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The Return of the Teal Jenny Packham! Plus, A New Photo Of Prince Louis

The Duchess brought back a much-loved gown for tonight’s Tusk Conservation Awards.

The dress is by Jenny Packham, and when the topic of Top Ten or even Top Five favorites comes up among Kate fashion followers, this dress is on most lists. 

Tonight’s gala included a number of notable names, among them Ronnie Wood and his wife, Sally Wood. The musician is described by the charity as “Tusk’s longest-standing supporter and first-ever Patron since 1991.”

Also attending, Kate Silverton and Aljaz Skorjanec from the BBC’s very popular Strictly Come Dancing show.

Kensington Palace noted that “For almost thirty years, Tusk has pioneered successful conservation action in Africa by protecting wildlife, empowering communities and advancing the frontline in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade.”

In this photo, I *think* the Duchess is speaking with Julius Obwona, winner of the Tusk Wildlife Ranger of the Year Award.

The event was at Banqueting House in London, a remarkable structure. It is a “magnificent survivor of the lost royal Palace of Whitehall” according to Historic Royal Palaces.  The most spectacular feature at Banqueting House: the nine ceiling paintings by Peter Paul Rubens. More from HRP:

The ceiling of the Banqueting House is a masterpiece and the only surviving in-situ ceiling painting by Flemish artist, Sir Peter Paul Rubens. It is also one of the most famous works from the golden age of painting.

The canvases were painted by Rubens and installed in the hall in 1636. The three main canvasses depict The Union of the Crowns, The Apotheosis of James I and The Peaceful Reign of James I.

Back to the Historic Royal Palaces site:

Most likely commissioned by Charles I in 1629-30, this ceiling was one of his last sights before he lost his head. The King was executed on a scaffold outside on Whitehall in 1649.

When the canvases were first unrolled on the floor, Inigo Jones and Rubens’ assistants realised with mounting horror that they wouldn’t fit in the ceiling.

The problem had occurred because although both Belgium and England measured in feet and inches, each country used a different length for a foot. Drastic moderations had to be made on site to make them fit.

It appears that Rubens never saw his works inside the Banqueting House. He wrote to a friend, ‘In as much as I have a horror of courts, I sent my work to England in the hands of someone else.’

After an initial two-year delay, Rubens received £3,000 (the equivalent of £218,000 today) and a heavy gold chain as payment for his work.

Banqueting House has been added to the current list of “must-see” items for the next trip to the far side of the pond.

Now to the Awards. They stem from William’s love of Africa, well known by many royal followers. In this Hello! piece Prince William says “I first fell in love with Africa when I spent time in Kenya, Botswana, and Tanzania as a teenager.”

In September it was announced the Duke would take on the patronage of the Royal Africa Society, a position the Queen held for 64 years.

William has been Tusk’s Royal Patron since 2005. Below you see him with Prince Harry and Tusk Trust CEO Charlie Mayhew in June 2010. The trio was visiting the Mokolodi Education Centre in Botswana. William’s passion for combatting the illegal wildlife trade remains a priority.

 The Duke spoke about the awards in this Telegraph story

“These awards which mean a great deal to me personally, play a huge part in our mission to preserve Africa’s precious wildlife for its people. It is vital that we recognise the dedication of these unsung heroes and the bravery of rangers risking their lives, day and night, on conservation’s frontline. We all owe them a huge debt of gratitude.” 

Now for tonight’s winners. The winner of the 2018 Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award is Julius Obwana. He is the Warden-in-Charge, Law Enforcement at Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda.

There are three finalists for the Tusk Conservation Award. More from The Daily Telegraph:

Three pioneering Africans are in line for The Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa, sponsored by Land Rover, which offers an overall prize of £20,000 and runners-up grants of £7,500 each. All hail from tourism destinations, and their work has played a significant role in conserving endangered environments and species.

One is Dickson Kaelo, who heads the Kenyan Wildlife Conservancies Association, described by Tusk as “…a national umbrella body, dedicated to uniting the dynamic and diverse voices of wildlife conservancies in the country.” You can read the Tusk profile of Mr. Kaelo here.

Force Ngwira is another finalist. His Tusk profile says: “As the Country Director of RIPPLE Africa, Force has developed his passion for the environment and ability to work with people at all levels to achieve long-term sustainable change.” 
The third finalist for the Conservation award is Vincent Opyene. Mr.Opyene established the Natural Resource Conservation Network (NRCN) in Uganda, and the Tusk Awards committee say he “… has single-handedly changed how Uganda addresses the illegal wildlife trade. He risks his life on a daily basis to combat wildlife trafficking and to bring criminals to justice.” You can read more about Vincent in this profile on the Tusk Awards site

The Tusk Conservation for Africa winner was Mr.Opyene.
 
This year’s winner of the Prince William Award for Conservation is Dr. Peter Morkel.
Jeff Spicer/WPA Pool/Getty Images
 
This is the fifth year for the awards. Some of you may recall that in 2013 Kate attended the first awards gala with William; it was the couple’s first night out after Prince George’s birth.

Kate Middleton Tusk Awards Jenny Packham shimmering gown

Now for our look at what Kate wore this evening.
 
The teal Jenny Packham gown was originally worn to the “Greatest Team Rising” gala in May 2012 in the runup to the Summer Olympic Games in London.
 
It was a bespoke version of Jenny Packham’s ‘Aspen’ wedding gown. The design showcased a beautiful silk chiffon with light and lacy cap sleeves and an ornately embellished waist. As I said in 2012, all the design elements combine for a knockout dress.

Via Raihan-Wed.com

 
A look at the dress on the Duchess tonight.
 
A description posted on the Jenny Packham Facebook page at the time described it this way: “The style combines an emerald lace bodice embellished with Swarovski crystals and a pleated skirt, ribbon waisted with a crystal and flower embellishment and matching bespoke clutch bag.”
 
The lace of the dress is also seen on the bag.
 
The Duchess wore the heels originally seen with the dress in 2012, the ‘Vamp’ platform sandal by Jimmy Choo.
 
Kate also had on the chandelier-style earrings on loan from the Queen’s collection, first noted at the 2011 BAFTA gala in Los Angeles.
She wore the Women of the First World War style poppy (£29.99, about $38 at today’s exchange rates), initially seen when the Duchess wore the pin to the Imperial War Museum.
Here is a graphic look at what Kate wore tonight.
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The photo comes from the BBC documentary, “Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70” which is airing in conjunction with the Prince’s 70th birthday next week. The image is seen on the front page of tomorrow’s Express. More about the program from The Express story:
The first-in-line to the throne’s affection for his grandchildren was laid bare last night on Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70, a BBC documentary which celebrates Charles’s 70th birthday. A doting Prince Charles, whose birthday falls on November 14, was filmed gazing adoringly at Kate and Prince William’s youngest child, Prince Louis in the garden of Clarence House in September. Baby Cambridge, who was being held in his mother’s arms, was all giggles as his grandfather playfully clutched both his little hands.
The savvy team at UFO No More (including Heaven and Laura) identified what appears to be Kate’s dress. It looks like an Alessandra Rich piece.
 
The frock is silk crepe de chine with a cotton/silk lining, and it features a spread collar, pleated skirt, and contrasting cuffs. It was carried at Net-a-Porter ($1413) and also at Moda Operandi ($2400).
 
If you’re looking for a repliKate, this Zara dress ($69.90) might do the trick.
 
I’ll update with any more info we receive about the new photograph.
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One other quick note today, and it is about our friends at Madderson London. We are excited to welcome them back as a site sponsor; they are always a dream to work with. We’ll take a peek at their new collection next week, but I wanted to let everyone know they have created a discount code for WKW readers that takes 10% off all orders! Pop over and see some of the treasures from the new line, and use promo code WhatKateWore10 to receive your discount.
 
 
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katefanatic

Wednesday 14th of November 2018

I loved this gown the first time, and I love it this time. I understand those who liked her updo better than this wear with the loose hair, but I don't mind it. I whole heartedly agree that her 2011/2012 hair dresser was much better than the current one. I realize that she is allegedly going to the same salon, but believe that her stylist is different now. The original one was indiscreet and gave too many interviews IMO. However, he could certainly style her hair beautifully.

I hate that Alessandra Rich dress----it was horrible on Pippa at the christening and those seams under the bust did her zero favors. The navy color is slightly better than the pale blue version, but it still seems dowdy and too buttoned up to me. I also am on record as hating all midi hemlines. They are universally unflattering on all body types.

rickyrebarco

Monday 12th of November 2018

I wish she would wear more of her previously worn gowns again. It seems a waste for them to be sitting in closets when they are so beautiful.

sally

Saturday 10th of November 2018

love this stunning gown and the colour is sensational. The elegant detail and subtle pleating is so effective and does not overpower the gorgeous fine lace. It fits beautifully. There is another gown, I think Jenny Packham in pink shades that I hope we get to see again. Long, elegant and sparkly,

Love the polka dot shirt maker frock, so simple and elegant and ontrend fashion wise.

Katie

Saturday 10th of November 2018

I’m so glad Kate brought back this look. I have this Jenny Packham “Aspen” dress in white with the Jimmy Choo “Vamp” heels. I’ve never worn the items as I use my collection of Kate’s clothes for fundraisers supporting women and girls. The clothes raise some money but not as much as I thought based on the “Kate effect.” I have stopped adding to the colllection because Kate’s clothes have become more expensive and interest is receding. However, interest does pick up when Kate recycles older items because they can’t be bought anymore and that’s good news for the charities who use my collection for their fundraiser. Also, I don’t charge anything to use the collection so all proceeds go to the charity.

Katie

Saturday 10th of November 2018

P.S. I think Sarah Jessica Parker wore the Alessandra Rich dress best!

SaraF

Saturday 10th of November 2018

I agree with many commenters. This dress was made for an updo. With Kate's hair down - albeit perhaps the right hairstyle for this particular occasion - the gorgeous back and neckline are mostly obscured. What was a knockout, to-die-for gown in 2012 was a lovely, sweet piece this time around. Very nice, but not bedazzling.

Jan

Thursday 31st of January 2019

I completely agree. Having her hair up allows us to see the sleeves better which are really the top note of the dress. I remember the first time I saw her in this dress - I couldn't believe how beautiful she was. I'm so glad to see that she wore it again even if it was over a year ago.

My other most favorite outfit (of many) is the blue she wore in Canada - (getting ready to board the plane I think.) She had to get down and deal with Charlette having a tantrum and she still looked beautiful. The hat - WOW. Blue is her color and I love every time I'm lucky enough to see it.

I don't think I've ever seen her wear anything I didn't like except that fuschia suit recently and that's because I don't like the color. But Kate can basically do no wrong in my eyes. She's always so charming and friendly, not to mention drop dead gorgeous. Love her!

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