly checking WKW or WMW. Nice that my arrival back matches Kate’s arrival back.
When I was in Kolkata (Calcutta) and the temperatures were over 40’C (105’F), I was wearing very casual and loose cotton clothing and sandals. The heat was stifling. I couldn’t help but think of photos of Diana and later Kate, in India, all dressed up. I can’t imagine how they managed to look so spectacular while wearing dresses, hose and high heels. But they certainly did! It just goes to show what troupers they both were under extremely high temperatures.
Regarding today’s outfit, well I think we would have all loved to see Kate return in something really spectacular. But casual was needed for this outing and Kate dressed appropriately for the occasion. Her pants are a bit too tight for my preferences, but all in all, she looked relaxed and happy, in comfy clothes. She certainly shines when she is around children! I do like the shorter hair.
On the tight pants issue. I have to agree. She certainly has the figure to wear them – that’s not the issue. They look great. It’s just whether or not skin tight anything is suitable in her role. Since the first time she stepped out on an official engagement in them they have always stumped me. If trousers aren’t considered proper royal attire, then how are jeans that looked painted on? It baffles me. I’d love to see her wear dressy trousers to her less formal occasions and skip the form fitted jeans. My teenaged daughter wears skinny jeans regularly and I’m looking forward to the day when she outgrows the trend and wears something less revealing and more elegant. Wear them at home and on personal trips, but somehow skinny jeans on a future queen out representing the royal family just reads very odd to me.
I am so happy to have the Duchess back. She is lovely, just lovely in almost every particular. I am certain she must miss her kiddoes though. I do, however, agree with Jenny’s comments (and others) regarding these very tight jeans. I have never liked them and they seem to be in direct conflict with almost every other aspect of her look which I find to be elegant, glamorous, regal and with this glaring exception, appropriate.
love love skinny jeans. Nothing looks worse than baggy ill fitting pants. Kate rocks this style.
NOTE: Admin edit
love the skinny jeans on a future queen. Just shows they are no different to any other people in the world and dress to suit the event. Can you please tell me what royal attire actually is???
Nice that Kate is back at work and encouraging the children at this event.
Oh those pants! Sorry but for me they are a miss and certainly not a hit. If they wrinkle like that then they are too tight. I have noticed that Pippa is still wearing her skinnys, she too wears skinny jeans which are too tight but the difference with her jeans is that they have a larger percentage of lycra/ elastane, hence the sausage look.
Kate does casual like no other royal and with natural easy glamour. I love that she has those boots worn right in to her own comfort with a patina that mere money can’t buy. The skinny pants are virtually a must if they are to tuck into boots and here they look just great for casual chic.
It’s fun that she’s returned to Fjallraven for her jacket and jumper, a touching carry-over from the Sweden trip. The neat jacket is plenty smart enough in its own right and with her jumper, the neutral tones bring out her dark colouring. I’m impressed she can layer a cool £500-worth of Joseph blouse underneath with its appropriate bud print.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen her hair look better, so very full, and with highlights stronger than I can recall on her. The earrings team well with the blouse although I find a drop style slightly out of place in such a casual and playful setting. But then her young companions need to see a hint of real princess so I shall let them pass. Such a treat to see Kate back and thanks for so many delightful photos and video clips.
Kate is BACK!!! So happy to see her back after Maternity leave!
I need to know how she keeps those boots looking as fresh as she does. They look amazing! Great overall look for the Duchess.
She has somebody do it for her. Sigh
What a wonderful place for children to learn and grow, it would be terrific to see more educational facilities for children out of the school classroom environment like this, you can get more out of certain pupils that way when class setting can seem to fail them for whatever reason. The children were having such a good time, you only have to look at the expressions on there faces. The royal visit obviously helped! The Duchess did really well and got in amongst it all, her interaction with the children was on there level.Participating with the children and exploring, now that is how you do it! I would love to see more of these type of visits for the Duchess, she did really well today. Dress appropriate and looks very well and healthy. Thank you for a terrific blog today, well done
Kate looks absolutely gorgeous, radiant and refreshed. The outfit couldn’t be more perfect for the occasion (I’m coveting all the pieces myself), and as others have said, her hair is fantastic. She really does shine with children, it’s lovely to see her being so sweet with them and this was the perfect return to work for her.
Wonderful! Kate looks so happy and healthy, and in her element. As as everyone has noted, her hair looks stupendous. I love her casual outdoor looks as well and so glad those timeless boots make reappearances. A very successful post-maternity reentry!
The Kate wait is over! It’s wonderful to see her coming back, and to such a worthy cause for her first solo engagement. I work with children, and Kate truly does seem to have “it” with the kiddos. Add to that the green spaces that are so good for everyone, especially children who aren’t surrounded by them every day, and it’s a win-win. And on to what Kate wore– everything is just right. Love the Chilvers boots, the cozy sweater and the shirt with the flower buds on them (how cute!). I adore her Barbour jacket, but was also happy to see this lighter green Fjallraven too. Kudos to Kate, and welcome back!
I wish I could marry the Penelope Chilvers boots. I love that Kate still wears them after all these years.
Lol, this pair lasted longer than some marriages.
Love your comment. Hilarious! Great boots and are definitely swoon worthy.
She always looks happy, comfortable, and, appropriately dressed at informal events. Her hair looks wonderful. Great cut and highlights. This hair length and tone suits her best. I always think her hair looks better in a slightly lighter shade.
She looks stunning. I’m so glad she’s back but hoped she enjoyed her maternity leave.
Oh, do I love those boots. I’ll never be able to wear them, because they’d go up to my hips. But I think they look fantastic on the Duchess and I hope she never stops wearing them.
She’s so in her element in these outdoorsy pieces, among kids, her hair down, with that fantastic, genuine smile. So happy she’s back!
Hi Jessica, I am only 5′ 1″ (used to be 5′ 3″ : 0 ), and I own these boots. They are comfortable and not too tall. They come just to the bottom of the knee. I love them!
So glad to see her back and looking incredible as always. Thanks for the awesome post!
Yay, she’s back! And so much affection with those kids….adorable!
That sweater looks so comfortable! Love this look! She seems honestly enjoying spending time and interacting with children. It was a perfect comeback for Kate.
So pleased to see the Duchess back from maternity leave, looking happy, fit, and beautiful. She always seems to enjoy informal engagements focused on efforts to educate and assist young children and families. I have to say I was disappointed in her clothing choices. While they are entirely appropriate for the event, the colors are so washed out and drab. I also feel that the jacket was too short with those tight, tight jeans. Love the boots and her hair.
She looks fabulous and appropriate as always! I just snagged her coat at ems.com in green with a $15 off code of trails18. 😉
Thanks for the tip, Kim, that’s a good one! 🙂
Ooh sorry, that code is trail18
Casual Kate looks are always my favorite, as I suspect that is when she is most comfortable and at her most authentic self. Add cute kids and we have a winner!
I love nearly everything about today’s look. Her hair looks the best it has in years—the shorter length is helping her obtain shiny bouncy volume without the dreaded ringlets and I loved the way it looked when she first stepped out of the car. The jeans were in instant fave of mine the first time she wore them–I love the interesting detail at the knees. The boots are an item I crave for myself and may eventually have to order. That sweater is a classic and looks like it could be dressed up or down. I don’t love the blouse as the print is a little too twee for me, but since you can only see the collar it is fine here. Jacket is also fine–surprised she didn’t wear her Barbour.
It was so lovely to see Kate back and interacting with the children. They clearly loved her and her smile was infectious.
Delightful return engagement. Obviously, Kate loves kids and nature. She looks so happy and relaxed to be there.
The outfit is expected but very flattering, and so nice to see some new pieces thrown in with her trusty staples. Great hair!
The long wait is over!! Ah, how I’ve missed Kate! She just always looks so fresh and happy and full of energy. It makes me happy to see her.
Her casual outdoor outfits have been some of my favorites. I love this one. I loved these pants and boots the first time we’ve seen them, and the jacket and sweater combo was great. And the little polka dot collar sticking out of the sweater — I love it!!!
Adorable! Dressed perfectly for the occasion, as always, and truly seemed to enjoy interacting with the children.