The Duchess was in a familiar coat for this morning’s church services at Sandringham.
Kate and William joined HM, along with several friends, at the church of St. Mary Magdalene.
The Queen looked elegant in a fawn ensemble.
As we have seen at some previous Sandringham church services, the couple was joined by several close friends, many of whom are godparents to the three Cambridge children.
Among them, Emilia Jardine-Paterson, along with her husband, David; James and Laura Meade; Thomas van Straubenzee.
More about the service from The Daily Mail’s coverage:
The 52 minute church service conducted by the Sandringham rector the rev Jonathan Riviere began with the singing of the National Anthem.
Prayers were said for the Royal family to ‘imbue them with the holy spirit and enrich them with heavenly grace’ and for peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East.
Other prayers were said for ‘those who suffer on the margins of society’ and people who work in the community including doctors, nurses, carers, social workers, teachers and the emergency service
After church, the Duke and Duchess greeted well-wishers hoping to see or meet the royals.
From The Daily Mail:
William who left his children George, Charlotte and Louis at home, was walking the 400 yards from Sandringham House to the church when he jokingly pointed at a young boy and his parents, saying: ‘I love the hat.’
One member of the crowd asked how his grandfather was feeling, prompting him to reply: ‘Very good, thanks’.
Kate also spoke to onlookers, wishing them a ‘Good morning’ and ‘Happy New Year’.
As she walked away from church, Kate accepted flowers from Mia Croft, ten, and brother Oakley, seven, from Letchworth, Hertfordshire, who were with grandparents Brian and Daphne Croft.
The Duchess leaned down to collect the blooms, saying: ‘Are these for the Queen? I will take them back for you. She will love these – lots of bright colours.’
Mr Croft said: ‘It is a lovely experience for our grandchildren to come here and it is fantastic that the Duchess stopped to speak to them.’
It appears Kate may have worn the Mortimer dress ($645) by LK Bennett beneath the coat.
The dress comes in two colors, green and navy. The Duchess initially was seen wearing it in green for a December visit to Evelina Children’s Hospital.
I know some believe Kate is wearing the navy color, but I haven’t seen photos yet convincing me that is the case. It would not be unusual for Kate to own the frock in both colors, and that color would certainly blend better with the coat and accessories. But from the little bit of photo I have seen, it looks more like the green.
Replicate Royalty suggests Kate opted to wear another headband from Jane Taylor and it looks like she is correct. Here is a better view (with apologies for cutting off William’s face) that better show the pleating and detail at both sides just behind the ear.
The milliner posted a photo on Instagram with jewelry designer and shipping heiress Eugenie Niarchos wearing a similar style to Princess Eugenie’s wedding. Ms. Niarchos also shared a picture on Instagram from the wedding (right), but neither offers an angle showing if her design had the same embellishment on the sides as Kate’s.
The Duchess carried a clutch by Jimmy Choo that we have seen previously, the Celeste style in navy.
Many recognized Kate’s Kiki McDonough hoops and the Annoushka Pearl Drops attached to them.
Looking back at Kate’s January church wardrobes since 2016, you can see this is the most vibrant color she has worn. 
LINKAGE:
- The Daily Mail’s coverage is here; The Express article is here; The Sun’s piece is here; People’s story is here
- Pop Sugar’s gallery is here; the Fug Girls slideshow is here; Just Jared’s gallery is here; Town and Country’s article is here
Joanna
Friday 11th of January 2019
My understanding is that it’s a basic *thing* that hats are required in church. British women took hats to a sophisticated level with fascinators and now the Duchess is taking it a step farther with headbands. The Duchess is cleverly reinventing the fascinator. Previously, I thought took the headbands, which have not always been great, to me that she just had 1980s taste in headwear. But her headband trend is continuing, recently styles have been far cooler and almost, dare I say, a big eclectic. This one looks like something one would find at Anthropologie. I love it. Further, I love it when she takes risks and especially that she’s creating her own iconic phenomenon. Now we just need a cooler name for headband. Anyone? Anyone?
Chelle Davidson
Friday 11th of January 2019
FashionBand?
Joanna
Friday 11th of January 2019
PS Wait. Just one gripe. Pleeeeeeease with the varying shades of one color in one ensemble. Blue does not go with blue does not go with blue! When is she going to figure this out?! Have we already discussed that Rachel Zoe should style her. I’m telling you; it would just be so perfect.
Chelle Davidson
Thursday 10th of January 2019
The Queen looks fabulous. I love how she punched up her lip color with the beige outfit. It really makes an impact. Duchess Kate looks lovely as usual. Though I have no proof, I believe she is wearing the navy blue Mortimer from LK B This is based mostly on her blue accessories. I can't see how a green dress would coordinate with this coat/band/shoes. Since she has a penchant for buying favorites in multiple colors I think it is entirely possible she owns both colors. It was suggested that she may be wearing the polka dot dress from Prince Charles's birthday photos based on a little bit of white cuff poking out in one of the photos above, but unless my eyes deceive me or am looking at the wrong picture, I don't see a cuff I do see a partially rolled down glove. Something I have always wondered about is how much a determination of what Kate wears is based on which home she wakes up and gets dress in. Are both her closets in Kensington Palace and Amner Hall stocked with equal amounts of 'engagement ready' ready outfits? Or does she keep her 'work' clothes/hats in London and her relaxing comfortable causual clothes in Norfolk? Does a hair stylist travel with her every where? Perhaps having help/ not having help determines which type of hat or headband she wears on each day.
Sarah
Friday 11th of January 2019
I wonder the same thing!
Vicky
Thursday 10th of January 2019
This headband is fabulous! I love the style and I love this coat! Great look for the Duchess!
Larissa
Tuesday 8th of January 2019
Looking back on the collage of January church visits past, I must say this has always been one occasion where I've been underwhelmed by Kate's outfits - even if I've liked the coat the accessories have been among my least favourites. This year was much better, though I'm not *completely* sold on the headband yet. Though, to be fair, it does seem to actually be serving the purpose of keeping hair out of Kate's face. This coat was one of the few pieces from the Nordic tour that I liked so I'm happy to see it again.
One good thing about starting the year with a humdrum outfit is that things can only get better from there. So, even though I overall like this look, my fingers are still crossed for even better outfits in 2019 ;)
Vivi
Tuesday 8th of January 2019
Happy New Year to all and especially to you who bring us these delightful posts on Duchess Carherine’s fashion choices. All the details about the events, the others in attendance and the important roles the Duke and Duchess play through their patronage’s add to my enjoyment. Rather than focusing solely on what Kate is wearing, this site informs on so many other aspects of her life and her work that truly make a difference in the lives of others. Thank you. Now, that said, I do LOVE seeing the beautiful clothes and accessories that Kate wears. It’s a delightful way to relax for a few minutes at the end of the day. Sunday’s outfit was so gorgeous on Kate. That rich blue is vibrant against her dark hair. Her headbands are quite the controversial item recently but I find them a modern, young, chic look. I admire Kate tremendously for staying true to her chosen style, sticking with the silhouettes that flatter her and the kind of clothes that she feels confident and comfortable in. To me, that is the mark of a woman with true style. The Queen is a perfect example. She varies colors, trimmings, hats but the basic silhouette of the clothes Angela Kelley provides for her stay the same and Her Majesty always looks appropriate, confident, comfortable and elegant. Just like Catherine. They have personal style with a capital “S”. I applaud and admire them.