The Duchess wore Emilia Wickstead for today’s launch of the National Emergencies Trust.
The event was at St. Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square. 
From The Telegraph’s coverage:
Both the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the launch of the National Emergencies Trust (NET), a disaster relief charity that will offer the public a single, trustworthy donation point.
Prince William has spoken about the challenges in effectively channeling public donations to disaster victims in the immediate aftermath of UK tragedies.
I believe that is Lord Richard Dannatt welcoming Kate; he is chairing the trust. 
The Duchess greeting guests and NET personnel. 
More about the organization from its website:
The intensity of emergencies in 2017 – from the terrorist attacks in Manchester and London to Grenfell – led the Charity Commission to convene a number of people in the charitable sector to see if there was a better way of responding to national emergencies. This has led to the creation of the National Emergencies Trust, which will collaborate with charities and other bodies to raise and distribute money and support victims at the time of a domestic disaster.
Below, a prayer vigil in Manchester following the deadly suicide bombing in May 2017. 
The June 2017 Grenfell Tower fire killed 72 people and injured scores of others. 
Today Kate and William spoke with survivors of that horrific fire. 
While meeting with victims today, the Duke said that the donations and support after the fire didn’t seem “well-targeted.” From an ITV story:
Natasha Elcock, chairwoman of Grenfell United, was one of the last people rescued alive from the fire, and she told William and Kate: “So many people sent clothes and food, but at the time we had absolutely no place to put them.
“No home, no cupboard, and no fridge.”
CTV News reports the Duke and Duchess “also met with survivors of the Westminster Bridge attack, in which four people were killed and about 50 injured when a man intentionally mowed them down, along with a series of other natural and manmade disasters.”
People’s story notes the Trust “…follows the concept of the Disasters Emergency Committee, which has been the U.K. response to many overseas disasters for more than 50 years.” William delivered brief remarks at today’s event.
More via Town & Country:
“Whenever and wherever disaster strikes here in the UK, this country has a unique way of pulling together,” William said in a speech this morning.
“Many thanks to the whole team behind the Trust for all their hard work ahead of the launch. We all dread the day when you are needed. But I know that, like everyone here, I am glad that you now exist.
A children’s choir also performed at the function. 
The Duchess speaking with some of the choir members. 
As ever, Kate made new friends. 
The Daily Mail reports the “organization will launch national appeals on TV and social media in the event of crises, and then allocate and distribute money to those affected.”
The couple as they left today’s function. 
Now for our look at what Kate wore for today’s engagement. 
The dress looks like the Emilia Wickstead ‘Kate’ design. It’s probably constructed of the same wool crepe fabric used in many Wickstead pieces Kate has worn. It has “a slim-fitting bodice, enhanced with contouring darts above and below the waistband, and falls to a fully lined midi-length A-line skirt.” (Although it is more of a knee-length hemline.)
If the style looks familiar, that is because it is very much like two other Emilia Wickstead designs we have seen the Duchess wear. Below you see the lavender design first worn in Germany in July 2017, as well as the green version worn in May of this year. The biggest distinction among the designs is the squared neckline on the green dress and the addition of a belt today. 
Last fall, the “Kate” dress was available at Matches Fashion in red, blue, and baby soft pink. (Unfortunately, the dress is now sold out in all colors.)
Today Kate accessorized with a belt that is very similar, if not identical, to an Emilia Wickstead belt that is sold with the ‘Danni’ dress.
UPDATE: Initially I reported Kate’s belt was also like a version that came as a standalone item. With thanks to Michelle of Perth’s Fashion, that isn’t the case. The belt Kate wore today (shown in the top photo) has a pointed end, like the belt that goes with the Danni dress and the Jana Trousers. The ‘standalone belt’ sold individually has a rounded edge, so they are not identical as initially thought.
Kate carried her black clutch from the Aspinal/Beulah London collaboration. 
The brands teamed up in 2015 to create two clutches. 25% of the profits from each handbag sale were donated to the UN’s Blue Heart Campaign Against Human Trafficking. (The designs are long since sold out.)
Kate appeared to be in a new pair of pumps by Jimmy Choo; they look like the Romy 85 Pointy Toe style ($595.)
This is a classic Choo design with a 3.3″ heel. Our thanks to Emma, as well as Gabi and Heaven, for their work on today’s shoe ID.
The Duchess wore her Women of the First World War Brooch (£29.99, roughly $38 at today’s exchange rates).
More about the brooch from the Royal British Legion Poppy Shop product page:
Women played a huge role in the First World War. They served as nurses in the field hospitals, and here at home. They worked in factories, making munitions. They worked on the land. And they were recognised afterwards with the right to vote.
Each brooch comes in a display box and is accompanied by a certificate commemorating the life of a woman who lost her life as a direct result of the First World War.
Kate also wore her sapphire and diamond earrings.
It turns out Kate had another engagement today; more via a tweet by Russell Myers, the Daily Mirror’s royal editor. 
When asked for more detail, Russell responded this way: “All I can say at this stage is that it a really interesting project and next year will be a big year for her with this line of work!”
We will see you on Saturday for the annual Festival of Remembrance. Here is one more photo from today’s engagement. 
VIDEOS:
The National Emergency Trust has a 3-minute piece.
The Royal Family Channel offers more than 4-1/2 minutes of video from today’s event.
LINKAGE:
- The National Emergencies Trust website is here; the organization’s Facebook page is here; its Twitter feed is here and Instagram page here
- a Daily Mail story is here; The Telegraph’s piece on today’s launch is here; a Telegraph background story about the trust is here; The Mirror’s coverage is here; the CTV News article is here; The Standard’s story is here
- a Hello piece is here; Town and Country’s article is here; the People story is here; the Fug Girls post is here
I have always found that Emilia Wickstead dresses seem to fit the Duchess too high in the waist. BUT, THIS ONE fits perfectly! Yaaaaay!!!!!!!
What a beautiful blue color! I love the belt detail added to this version of the dress. Her accessories were nice (especially the brooch). I love that this was a simple, classy and elegant ensemble. Kate the Great is back!
Love the colour style,material and fit of the dress but i think a black belt would of really made the whole look pop!I love that william always matches his tie to kate’s outfit so cute.
I love everything about this dress, from the color to the fit. I hope EmIlia releases it to the public!! Kate is stunning!
This bright blue color is absolutely beautiful on the duchess. It’s exquisite, especially paired with this dress and collar line. The lighting in the fourth photo just brings the dress and Kate to brilliant life. I remember seeing that on Instagram and thinking, “That’s a photograph for a book.”
I love this royal blue on Catherine! She looks gorgeous with that enviable figure, beautiful hair and that winning happy smile. My only negative thought is those earrings. They were beautiful as Diana used to wear them. Now somehow I feel the top diamond does not sit well on the ear and seems to be tipping over a bit. Of course could be just the lighting in the photographs. Just bothers me a tiny bit.
But overall love love love the whole look.
I believe the earrings just need new (tighter) backings. I have had the same issue with heavy earrings over time.
Susan, would you be able to do a post on What Kate Wore when the Radio 1 winners went to Kensington Palace? The one where Camilla Cabello was also present. The palace tweeted it and also put it up on their Instagram. It’s a new dress to me, and in a colour and pattern that we usually don’t see the Duchess in.
This is quintessential Kate and I LOVE IT.
The neckline for some reason is so striking on her this time.
Kate aims for comfort and classic pieces. These outfits will become part of history. Plus she knows what suits her and what type of outfit the outing calls for. I am so impressed with how she has grown into her role.
I agree!
I’m delighted to see this dress in yet another colorway, especially this gorgeous deep blue that puts me in mind of her Canada arrival dress from the “iconic looks” page. I think it looks better on her than on the model!
How is this woman so perfect? She looks divine today. Usually her Emilia Wickstead dresses look like the waistband is too thick and too high, but this one drapes perfectly. The silhouette is divine. Her hair, shoes, bag, everything is just lovely. Even when she crouches down to pet the dog the skirt falls in a perfect cascade. How does she do it? 🙂
The Duchess looks lovely the dress is a perfect fit, love the colour. It would be nice to see the Duchess in a different design, I appreciate that she obviously likes to wear what works well, a lot of the outfits such as this have the same theme. Like the colour choice of accessories. The sapphire earrings are always an added bonus to see they are gorgeous.
I really like the fact that, instead of changing your post to reflect a correction, you actually post the additional information about the items, noting in this case, the shape of the belt is actually different than what you described in your original post. I very much appreciate this way of handling corrections!
Thank you, Sheila! 🙂
Likewise!
I adore Kate’s hair the colour is fantastic and it really gives her a glow, but for me that glow is Kate’s confidence, the amount of posts on social media or other forums have such positive and respectful comments on Kate and how she represents Britain; she has grown from a very young woman learning the ropes on a job/life which is totally unique and it has been wonderful to see her blossom into such beautiful, gracious woman. She look positively stunning today.
Love that color, but adding a belt leads to some bunching at the waist whereas the sewn ‘belt’ in the pink and green dresses allowed for better draping.
Agreed! I think she could have remedied this by using one belt loop looser. That was my only quibble with the look. Maybe she’ll fix this the next time she wears it.
Hi Susan! I’m so glad you’re feeling better! Sending lots of warmth and prayers your way!
I really enjoyed reliving the Pakistan tour. Thanks for your painstaking, detailed work there.
If I could, I would wear the Wickstead ‘Kate’ to work every single day. I have absolutely no problem with actual Kate doing that. I’m quite pleased with the shiny black accessories! Some interest other than blue. Kate has less makeup on today than usual, OR she has a cold. Props to her either way.
I also usually think patent leather looks cheap, but I didn’t even notice it !
I think the overall look is Kate at her best: beautiful details like the gorgeous color of blue, the fit and flare silhouette that complements her build, blowout showing off her hair, but still with an overall effect of elegance almost to the point of understatement. Classic.
I ordered a poppy brooch from this US site:
https://www.britishlegionusa.com/product-page/the-poppy-collection-women-of-the-first-world-war-brooch
$35.00 plus 7.50 shipping.
I would like to see more poppies being worn in the US during November like they do in the UK.
Thank you for posting the US site. I just ordered one! I also have always loved seeing the poppies they wear in the UK, and this one honoring the women of WWI is wonderful.
Yes, thanks so much for the site. I already have a poppy brooch, but I’m looking forward to wearing this one for next Remembrance/Veteran’s Day.
Poppies were traditionally worn in the USA for Memorial Day, or as it used to be called: Decoration Day.
Thanks for the link! They also have some beautiful and inexpensive poppy scarves I am eyeing up!
I love Kate’s outfit! The dress and accessories look very professional and appropriate for the occasion!
Thank you for all the Pakistan posts! I am enjoying reading them and reliving the tour. You always have the best coverage of William and Kate-all the extras you include like the Women of the First World War brooch are just wonderful and really enhance my understanding of the events they are attending.
Thank you so much for all you do for your readers!
Hope you are continuing to feel better!
First time commenting! I have been devouring these posts and reading all your comments for a few months now. It’s a lovely break in the day for me so thanks everyone.
Love this colour, which looks good on almost everyone, and especially Kate. The style is familiar and safe and while I too felt a little bored by it at first I think it was appropriate for the occasion. Beautiful fabric. Oh how I’d love to wear it to work myself!
WOW!! The Duchess looked perfect in every way! Her Hair with the fullness and bounce was perfection. Make up not too much, perfect, and the dress with the added belt looked perfect on her! Sometimes with her long waist she gets the style wrong but this dress did nothing but flatter her figure! The parent shoes also were a beautiful touch. Patent leather to me is a bit dresser and and perfect for all seasons. She looked just beautiful. Its always nice to see the couple together. I thought she looked perfect, or did I already mention that:)
So glad, Susan, your feeling better and look forward to all you marvelous posts!
Even though I have always loved her rich brown hair, I must say I am loving this lighter shade–although I’m a bit prejudiced because her hair is the exact same color as my own now 🙂 I’m confused by how other commenters are referring to it as blonde though; I definitely consider that shade light/medium brown. Maybe it appears differently on different screens.
Dress is fine, shoes are alright, accessories are up to par. This is okay. Somewhat boring, IMO, but okay.
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A very pretty dress. I love the way the skirt flows. And a gorgeous shade of blue! I like the patent leather pumps, too. Has Kate ever worn black patent leather before? Not that I can recall.
This is an all-around win for me, except that I’m not a big fan of the lighter highlights. I really miss the shiny, rich brunette hair color that Kate was known for.
I’m glad you’re back, Susan! Please take things slowly and be good to yourself.
I totally agree with your hair color comment:)
Kate wore shiny black shoes to a couple of weddings way back when she was a girlfriend, then newly engaged…or married?…she wore them with a red collette Dinnigan dress once as well as another red dress, then with her cream brocade Malene Birger coat. There are images on google and although they look burgundy in some pics with the Dinnigan dress, they were actually black.
From my own experience and that of friends and family, here’s what I think is going on with the hair: as we age and more and more grey creeps in to our locks, it becomes harder and harder for dark coloring to be effective. That being the case, most women tend towards lighter highlights because it blends better, and then we don’t have to get color every two weeks. Based on seeing Catherine’s grey growing in as far back as after George was born (and who can blame her for being too tired to get her hair colored), I’d say she probably won’t be going back to the deep brown just because it starts to be a real pain. My hair was dark brown like hers back in the day, and then when this happened, I used blond highlights for decades. Same with my mom and many of my friends. I seriously doubt Catherine will do this, but by the time I hit 60, I just said eh, whatever, and went totally grey.
As to patent leather, I’ve never liked it, and it always seemed to me to be a spring shoe. Usually when Catherine wears a shoe that’s not suede, I think it’s her mother’s. This time, because the heel is so high and Carole tends to wear a lower heel than her daughter, I think they might actually be Catherine’s. Sigh.
Love the dress, though, and it doesn’t bother me at all that this is a Wickstead fit and flare 3.0. I rather admire her finding something that works and buying it in every color as she does with so many items.
I think patent shoes look like summer….
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I think these familiar yet similar style Wickstead pieces have become sort of a go to working wardrobe for Kate. It works. Like another reader mentioned, how does she keep warm? I would be reaching for pants and a cozy, pretty coat! This blue goes great with her coloring. The hair is perfectly bouncy, I just love it.
I know we all like to follow the glamourous side of royal life but in visits like these-seeing victims of terrorism and disaster-it reminds me of just how much pressure William must be under at times. Knowing what to say, what to do and the best way to do it to help everyone involved. But he seems like a compassionate and kind person surrounded by good people so I’ve no doubt he’ll rise to the challenge. But I do often wonder how they handle it all..
Have a good evening everyone, thanks for the post Susan!
Who knows. Either one it is a very short trip from car to inside, or two she does what the late Princess of Wales did and wears silk/wool/cashmere underneath to keep her warm. I know that is what Diana, Princess of Wales used to do on walkabouts so she wasn’t always wrapped up in a coat.
Whilst she looks lovely, I am in the minority here that this look is just plain boring to me. I abhor patent shoes, I think they look cheap, and not keen on the blonder hair.
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Well, these shoes cost $595, so not cheap by my standards.
They are expensive yes, but my opinion was that I think all patent shoes look cheap! The cost makes it worse in a way.
I’m also not a fan of patent shoes. I do think they look cheap, possibly because there are so many cheap copies around. Love the rest of the look though!
I also usually think patent leather looks cheap, but I didn’t even notice it !
I think the overall look is Kate at her best: beautiful details like the gorgeous color of blue, the fit and flare silhouette that complements her build, blowout showing off her hair, but still with an overall effect of elegance almost to the point of understatement. Classic.
The recent Emilia Wickstead dresses (including this one) seem to have improved greatly in their tailoring and construction. The lining on this is gorgeous, and it makes a big difference.
This dress really is everything- charming, a beautiful cut and color, just the right look for the event, too. Kate looks absolutely impeccable, and it’s almost boring, honestly, and she seems to wear these winter day dresses like a uniform. We had the two other Wickstead dresses, the blue Jenny Packham sheath she wore in Canada and repeated last year at this time, the other blue Packham sheath worn in Northern Ireland, the green Beulah dress….. They were all exquisite, well-tailored, beautiful, flattering, and professional. I feel like a monster for finding all of this perfection a little boring!
This blue Wickstead dress is perfect in every way, and makes Kate look glowing and gorgeous. Kate has her uniform and sticks to it, and I have never had a problem before with the multiple McQueen and Catherine Walker coat dresses in different colors, or the many (many!) shirt dresses. I think I just really enjoyed this summer, when Kate really mixed it up with fun prints, swirly, frothy skirts, different labels, fabrics, lengths and textures (the gorgeous Elie Saab, the knit Barbara Casasola, the print Ridley London dress, the culottes!, the shorts!!!). It was fun seeing so many different styles, even if there were some misses. This summer was adventurous, clothing-wise, and now I feel we’re back to the trustworthy, predictable day dresses, which is fine, but certainly less exciting 🙂
I love the color. I love her hair. I love the (patent!) shoes.
It’s so simple it’s hard to actually find fault with it, but I think adding a black belt to it like she did with the green Beulah dress earlier this year would’ve been better. The Wickstead belts tend to look cheap. Always love seeing her in black patents. And to echo another commentator on here, I too wonder how she doesn’t get cold? I know it’s a wool dress but adding a statement coat on top would really finish off the look.
Given the weather is becoming quite chilly now, I always wonder how HRH keeps warm. Could it be in the construction and lining of the garments? The other royal engagements this week of TRH Duchesses of Cornwall and Sussex saw them very rugged up in coats. Once again, it’s great to have you back Susan.
As someone who primarily wears skirts and dresses, I have a fairly good idea of what Kate is probably doing to keep warm. First, this looks like mainly a quick jaunt from warm car to warm interior, so no need for bundling up. Second, the dress is wool and presumably lined, so quite warm on it’s own. Third, layers: stockings/tights, slips, and maybe even some type of long sleeved, long bodied silk/wool undershirt. Think of something very thin that you’d wear as a base layer under ski clothes.
Form myself, I use a combination of silk and wool dresses, silk slips, tights, fleece lined tights, merino wool leggings under heavy tights, knee high boots, and a merino wool undershirt that has hits me well below the waist.
Alexa, Merino wool is a favourite of mine to add warmth, but not bulk. I have long sleeved tops that are thinner than a T-shirt, and are just like an extra layer of skin. N. American shoppers might look for these at Costco; in the range of $20.
I might also add that yesterday in London was not terribly cold. I was out in a long sleeve shirt + a light jacket and was fine. It was about 50 degrees, so maybe a overcoat isn’t really needed. The Duchess of Sussex was out in a very heavy coat and all I could think was goodness she must be hot!
I mainly wear dresses also and use many of the same techniques. The trick is not to get so layered that being indoors is too warm. Kate is usually not at an event for 8 hours like us office workers though!
Thankyou all, I very much appreciate you taking the time to answer.
Absolutely spot on from Kate today and wonderful to have a Wickstead I can get on with and that doesn’t drown the wearer with yards of heavy fabric. These neatly tailored numbers have been a great success on Kate.
I like the broader buckle belt compared with the tailored self-waistbands, and especially that it all lands on Kate’s waistline this time, and doesn’t look to be riding high as too easily happens with her long torso. Love the soft pleating at the top of the A-line skirt, very flattering.
Am also a big fan of the black accessories, shiny patent adds a neat touch of pizazz to the monochrome though maybe the croc Aspinall clutch is a touch too much texture when things are already broken up by the belt buckle and silver punch-holes. Great that her sapphire ring and earrings work so seamlessly, even having a silver setting to match the belt details. An all round win for me. Thanks a million for speedy posts, and hope you continue to take good care of yourself
I don’t ever remember Catherine wearing patents? It seems to be suede 99% of the time (which gets so boring) so I was rather pleased to note the shoes today!
The dress was elegant, business-like and suitable for the occasion and – apart from the fact that I was glad to see it was just on/above the knee and not that dowdy length that was so prevalent earlier in the year – there is not much more to say, except that I like the shade of blue on her.
I believe that her famous nude “sledge” platform heels that everyone got so sick of were patent. Though we haven’t see those in quite awhile as she has tended more towards suede heels and clutches here lately.
I like this one, which is surprising to me because I usually don’t like Wickstead and I was not a fan of the other two dresses. The vivid color is great, the belt adds some interest, and I prefer this bateau neckline on her.
I am really not liking the blonder hair on her. I think she looks better with the chestnut color she usually rocks. Some people go lighter as they go grey because it helps to camouflage, so I wonder if that is it. I hope not and that she goes back to her darker color for winter…it suits her complexion so much more (said as a natural blonde who can’t wear dark hair, even though I’d like to, because I’d look like a corpse).
And I adore the blonder color on Kate! I think it gives her a softer look and highlights her complexion beautifully. Isn’t it funny how people see things differently? I think we can all agree that Kate is lovely and beloved.
She got the highlights done originally when she still had her tan from vacation. I think she’ll go darker in a couple of weeks.
Kate always look so classy and I love the loose casual hair. Was so charmed by the Poppy Brooch and the WWI story that I ordered one just now. Shipping is a little pricey but less than airfare to London. I will be ready next year for Remembrance Day and our own Veterans Day here in US. I remember the vets sold paper poppies in the street intersections when I was a child but never knew why they were red poppies.
Susan, so happy you are doing well and I am reading the Pakistan posts with pleasure as they always are so complete with info and fashion.
Have her earrings been ID’d?
Vogue is saying they are a pair that was originally owned by Diana, but Kate altered them. Pretty sure Admin can vastly improve on my meager account!
Thank you for checking, Anne, I forgot to include them! It’s the sapphire/diamond pair. 😊
a beautiful dress and Kate wears it perfectly
The style of this dress really suits Kate and I can see why she has decided to repeat it. While I prefer the waistline on the lavender and green dresses, I do understand her desire to make a slight difference with the belt on this blue one. The colour is lovely, somewhere between navy and royal blue. Kate doesn’t usually wear patent shoes and these black ones with the more textured clutch go well.
I might have been inclined to wear plain gold earrings, to match the gold edging on the poppy, but that is really a very minor point.
I love the way Kate gravitates to children and dogs.
This is a great silhouette for Kate. I’m not crazy about the self-belt; a black patent or leather contrasting belt might have looked a touch smarter. But that’s a nitpick. She can wear this type of dress for the next 30 years, and it will look just as fresh as it does here.
I really wanted her to pull out any of her 3 black patent croc-pattern belts for this dress instead of the matching blue fabric one. She has ones in a variety of widths, so lots of choices on how to balance the waistline; it would have looked so great with the new shoes.
Beautifully understated and regal at the same time. Another winning ensemble for me..
Another Janice in the site how wonderful! I agree with your comments. I like the regal uniform she wears. She really is a country girl at heart and who wants to fuss with being a fashionista all the time.