The Duchess brought back a familiar piece for today’s naming ceremony of the RSS Sir David Attenborough, a new polar research vessel. 
The Duke and Duchess were in Birkenhead for the event.
The renowned writer, television presenter, and naturalist at today’s ceremony. 
And the new ship. 
Today’s function was part of a three-day celebration focused on shipbuilding, science, and engineering in the UK.
The ceremony was at the Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead, Merseyside.
More about the event from this People story:
Before the ceremony, the royal couple toured the ship, which will enable world-leading research to be carried out in Antarctica and the Arctic over the next 25 to 30 years. On board, Kate and William met a team of engineers from Cammell Laird who have been involved in the ship’s build, including young apprentices.
A quick video from Kensington Palace.
Learning about the ship’s navigation systems and ice-breaking capabilities on the bridge.
The ship’s specially strengthened hull will be able to break through ice up to 1m thick. pic.twitter.com/Q6rZaDsM0J
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 26, 2019
Another view.
There was entertainment for those who came to watch the ceremony, including a “penguin” parade as seen in this video from The Telegraph’s Hannah Furness.
After offically naming the ship, the trio were also treated to an A* performance from some primary school penguins (🎶 on) #bestlaidplans pic.twitter.com/ckcK87uPjL
— Hannah Furness (@Hannah_Furness) September 26, 2019
Sir David said it is “the greatest possible honour” to be the ship’s namesake.
Speaking earlier about the ship he said:
I am truly honoured by this naming decision and hope that everyone who suggested a name will feel just as inspired to follow the ship’s progress as it explores our polar regions. I have been privileged to explore the world’s deepest oceans alongside amazing teams of researchers, and with this new polar research ship they will be able to go further and discover more than ever before.
“Britain began exploring the Antarctic over a century ago when it seemed to be an empty wilderness of little importance to the world as a whole. Now we recognise that what happens at the Poles is of the greatest importance to everyone, everywhere.
The new ship is designed to withstand conditions in extreme environments, and the British Antarctic Survey describes it as one of the most advanced in the world.
Kate has done multiple engagements with Sir David, many involving the Natural History Museum. Kate has been the Museum’s royal patron since 2013. 
William delivered remarks. More from Metro’s story:
Speaking before the ceremony, Prince William said: ‘As last week’s climate protests the world over and yesterday’s report on our oceans and frozen regions demonstrated, there has never been a more important moment for this ship to get to work, and there is no person more fitting for this beacon of scientific research to be named after than you, David. ‘You have shown us how awe-inspiring the natural world is, and also how fragile and endangered it is, and you have inspired us all to do as much as we possibly can to protect it.
Kate is the ship’s official sponsor. When the time came, she pushed an oversized button on the podium, and it released a bottle of champagne that smashed into the hull to memorialize the christening. 
She said, “It gives me great pleasure to name this ship Sir David Attenborough and may God bless her and all who sail in her.”
There is a bit of a backstory with the ship’s name that some may remember. It dates back to 2016 when the public was asked to name the new ship — more from this Slate story.
Instead, more than 124,000 people voted to name a state-of-the-art research ship Boaty McBoatface, and we all had a hearty laugh at the haplessness of government officials who trusted internet denizens to take anything seriously.
The name garnering the most votes in that 2016 online vote: Boaty McBoatface. The UK’s Department for Business, Innovation, and Skill decided that was not an appropriate name for the new vessel. Instead, that moniker was assigned to the underwater device seen below.
The Duchess with students seeing the autosub. 
Kensington Palace shared a video of the Duke and Duchess seeing the vessel with the famous name.
🚢 Today, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are in Birkenhead to tour the UK’s new polar research the RRS Sir David Attenborough.
🎥 TRH learn about the role of the robotic underwater vehicle famously named Boaty McBoatface. pic.twitter.com/fhpAvlo1RU
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 26, 2019
After the formal program was over the guests of honor greeted some of the well-wishers watching the ceremony. 
Kate and William met some of the ‘penguins’ seen in the short video above. 
Now for what Kate wore at today’s ceremony.
She was in the Alexander McQueen Utility Coat Dress. For a refresher on the piece, we return to our “fun with clothing math” graphic from an earlier post. It shows the 2014 off-the-rack styles with elements that were incorporated into Kate’s garment.
If interested in more information, the light blue garment was available at Net-a-Porter ($3875), as was the black version ($3995), and the product descriptions are still available to view.
It is the fourth time we have seen the Duchess in the garment. It was previously worn in May of 2014 at the Blenheim War Memorial in New Zealand, and also in June of that year for D-Day 70th anniversary events at Normandy. We next saw it at an RAF Air Cadets anniversary event in February 2016.
The bag measures roughly 7.5″ x 5.5″ and features the classic Asprey clasp, an optional shoulder strap, and multiple interior pockets. “1781” references the year Asprey was founded.
Kate wore her Emmy London ‘Josie’ pumps ($455). The point-toe style has a chunky block heel that measures 3″ in height.
The Duchess wore the Empress earrings (£3000, roughly $3700 at today’s exchange rates) from Mappin and Webb. 
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We have one other quick note to share: there will be a royal wedding next year. This morning Buckingham Palace announced that Princess Beatrice is engaged to property developer Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. 
More about Mr. Mozzi from the BBC:
Known as Edo, the 34-year-old millionaire property tycoon is descended from Italian aristocracy, according to AFP news agency.
Edoardo’s father – Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi – is a count and former alpine skier who competed for Great Britain in the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan.
The Buckingham Palace media advisory. 
Several of the photos released today were taken by Princess Eugenie, including these.
Princess Eugenie posted the pictures on Instagram and wrote: “Beabea – wow! I’m so happy for you my dearest big sissy and dear Edo. It’s been a long time coming and you two are meant to be. 📷 by me!!”
The wedding will be next year.
VIDEOS:
The Royal Family Channel offers 4+ minutes in this video.
A 2-minute time-lapse of the ship being built.
This video gives you a vision of the work the ship will be doing.
LINKAGE:
- Read more about the Sir David Attenborough ship by clicking here
- Visit the National Environmental Research Council site here; the organization’s Facebook page is here; its Instagram page here and Twitter feed here
- The British Antarctic Survey site is here; the organization’s Facebook page is here; its Twitter feed is here
- The Telegraph’s story is here; The Daily Mail’s coverage is here; Metro’s piece is here; The Mirror’s coverage is here
- Stephanie Petit’s People article is here; Town and Country’s story and photo gallery may be seen here; the Fug Girls post is here
In a world full of excess consumerism I am so glad that we get to see the royals recycle their clothes. Yes this is a clothes site but we must be realistic about “times worn” and celebrate than rather nitpick over getting bored with her look. Kate is not a clothes puppet that the viewers expect to perform on a daily basis. Lets give her credit for recycling a gorgeous outfit and comment appropriately. By the way I love boaty mcboatface….gotta get a sense of fun🐯
There is a price you pay for perfection, and that is boredom. I used to adore Kate’s coat dresses and find them very fashionable. But I’m so bored by them now. Kate still looks perfect. She has her standard uniform and she executes it flawlessly. In her role as a royal, not a fashionista, she is still hitting all the marks and succeeding. But as someone who follows her FOR the fashion, I am getting bored.
Some royals can be criticized for their fashion “misses” (in some people’s opinion), but at least those royals always leave you guessing. You can never predict what they will wear to an engagement, and sometimes it will be a miss and sometimes it will be a hit. With Kate, you can always predict it – and it WILL always be a hit, just a predictable hit.
I have always liked this coat dress and love that Kate brought it back for this event. It was an appropriate choice, especially with the navy blue accessories. She and William matched nicely.
Also so happy for Bea!! I didn’t realize she was dating anyone! I’m looking forward to another royal wedding. Let’s see what Kate pulls out of the closet for this one!
W W II U S Army officer’s uniform – jacket has same look in deep pockets immediately below a wide Sam Browne (or later, cloth) belt.
I have to admit, this isn’t my favorite Kate coat, with the flappy pockets, and button-up-to-the-throat neckline, but she always makes it look great. The blue is a great color, and the tailoring is spotless.
It’s a nice, safe, appropriate look for a lot of engagements, and I’m happy to see her recycling her more expensive pieces.
On a side note, I’m really happy for Beatrice. She and Eugenie both seem like very sweet, caring, and down to earth royals (despite some of their luxury vacations, lol), both with a great sense of humor and a deep loyalty to family. I love royal weddings, and I’m excited to see Beatrice as a beautiful bride!
Thank you so much for the references to Boaty McBoatface, I was worried we were going to pretend that never happened. 😉 What an image to see Kate talking to some schoolchildren and in the middle is a vessel with “Boaty McBoatface” plastered on. I also really enjoyed the videos of the penguins, wonder where the first one wandered off to!
This a nice coat for the occasion – it’s maritime in its military-ness without being too obvious or costumey. Nice to see a new navy clutch in Kate’s collection though I’m surprised by this one, with the large “1781” printed on. While it’s not a logo per se it is still more of a brand identifier than we tend to see on Kate’s bags.
I can’t believe the last public outing of this coat was February 2016. I still remember that event! Just goes to show how long I’ve been following Kate’s fashion!
Always a pleasure to see the immaculate tailoring of this McQueen coat, the cut, hang, and fit are superb. I remember finding the colour a bit flat the first time we saw it, I’m not sure it flatters Kate, but I can’t fault its relevance to naval or air force engagements.
The utility styling is spot on with any military context and I’ve always appreciated the touch of McQueen swagger in the exaggerated patch pockets. The neat buckle belt and buttoned up front reflect this context also, though its interesting that the designer has opted for a smooth line at the opening with a placket covering the buttons. I’m especially fond of the back pleating, a welcome quiet visual surprise amid the monochrome, and one which gives welcome fullness to the skirt and helps it move beautifully when Kate is walking.
I’m a touch amused at the pricey Asprey clutch receiving its debut in the context of a ‘thrifty’ fourth rewear of the coat, plus familiar jewellery and shoes. Even at pushing £2k it is still one of the ‘cheaper’ of the Asprey offerings among extremely small handbags. There’s no question but that they have the most superb material and craftsmanship and are made to last a lifetime. I like the chunky courts with the relatively heavy coat and I always love seeing the Mappin & Webb Empress earrings, a favourite of mine. I think the coat looked better with hair away from Kate’s face, but wearing it loose is an acceptable style upswitch, and with a mane such as Kate’s its never going to look all bad.
Many, many congratulations to Princess and Beatrice and her fiancé, Edoardo, delightful news. They look a lovely couple and I wish them all happiness.
I love the color blue of this coat dress so much- it’s beautiful on her. I also love the style. A little quirky with the pockets. I think she looks fabulous- beautiful clothes and gorgeous young mother.
This is my favorite wearing of this dress because of her loose hair.
Do we know what purse she was holding on her way to the train? It looked like a Mulberry.
Hi, Loir. It’s possible it’s her Smythson Panama East-West Tote, but I did *not* have a great look at the video, so that suggestion could be way off base.
Congrats to Beatrice that ring is gorgeous. Kate looks lovely as usual
NOTE: admin edit
I’m so tired of the McQueen coat dresses and two-piece skirt/suits. I’d really like to see her dress in something more her age (rather than her mother’s age). She always looks pretty -albeit predictable. I think she’s stuck in a fashion rut. All her outfits seem to look the same only different colors.
I think that may be intentional. I think she works to have herself look appropriate and tasteful, but not to shine too bright. She wants to make sure the light is on the function and the Queen, not what she’s wearing.
I find the coat dresses amazingly practical for these types of events. They are warmer than just a dress, but better fitting and more attractive than a normal coat. Considering that even indoors many older buildings (or ships) don’t have central heating, they make sense even when she moves inside.
She looks lovely, happy and engaged in the moments of the day. I love her new hair color and how she has accessorized her outfit. Those shoes are great, such an interesting shape! And the clutch is beautiful, love the color.
I just found a serious typo on the Asprey website…which cracks me up since they refer to themselves as one of the “world’s pre-eminent luxury goods brands.”
Is this a coat or a coat dress? There is a difference. I always thought this was a regular coat until I read this article. In the April 2014 photo, you can clearly see that Kate is wearing something underneath. I assumed it was a dress, but maybe she was wearing a slip?? Either way, this has never been one of my favorites. I just think there’s too much going on with the big front pockets, heavy belt and back pleats. The neckline also looks quite uncomfortable. I wish Kate would leave the top buttons undone. The particular shade of blue is very pretty, though, and I’m actually glad that Kate didn’t wear a hat. A ponytail might have been nice, but I also like her hair down.
Alexander McQueen referred to the garments as Coat Dresses. As Maggie points out in a previous comment, the term references the style of the garment, not its “purpose” or end-use. Generally, they have a front opening/closure (usually buttons, but arguably a zipper or snaps), often with lapels and other design elements you would typically see in a coat. 🙂
Thank you for replying to my question, Susan, but I know what a coat dress is. I used to own a couple. A coat dress is a dress (not a coat), just like a wrap dress is a dress. No one would wear a dress underneath a coat dress. That wouldn’t make sense!
In the photo from April 2014, you can clearly see the hem of something underneath. I also saw a photo from yesterday on another blog which also shows Kate wearing something underneath. This has always looked more like a coat to me. But perhaps this is a dress and Kate is wearing a slip underneath. It’s odd, though, that her slip would be so visible. You’d think that she would have worn a shorter slip that wouldn’t show when she walked.
I’m not trying to annoy anyone by going on and on. I’m genuinely confused.
I think the confusion stems simply from the loose application of the term coat-dress. I’m with those who think a coat-dress is a garment without a dress worn underneath, and which can be more dress-like, maybe feminine, in detailing. What Kate is wearing here in my view is a coat, plain and simple, it isn’t something that can segue comfortably between indoors or outdoors, and doesn’t quite look summery and light, which I would associate with a coat-dress, though there’s no reason why one couldn’t be made up in warmer fabric. It especially comes under the heading of coat since I’m convinced she’s wearing a dress underneath which in my book puts it firmly in the coat-only category! Given how loosely the term coat-dress is used it’s understandable there should be maximum confusion as to its meaning 🙂
ElizaMo, I certainly agree with you that this is a coat. However, I called it a coat dress in my comment, because that is what McQueen called it. I figure, who am I to disagree with this world renowned house of design?
I’m sorry, Betsey, I misunderstood your comment. I’ll confess to still having a couple of coat dresses in the closet that I wore many (many!) moons ago. I loved them and harbor a fantasy I’ll be able to wear them again. (Tragically delusional on my part.🤣)
I would put this in a category of “more like a coat than a dress” in terms of fabric weight, and think perhaps Kate has worn a lightweight shift dress beneath the garment. That is just my own theory and obviously I could well be wrong. 🙂
I agree. While I love the color, I also think the pockets are too big and too close to the back pleats. The belt is also too long.
She looks beautiful with her hair down and really youthful too.
Oh wow, the Duchess looks wonderful. I have loved this coat every time she’s worn it, and I love it now. She’s styled it differently each time, and it’s always perfect to me! The color is beautiful, and I think it works especially well with the navy blue accessories and shoes. I really like how the thicker, substantial heels on the shoes balance the look.
This is also a great event– William and Kate are working hard at some very worthy causes.
And congratulations to Princess Beatrice! Such happy news and an absolutely gorgeous ring.
I love this outfit on her. It fits her well and the colour is nice on her. I also love that we’re noting it’s a fourth wearing of this outfit. Not so long ago, this would not be the case. I agree with some that the pricey clutch seems out of sync with her repeats but I can cut her some slack and at the same time hope for another sighting of this outfit, and the future sightings of the clutch. As always, her smile makes the event.
Oh, how I love the Duchess’ gleeful smile as she pushes the button to christen the RSS Sir David Attenborough. It’s absolutely full of mirth and mischief. Pushing a big button is always so much fun. I love seeing her have so much fun with her job.
I do love that she chose a repeat such as the McQueen to christen this boat. Amidst climate protests around the world, debuting something new would have been in quite poor taste for a vessel that is to explore the changes that are happening in the Antarctic and the person for whom it’s named after. Sir David Attenborough has always been about the environment first and fashion second. There is a time for new clothes; this is not one of them.
P.S. I love the name Boaty McBoatface for a research pod over a vessel. No one will be able to keep a smile off their face when discussing what it found. It’s quite a clever solution.
Kate, I fully understand the point you make about fashion being of lesser importance, compared to the event and the ship’s purpose. But you said, “Sir David Attenborough has always been about the environment first and fashion second.” That made me smile. I certainly agree that the environment has been Sir David’s passion for decades. I doubt, however, that fashion is second for him. Fashion, most likely, will not be anywhere on his radar, or interests.
He does dress quite “Sir David”, doesn’t he? He has “a look” that we all identify him with, like we identify Bill Nye with. I always associate him with a white button-down rolled up to the elbows and black trousers or a khaki trouser for his shoes with a loafer. Formal appearances it same white button down, only with the sleeves down and a tie, same black trousers, with formal loafers and a jacket. Heaven forbid he stray. It might cause an uproar.
And the thing is, we never complain about him having his uniform, but we nag about Kate having one and never trying something new. It’s definitely a bit of a double-standard. Kate is new royalty; she’s here to stand-up and say, “I’m saying no to fast fashion. Be ready for repeats!” I totally love that about her. She has such classic clothes to be able to do repeats too. Do repeats when the occasion calls for it. Big events? Definitely bring out something new that can be repeated!
I think it canny of Kate to do a repeat of her coat while debuting a clutch which alone costs more than most people’s entire outfits. I agree there’s a place of recycling and chumming up with Attenborough is a good occasion for some of the same. I think however Kate quietly reaffirms royal status by adopting such a very classy clutch so that she’s not somehow ‘dressing down’ in any disrespectful manner. She seems to have a very sure touch on appropriate levels of royal showiness.
This is my all-time favorite of Kate’s outfits, and I never get tired of seeing this coat on her. It is perfect in every way. The fit is impeccable, and the placement of the patch pockets cause the flaps to have a peplum-like effect. I liked it best with her hair in a ponytail, however.
Was Kate also carrying a tote bag today? I could have sworn I saw a photo of her carrying a tote. I like the size of the new bag but am not crazy about the 1781 on it.
This dress is gorgeous and deserves to be reworn. Especially with Sir David with them. Sustainability is even more important so this was a great way to highlight it.
There is video floating about that I only scanned, but it shows the Duke & Duchess after they returned to London by train (I *think* that is the footage). It looked like Kate may have had her Smythson Black Panama East West Zip Tote, but that is only a guess. 🙂
I think Kate looks so elegant, the coat is such a beautiful colour too. And she looks like she is enjoying herself and has the most gorgeous smile too! I am so happy for Princess Beatrice, the photos are stunning. And that ring…flawless. I have read on other websites that it is similar to Meghan’s ring but I don’t think so at all. I love the Zimmerman dress…but I am an Aussie so I am a bit biased! Kate wore a lovely yellow (I think it was a pale yellow) Zimmerman dress on her trip with Prince William and Prince George to Australia and it is one of my favourite overseas outfits on her.
I never noticed it before but there is way too much going on with that coat – belt, huge pockets, pocket flaps, pleats in the back. It should be retired. However, the Duchess wears it well and the color is beautiful on her,
I actually like today’s wearing the most, I did not like it worn with the black/navy hat at all. I think her hair down helps balance the fullness added from the pockets on the bottom half. I would have loved to see a blue topaz Kiki earrings but I like the coordination between the metals for the earring and the belt. This is a hard time of year not summer but not yet really fall weather. I’m excited to see some new fall fashion from her.
Gorgeous colour and looks extremely stylish and well test the time for years to come in royal photos. Does not bother me that she wears repeat outfits, I think in the current climate she is sending a message that we don’t continually need to do disposal clothes eg wear for a season and then retire to charity shop. Poor girl can’t win either way, Kate is doing a wonderful job and we need to start celebrating the events she is involved with instead of just looking at her for the outfits she wears.
Hear hear! Perfectly put.
“…celebrating the events she is involved with instead of just looking at her for the outfits she wears.” Absolutely not. This is What Kate Wore not What Kate Did. The emphasis should always be on the clothes. And even though Admin does an outstanding job of always covering the event, the historical aspects and details….I appreciate that her focus stays on the clothes.
I think I am over this dress too. It’s the one time the “Re wearing” of a dress did not work for me. The whole outfit screams matronly..the shoes, the dress, the handbag, the earrings.
The only thing I will always adore is her engagement ring!
I am certain the next outfit will be a better one . HA!
I lived in Europe for quite awhile when I was younger, so I get the coat dress thing. It was big where I lived, especially among those with ample money. I love the coat dresses, it instills that time of my life in my mind as a high point of fashion for myself.
That said, the ones she selects sometimes feel more like just coats that she doesn’t take off, than a dress that can double as a coat. 😊
For me, it would be terrible to go somewhere and be cold, when I lived in Europe (where I lived at least) buildings were cold! To have to spend all day “working” like the DOC, seems like that would be miserable, so I understand them, you can always take things off, you really can’t add things Willy Nilly.
I think her hair up with the high collar of this coat would have been better and it seems more practical for this event. I love the earrings. Very pretty with the coat.
I love the purse. Burberry seems like a brand that is elitist, so sometimes I’m surprised she wears it, more so than other couture she wears, even more so than her custom pieces. Just a personal perspective.
Ashlee, The purse is Asprey, not Burberry as you state. However, both brands cost more than the average person can afford.
Ashley – the bag is 1781 Pichette Blueberry Bullskin. Blueberry is not as elitist as Burberry, is it )
Blueberry and Burberry are definitely not the same. 😂 Thanks for the clarification. 😊 funny fashion mis-read on my part.
You should see some of the ones I’ve come up with over the years! 🤣
I’m from the subtropics so ignorant concerning coat dresses. Would Kate wear a light dress under this as I imagine it would be very warm to wear this indoors.
A coat dress is not a coat. It is a dress that has a similar line and style of a coat. “Coat” is a description of the style, not the function. A coat dress is not necessarily any warmer than any other style of dress. The warmth would be determined by the fabric, lining, length, and sleeve length. A “wrap dress” could be warmer than a “coat dress” if the wrap dress is a warm wool, fully lined, with long sleeves, and the coat dress is linen with short sleeves.
You guys, I am sorry but I am super over Kate’s boring coatdresses and want to burn them in a fire with all her nude pumps.
Hooray for ditching the curls and adding the gorgeous bag though.
I am sure it was a lovely event, and that she was gracious and regal, but fashion wise it’s like she’s not even trying. I guess that’s okay; her clothes are not the point of her existence after all, but it’s certainly less fun for us!
I think that’s a really good point. It’s not her mission to give us fashion content every outting. Of course she’s beauitful, and of course the coat is gorgeous, and everything looks perfect, but I wish she would play around more- have more fun and take more risks haha. But I am not Duchess of Cambridge, so I will mind my own beeswax.
I will say though, that if I had a coat like that, I would probably wear it a lot during fall/early winter. The color is so nice and fitting is perfect and I love the details. I’m sure if I wore it, I’d be very happy 🙂
The only thing I can say about this coat is that I hope it’s the last time we ever see it… it’s one of the worsts of her closet. Aside from that, she looks lovely and it was nice she made a quick speech.
I’ve always like this coat but liked it best with her hair in a ponytail. I think she should have done that today because of the wind and the constant fussing with her hair to keep it out of her face. In fact, at first, I thought she should have worn a hat as some other women were wearing hats (and the queen would definitely have worn a hat), and then I thought, nah, she was right not to wear a hat. Finally, I thought I would stop thinking about it. Of course, alas, once again no jewelry.
I quite loved the little penguin who went astray. He/she stole my heart a little.
Elizabeth, Who knows if this was a hat wearing occasion? As you observed some women did and the Queen would have. This is Kate’s second ship naming. When she was pregnant with George, she christened the Royal Princess, in Margate. You may recall that she wore a lovely maternity outfit that we called the Dalmatian dress, because it was white with black spots. Anyway, on that occasion Kate wore a hat. So I guess for some ships you wear a hat and for other ships you don’t.
My goodness Susan, so much going on in today’s post. What an amazing plan for this British ship! Congratulations to Sir David. He is such a lovely man, has done such great work and is most deserving of this honour. Congratulations also to Princess Beatrice and Edoardo on their engagement, which means we can look forward to another royal wedding and the assorted fashion and festivities. I’m still laughing at the penguin that went astray in the parade and I think Boaty McBoatface should be called Boaty McFloaty.
Kate and Meghan are certainly hitting the repeat button these days. That’s great, because we get to see outfits we’ve liked, yet again. It is also cost effective for them. Most of us wear our clothes dozens, if not a hundred plus times before we retire them. So a few extra wearings by the royals is certainly in order.
Kate looks nice today, in the beautiful shade of blue. While this has never been one of my favourite coat dresses, I don’t dislike it. I do find the huge pockets overkill, but I suppose it is McQueen’s prerogative to add something unexpected to their designs. The pleats at the back are beautifully tailored. I’d like to see the belt buckle self covered with the blue material and not a shiny silver. Nice choice of shoes and clutch, although I’d prefer the purse without a logo and the numbers 1781.
I was wondering if the 1781 reference didn’t partly refer to durability, I can quite see an Asprey being handed down through generations, in keeping with Kate’s recycling of almost everything else in her outfit.
Boaty McFloaty is a great suggestion.
Boaty McFloaty is excellent. 🙂
I still like Boaty McBoatface.
This coat/dress is okay. The gigantic pockets and flaps don’t do it for me, though.
Aw, happy news for Beatrice! I don’t know that I’ve ever seen better photos of her. And how sweet is it that Eugenie took some of them!
Love Kate’s look for today. I know not everybody loves her hue-mixing habits, but I do think the darker blues/navies against this coat look very pretty, and this is my favorite way she’s styled it yet.
I just can’t get past those ginormous pockets. The Duchess looks beautiful and appropriate for the occasion. The color is lovely and the coat is well tailored. Fit is great. I like the back detail, the belt and the length of the coat. But those pockets…
Congratulations to Princess Beatrice and her fiance. May they be happy forever.
Barbara, you expressed my feelings exactly! Those pockets!
Best wishes to Princess Beatrice and Edoardo!
Not one of her best coats, although the colour is nice.I noticed that Alexander McQueen cannot do tailoring very well , their strength is dresses
OMG, tailoring is everything with McQueen! I refer you back to the Duchess’s St. Patrick’s Day ensemble this year as just one example.
Silverlining, I respectfully disagree with your statement that McQueen cannot do tailoring very well. I don’t always like their designs but I always acknowledge the strength of their workmanship. JSR makes reference to the McQueen coat worn on St. Patrick’s Day 2019. Check it out, or the Remembrance Day coat in 2018 by McQueen. Tailoring perfection I’d say.
https://whatkatewore.com/2019/03/17/kate-in-alexander-mcqueen-for-irish-guards-shamrock-ceremony/#comments
https://whatkatewore.com/2018/11/11/the-duchess-in-alexander-mcqueen-for-historic-remembrance-sunday/#comments
Silverlining, I disagree. The tailoring on the McQueen pieces I’ve seen on Kate is the best among her outfits, especially the coats. This particular one is impeccable.
1. Congrats to Bea!
2. Nice shoes.
3. Shoulda named it Boaty McBoatface.
I liked this coat dress best as styled in June 2014, but she looks lovely today.
I love, love, love Eugenie’s engagement announcement dress! They look so happy and I am so excited for another wedding.
Yay! I’m doing the McQueen coatdress happy dance. This is always such a great silhouette and color on her, and the Empress earrings are such a good call with it. Old favorites. Love the navy accessories with it too.
Congrats to Princess Beatrice! An Italian count! *swoon* The pictures are adorable and I love her engagement ring–so classic, and understated (by royal standards).
Jessica, I’ll do the happy dance with you! At first, I was disappointed to see it again but as more pictures came out, I was reminded of how much I like the color and impeccable construction of this coat. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of the kicky pleats in the back.
I can’t help thinking Beatrice’s engagement is unusual for these days in that she’s actually marrying an aristocrat, going quite against the present trend for partners outwith such social hierarchy.
DoC looks really happy and seems to be enjoying the event. This is my favorite styling of this coat dress with her hair, shoes, bag, and jewelry. I like the mixed blue tones. The proportion of the shoes work well with the coat’s dimensions. I’m sure the block heel made it easier for her to walk around the dock and the ship. I like how visible her earrings are against her hair, even though they’re small. She looks professional. The color stands out well in the crowd which I’m sure those who came to see the event in the crowd appreciated.
If I was wearing this outfit, I would have used a dark, jewel-toned purple leather bag instead of the blue. That’s more about personal preference.