The Duchess sported a mix of new and old designs for today’s visit to The Mumbles and Port Talbot in South Wales. 
A view of the Mumbles Amusement Arcade. 
Richard Palmer of The Express tweeted a video of the couple arriving.
The Duchess of Cambridge is wearing a Hobbs coat and Zara dress today. pic.twitter.com/PVnxkpGQvy
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) February 4, 2020
It was a brisk, sunny day. 
And there was plenty of wind.
Another view.
The first stop was at the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) Mumbles lifeboat station. 
From a Palace news release: “Lifeboat operations in The Mumbles have been looked after by the RNLI since 1863 and the service frequently helps the greatest number of people for a single station in Wales”.
The Duke and Duchess met rescue crews and volunteers at the station and presented a 20-year service award.
Emily Nash of Hello! tweeted a quick video of James Bolter being applauded for his many years of service.
William and Kate on board the Tamar class lifeboat at @TheMumblesRNLI, after presenting a long service award to crew member @James_Bolter for 20 years there: pic.twitter.com/Lxf5FP7FeE
— Emily Nash (@emynash) February 4, 2020
More from the ITV Wales coverage of today’s engagements:
Prince William and Kate spoke to crew members about day-to-day life as part of a team that provides 24-hour rescue services at sea.
The duke and duchess also spoke with Paul O’Dwyer who was rescued by the crew last summer after his yacht broke down.
And from The Evening Standard:
He [William] was keen to hear about the range of incidents the crew are called out to and whether they had other jobs.
“Are you all full-time?” he asked. “It’s a great thing to do. It’s rewarding, it’s challenging, it ticks lots of boxes.
Laughing with one of the crew over how it impacts family life, he held an imaginary phone to his ear, pretending to take a call saying, “I’ve got to go” I bet your other half isn’t pleased.”
The couple greeted well-wishers as they left the lifeboat station. 
There was quite a crowd gathered at Mumbles Pier eager to meet the royals. 
Kate and William did a walkabout. 
Richard Palmer shared a video.
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) February 4, 2020
Despite the chill, people waited to see the couple. 
I love Kate’s face here. 
The couple then visited Joe’s Ice Cream Parlor.
It is a family-run business now in its fifth generation, started in 1898 by Joe Cascarini when he emigrated from Italy. I love the look on William’s face in this picture. 
More from Robert Jobson’s Evening Standard piece:
William, who went for a vanilla cone with chocolate sprinkles, met owners Dominic and Adrian Hughes.
“I am a chocolate man,” he said, as he walked in. “I bet it’s packed in here in the summer.”
William went on: “I am a chocolate man, you see, but I’ll try both.” He was then given a small cup of chocolate.
Asked if his children liked ice cream, William said: “They do, some more than others.”
Kate and some of the children at the eatery. 
ITV tweeted a video of the Duke and Duchess enjoying some of the tasty treats offered at the parlor and speaking with parents about Kate’s Early Years projects.
Despite the chilly weather, William and Kate then enjoyed an ice cream from the family-run business @JoesIceCream in the Mumbles🍦https://t.co/4q9As7VL0M pic.twitter.com/EsZoLTLK7k
— ITV Wales News (@ITVWales) February 4, 2020
More from Simon Perry’s People story:
And they also discussed Princess Kate’s survey on children’s early years, called “5 Big Questions on the Under Fives.” The survey was launched this month as Kate undertook a whirlwind 24-hour tour that also took in the Welsh capital Cardiff. Last week, it emerged that more than 100,000 had taken part in the month-long project.
Kate with one of the little ones.
What a little cutie he is. 
Another picture.
From the Wales Online live coverage:
Caroline Morgan, headteacher at Oystermouth School, said: “They were asking us a lot of questions about Mumbles, and the school and local community. Kate was asking us about the Big Survey which our parents have done.
“They were lovely and very natural. Five pupils were here and the rest were down at the lifeboat station so the whole school has been involved. It’s been fantastic.”
More from Wales Online’s live blog:
“Kate was very surprised that we have about 110 staff in total. They wanted to know which was the busiest shop and which one was the first shop.
“All of the staff really come through the ranks from when they were 14 or 15 and now we have staff at the age of 50 who are now directors.
“They wanted to know what the secret was which we didn’t divulge. It’s a fabulous honour and great for Swansea. Kate had a vanilla ice cream and William had a vanilla in a cone with chocolate sprinkles and then had a chocolate one. He loves chocolate.”
As they were leaving the ice cream parlor Kate had a surprise, seeing two of her former teachers from St Andrew’s Pangbourne, Denise Evans-Alford and Kevin Alford. More from The Mirror’s coverage.
Mr Alford taught her French and German, while his wife was her netball coach. Denise said, “She hasn’t changed at all you can tell Pippa and James are wonderful too. “I’ve been waiting 20 years for this.”
Below, the Duchess with her former teachers. 
The Alfords traveled some distance and waited outside the ice cream parlor, giving a note to one of the couple’s security staff who then alerted Kate that the couple was outside. The Mirror story notes that Kate gave them a hug and told them: “I want to instill in my children what I learned at St Andrew’s.”
Kate and William then moved to the Tata Steel facility in nearby Port Talbot. 
The plant has been operating on the site for over one hundred years.
More from The Gazette’s coverage:
The area’s biggest employer and one of the most important across Wales – Tata Steel – welcomed the Cambridges to its Port Talbot plant to learn about its role in UK manufacturing – from food cans to warships and cars.
In the control room, known as the pulpit, the couple chatted to staff about the process and were told the steel they saw was being reduced to five millimetres in thickness would be used be used in car manufacturing.
The royals were given three Welsh Dragons as a gift. 
The final engagement of the day was at Bulldogs Boxing and Development Centre. 
More from The Gazette:
The final stop for the duke and duchess was Port Talbot’s Bulldogs Boxing & Community Activities centre, where they spoke to children being helped through tough upbringings and mental health issues by boxing and fitness.
Kate took part in a teamwork exercise with some of the children, where the group stood in a line holding sections of a pipe and steered a small orange ball from one end to the other.
The duchess was forced to poke the ball from her section into one held by a young girl next to her after getting into difficulty and joked: “Slight cheating.”
Kensington Palace noted that the visit to Bulldogs was timed to coincide with Children’s Mental Health Week. 
And from Wales Online:
Simon Warren, a fitness mentor, said: “They were asking what we do here and ask how the kids came here and how they are part of the project. They were asking the kids if they like it and how long they’ve been doing it.”
Below, the Duchess and six-year-old Brooke. 
More about Brooke from The Daily Mail’s story:
Kate and Brooke first met at a team-building game called Gutterball where participants have to coordinate and work together to get a ball to move along a line of gutters and into a box.
But when that was over and Kate, and husband Prince William, moved on to the next part of their visit, Brooke dragged her willing charge off elsewhere. ‘She decided she wanted to be Their Royal Highnesses’ guide.
‘She took the duchess to see where she does coloring and pointed out the outside space we have. She did a great job at it,’ Samantha Fox, project manager at Bulldogs Boxing and Community Activities in Port Talbot, explains.
Below, a photo shared by Bulldogs Boxing on their Facebook page. 
And from Wales Online:
Chief executive at the Bulldogs Boxing Club, Mal Emerson, said: “William and Kate were blown away to see it all and to see the children’s commitment. It is really inspiring to see the children put their hearts and souls into it.
“We are all about giving people a chance in life and this becomes people’s safe haven. We are so proud to have William and Kate here and to think we started with nothing in 2008 and to have this happening now, we can’t believe it. It’s unbelievable. You can see the pride on everyone’s faces. The royal couple really got involved with everything.”
A Kate funny face. 
The Duke and Duchess were each given a pair of boxing gloves. 
They were also sent home with three sets of boxing gloves for George, Charlotte, and Louis.
People’s Simon Perry tweeted a video of the couple as they prepared to leave.
Kate and William saying goodbye @BulldogsBCA in Port Talbot 🏴 They got boxing gloves too. #royal #DukeandDuchessofCambridge pic.twitter.com/kKoO7KMOdd
— Simon Perry (@SPerryPeoplemag) February 4, 2020
Returning briefly to Children’s Mental Health Week, this year’s theme is “Find Your Brave”. More from the CMHW site: “Bravery isn’t about coping alone or holding things in. It’s about finding positive ways to deal with things that might be difficult, overcoming physical and mental challenges and looking after yourself. 
Children’s Mental Health Week is organized and managed by one of Kate’s patronages, Place2Be. The Duchess released a letter in support of the week of activities. 
We now move to our look at what Kate wore for today’s engagements in Wales. 
She was wearing the Bianca Coat (originally $625, now on sale for $420) by Hobbs, a military-inspired style in a blend of 78% wool/22% polyamide. The maxi-length design is a structured style in a double-breasted silhouette with distinctive burnished buttons, oversized patch pockets, and shoulder epaulets.
A closer look at some of the details, including the cuff (center), one of the garment’s interesting design elements.
Kate’s version of the coat is also available in limited sizes on the Debenhams UK site (£259, roughly $335 at today’s exchange rates). The design comes in a shorter style, although there are a few design elements not seen on the maxi version, including on-seam vertical front pockets. It is in stock at Hobbs (originally $625, now discounted to $375) also at Debenham’s (£199, about $260).
The Duchess was in a Zara dress we’ve not seen previously. 
It is a viscose/nylon blend with a round neck, modified balloon sleeves with an extended cuff. Our thanks to Heaven for the dress ID. 
Kate wore a new scarf from Beulah London. It is the retailer’s Shibani Red & Ecru scarf ($120 / £95) in Beulah’s hearts print. The piece is available for pre-ordering with delivery expected at the end of March. (We have a repliKate suggestion here.) 
The Duchess brought back her Darley Handbag in the ‘ruby red croc’ style by Mulberry. The bag can be used as a clutch or carried using the detachable strap; it measures roughly 6″ x 9.5″
Kate’s hair was partially up.
She repeated her Oak Leaf Small Hoop Earrings ($6450) by Asprey London. 
Kate also wore her Daniella Draper personalized necklace first seen in late January, the jeweler’s Trio Diamond Midnight Moon Necklace (£1270, roughly $1650 at today’s exchange rates). On the far left you see the piece as worn January 22nd, showing the initials G, C, and L for the three Cambridge children; as worn today (that looks like the back of the piece we’re seeing); and the product images from the Daniella Draper website. 
We saw the return of the Half ‘n Half Boots by Stuart Weitzman that were made for Russell and Bromley.
The style features a suede front with a stretch panel at the back, block heel, and rounded toe. Kate has had the boots for years and this specific style is no longer offered at Russell and Bromley.
The current iteration of the Half ‘n Half is carried at several retailers, including at Bloomingdale’s ($675) and also at Nordstrom ($675). Here you can see the differences between the older version and the contemporary style: the heel is lower and on the Nordstrom pair the back shaft appears fuller, although I’m not sure if that’s merely a function of the way the boot was photographed or not. 
I’ve not yet had time to look at Kate’s belt or gloves.
UPDATE FEB 5: In a comment yesterday, Sarah asked if I could do a side-by-side with the Hobbs ‘Gianna’ worn in January 2018 for a Place2Be engagement. Sarah’s thought was that the two coats are very similar; that was a great request because there were a couple of mentions on social media yesterday wondering the same thing. When looking at the garments side-by-side the distinctions between the two become significant. The biggest difference to me is the length, followed by the different silhouettes: the flared skirt on the Gianna vs. the relatively straight cut of the Bianca. 
There are other design elements differentiating the coats, like the much wider lapels on the Gianna, but the length is probably what I find the most striking. I’m glad Sarah asked for the comparison; it was a good exercise to put some photos of the two garments side-by-side.
VIDEOS:
The Telegraph offers an overview of the day running about 1:15.
The Royal Family Channel has several videos from today’s visit. The first is of the RNLI engagement and walkabout.
This is the Joe’s Ice Cream Parlour visit.
At Tata Steel.
And at Bulldog Boxing.
This is roughly 3:25 covering most of the day’s events via Canada’s Global News.
The UK’s 5 News has about 8 minutes of coverage of the RNLI engagement.
LINKAGE:
- Learn more about Children’s Mental Health Week at the event website here; visit Place2Be’s site here; the Place2Be Facebook page is here; the organization’s Instagram page is here
- Wales Online has great coverage here; A Daily Mail piece is here; an ITV Wales story is here; The Telegraph’s story is here; The Mirror’s article about Kate meeting her former teachers is here; The Evening Standard piece is here; The Gazette’s full story is here; The Sun’s article is here;
- Simon Perry’s People story is here; Hello’s story and gallery are here; Town and Country’s gallery is here; the Fug Girls post is here
Can I just say – I don’t know if Kate has got a new skincare routine or herbal supplements routine or something like that, but she looks RADIANT! I wish my skin could look as glowing and healthy as she does! What magic is this that she has!?
I loved the outfit also. So glad to see Kate wear a scarf, and this one is a beauty. I bought another Beulah scarf that Kate wore years ago, a gray and navy one that I love. The navy and red combo is a winner, and I don’t mind the black boots. While I agree that navy boots would be great, it’s hard to match navy. Red leather winter boots tend to be dark red, I have a pair I love, but I don’t wear them with fire engine red. Overall it was a big win and something very relatable. The dress was beautiful on her, red is a great color in the dead of winter.
I love that gianna navy coat it’s just so beautiful and would really like to see kate wear it again.
I think she wore this coat when she was pregnant with Louis, so I think it might be too big for her now. I love that coat also!
I love the scarf! I wish she would wear one more often. Really lights up her completion!
I know many are saying the boots were too casual, I agree, but I do think she chose them for comfort on a windy cold day. She is human!
Navy and red are so classic.
Will and Kate look so happy and at ease with their recent engagements.
I like the whole look with the military max coat, appropriate for the weather, Love the scarf and I want one in the same colors. I have learned thur the years in the winter time with the high winds to purchase a nice long double breasted coat without the slit in the back, it helps with cold and wind without it flying out in the front and back. It is always harder to find a coat without a back opening, I will not purchase a winter coat with an opening in the back.❤️
I loved the look, it was very elegant indeed. The navy blue and red combo was a killer. I love the double-breasted jackets or overcoats, I think they look amazing on women.
This is a funny coincidence but this evening I attended a party to preview the Beulah spring collection and meet Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs, the brand’s cofounder. I purchased the Shibani scarf in the Fuchsia & Navy colourway in October and I’ve been wearing it all autumn and winter. It’s beautifully made, generously sized, and very warm. I receive many compliments on it. At first I thought they must be opening a store in NYC, but when I double checked the invitation on my way over I realized that it was at an apartment in the UES.
The apartment was beautiful, I believe the hostess must be a friend of Natasha. It was fun seeing a room full of women wearing Beulah dresses and scarves. I’m attending a wedding in May so I’ve been on the lookout for something to wear and it was the perfect opportunity to try on their dresses. I found they fit true to size, except for the wrap styles, in which case maybe go up one size. I spoke with Natasha only briefly as I felt shy but she was really lovely.
I hadn’t read this post yet but someone at the party mentioned that the Duchess wore a new Shibani scarf in Red & Ecru yesterday. I love clear winter colours and jewel tones so I’ve been wanting the Shibani scarf in Emerald & Green and used Valentine’s Day as an excuse to treat myself. I mean, Natasha herself said the colours looked well on me, so how could I not? I learned that they are looking into the possibility of opening a Beulah store in NYC. It’s nice to hear that the brand is doing well. As a company they make great clothes and have good values so I’m sure they would have been successful on their own, but I think the economic power the Duchess has, particularly for British brands, is really interesting from a business perspective.
This was fascinating to read. Thank you!
This is a beautiful outfit, very well put together. That dress is just gorgeous (love those sleeves, so elegant and classic) and I especially like the shade of red, it really looks great with the shade of navy in the coat. I like this length too, especially on someone as tall as the Duchess. The scarf was a welcome and nicely worn surprise deviation from Kate’s usual choice of accessories. Very pretty!
The boots, however, leave me shaking my head. I don’t think they ruined the outfit but they did not enhance it, IMO. It is not the color or the low heel, it’s just that they seem so obviously designed for more casual wear. A dressier pair of low heeled all leather boots would have looked better. Kate’s footwear game is definitely her weak point (we all have ’em!)
I am a bit surprised about the reaction to wearing black with navy, especially black footwear with a navy dress or coat. I can’t recall ever wearing a black blouse with navy pants or skirt, but that can look very chic. I have worn many a navy suit and almost every time it was with black shoes. Navy is very difficult to match as is red. What color boots would you wear if not black?
Another question: Is this midi length very on trend? I have to say, when combined with the pussy bow blouses and dresses, as Kate has been doing, it is highly reminiscent of, if not identical to, business attire of the late ’80’s. I don’t see much new or any “twist.”
I do like the style, although it is a challenge for us “short people.” I found I could wear this length only if precisely hemmed to 2-3 inches below my knee. It’s not a true midi but it worked for me.
Donna, You ask what colour boots should be worn, if not black. Well, this coat would have looked incredible with red boots, or even navy boots. And before anyone says they are hard to find, I have both navy boots and red boots. So if I can find them on a fraction of the wardrobe budget that Kate has, she could certainly find them. I also have red shoes and navy shoes, both dressy and casual. I find footwear in those colours to be very useful. The red really perks up a navy, black, white or grey outfit. The navy, that I don’t wear with black, brown or orange, seems to enhance all other colours.
Boden had beautiful low blue boots in their fall/winter catalog. Mine arrived several weeks ago – they were on backorder forever (or so it seems). They have a little bit of a heel and are quite comfortable – as a teacher I am on my feet all day so I am always conscious about stylish shoes and boots that are comfortable as well.
The midi look is unfortunately very on trend. I find midi lengths to be very reminiscent of the skirts my schoolteachers wore in the 80s. I find it hard to find dresses and skirts that I like in knee length, because in addition to me not liking the aesthetic, midi skirts make me look short and squat, sigh. I will be glad when they are not in vogue any more, both as a watcher and consumer of fashion.
OG SG, I agree with you so much. Unfortunately midi skirts are having a moment, but to me, they look like something an older schoolteacher would wear, and they make me look very short and stumpy, since I’m not tall and willowy like Kate. I guess we should be glad mini-mini skirts aren’t the style? I think knee-length would be a good compromise, though not on a windy day, obviously.
The combination of blue and black or brown and black is very European. Max Mara has put these colours together for as long as I can remember.
I guess I am in the minority here. I thought none of these items went together. Bleu and red? I don’t think so.
And then the design of that red dress looks so outdated. Not flattering at all. These boots are just dreadful. The scarf is so juvenile.
On a positive note, I loved that coat – so elegant – and her hair was perfect for that windy outing.
They are such a class act.
I totally agree with you!
Overall, a lovely, fun outfit that successfully worked for this outing, which involved a range of activities. The heart scarf was a particularly cute touch. She needed boots that were sleek, with shine and structure. And I hope she will one day consider a braided ponytail of some kind, so her hair doesn’t get in her face when it’s windy.
I see this as a happy, sentimental journey for them, and evident in Kate’s wardrobe choices. The bright red Wales connection, the hearts motif, and the jewelry — the necklace which I see becoming a favorite of hers, a way of keeping her beloved children close, and those gorgeous earrings which I like to think were perhaps a special wedding gift. Then the warm and trusty boots. She was set to have a great day and it certainly looks like she did. I loved it all!
I adore the coat and the red scarf looks gorgeous with it.
But those boots – I am speechless. Those old Stuart Weitzman boots for Russell and Bromley again. Again! They make her feet look huge (would make anybody’s feet look huge).
Years go by and she constantly wears the same frumpy suede boots. Why cannot she buy some classic but lovely leather boots that have higher heels, the options are absolutely endless. She is compeltely stuck in a style rut when it comes to footwear – years and years of the same pumps and boots, usually in suede.
As the dress has that weird midi length, therefore compelety different boots are required in order to make it actually look elegant. That necklace is too long and does not also go with that dress.
Kate is on her feet all day. Those boots are comfortable and do not make her feet look huge. She is 5’9” and has proportional sized feet. This myth that small feet are somehow better has caused countless damage to women over the years as they try to cram their feet into too small footwear. Did you read about all the places, in and out, up and down, they walked? High heels would have been totally inappropriate.
NOTE: admin edit
I agree with your comment about small feet, Maggie. Women have always been made to feel unfeminine if they are taller, or fatter, or have larger hands or feet than what is considered ‘normal’. One thing that I love about The Duchess is that she appears to be comfortable with her height. I myself have always been quite proud of my height, (which is about half-an-inch less than hers). My only regret is that the range of garment lengths in my country do not often accommodate taller women. I applaud The Duchess for setting a good example by wearing sensible shoes, such as the block heeled pumps and these boots. There is a place for stiletto heels, but they are downright dangerous in some environments. I do not think that her feet look out of proportion with her height in these boots. I also think that the length of her coat is appropriate for the cool, windy weather. The Duchess wore gloves outside, which indicates that the weather was cold. I found her outfit to be both smart and appropriate for the occasion and the weather.
I noticed in the boxing clip that Prince William replaced the top of the pen after he signed the certificate. Many people would not have done so. I think that this simple gesture illustrates how careful and considerate he is. I read somewhere that Her Majesty The Queen is frugal and also that she likes to keep things tidy. I suspect that Prince William has inherited both traits.
I really like the boots. In fact, I have the more recent version of the Aquatalias with the lower heel that I bought for $199 (!) last year at Winners (the name for TJMax in Canada). However, I would have preferred to have a slightly higher block heel l
I agree the suede boots with the low block heel weren’t the most stylish choice, but they made so much sense for cold winter weather, where Kate had to walk everywhere and stay on her feet all day. In an ideal world, I would have liked to see a sleek-fitting black high-heeled boot. However, I would have chosen the trusted, comfy boots too, in her position 🙂
Fantastic outing– they looked so happy to be in Wales, and it looked like the feeling was mutual! Great look on Kate– this half-up do is one of my favorite hairstyles for her, and the crisp red of her outfit was terrific.
I love the beautiful navy coat with the pops of red! Very fun to see something a little bit daring and not so matchy-matchy (well, the clutch matched the dress, but not the coat), and the contrast worked. Pure navy would have been so dark and dour, but with the red handbag and fun red scarf, it made the outfit really shine. I also loved the Zara dress and that adorable Beulah scarf. Such a great outfit for a blustery, cold day!
I can just never get excited about coats and coat dresses so this was a big miss for me. I dislike the extra long length and don’t care for the boots with the coat….just blah. Thank goodness for the scarf and red purse…loved those! Also, while the dress was a bit plain the color was beautiful and I liked the boots with it. Her hair was beautiful and I always like to see this lovely couple looking for happy and relaxed!
Sorry for two replies in a row, but I am wondering what you think Kate should have worn on a cold winter day in Wales if not a warm coat?
I just said I can never get excited about coats and coat dresses. I didn’t care for the length and there was nothing about the coat design I found particularly appealing. My opinion.
When you live in a cold climate like I do, coats are the most important part of one’s wardrobe because that’s how people see you most of the time. You can be wearing pyjamas underneath, but if the coat looks good, you are good to go.
I think that overall this outfit was fantastic. I don’t usually like super long coats but it was clearly needed for warmth and protection from the wind. The red scarf and purse were great accessories for this outfit and I loved that she had a huge smile on her face and genuinely seemed to be enjoying the engagements. William also seemed more relaxed than usual. Hurray for the lovely gold and diamond earrings and necklace.
I don’t understand the complaints about black with navy. Do you wear black tops and blouses with dark wash jeans? If so you’re wearing black and navy together. The low heeled boots were clearly for warmth and comfort and I’m glad she added the black belt to the dress to give it a little shape. Her hair appeared to be almost braided at the top and I would have worn a French braid or some other lovely braid so as to combat the wind. There are several pictures with her hair disheveled despite her best efforts to contain it.
This might have been a good occasion for slim wool trousers tucked into boots and a long sweater under the coat, but that doesn’t seem to be her aesthetic.
Since you asked Katefanatic….nope I don’t wear black tops with dark blue jeans. I never wear black and navy together. It is just a personal choice and if others do it, that’s their choice, but it’s not for me.
Can’t find that dress on Zara website😔
I think it was sold out before she even wore it. It’s a lovely dress… perhaps they will do a second run!
In love with everything about this engagement. William and Kate were simply radiating happiness with each other and with their purpose and roles in life. Their connection to everyone they spoke to just warmed my heart to see.
This outfit is a 10 from me. Adore the dress and the hearts and the coat with the dress and the hearts… love love love. I didn’t usually like black and navy together, but for some reason in this context, I wasn’t bothered a bit. Her hair was also fab. I was waiting on a new outfit after the past few repeats. Not at all disappointed!
I would have loved to see the LK Bennett “Ami” coat, Jonathan Saunders “Athena” coat or the Reiss black white houndstooth with this red dress. For me, the navy looks like a late minute change for a warmer coat.
I like navy and black together when done intentionally but this just didn’t work well especially with the silver buttons and gold jewelry.
I love the red dress and scarf, her hair has been pulled back in 3 out of 4 previous engagements. I’d like to see a few messy buns but that style has probably been reserved for Meghan.
Any chance of throwing up a side-by-side with the Hobbs ‘Gianna’? They seem identical, besides buttons and length?
I’ll do it tomorrow! 😊
Hi, Sarah, I finally was able to edit the photos, the new montage is at the bottom of the post. I’m really glad you made the suggestion! 🙂
Oh, she looks just so lovely. Perfect.
I have this Beulah scarf only in deep pink, and I also wear mine in early February. I love it. Maybe I won’t put it away after Valentine’s Day this year.
La Canadienne has some good replikates .. I have a pair that are amazing. Plus made in Canada ! 👍🇨🇦
The navy coat is superb, warm and the fit was perfect. Love the addition of the red scarf. The red dress with black belt is divine. The perfect finishing touch was the choice of jewellery, gorgeous.
Ugh. I find the red polyester, with the balloon sleeves, and the heart scarf altogether quite clownish. Not even someone as sophisticated as Kate could pull it off without looking like she’s wearing some kind of a naval-inspired Valentine’s Day costume. For me, none of the different elements of the outfit work well together.
I’d like to see her in something sleeker and more sophisticated next time. And for goodness sakes, enough with the midi-length dresses! Kate is a young woman with a fantastic figure, and they just seem to drown her.
Ooooo!!! The Duchess is really knocking it out of the park lately! I adore this whole look. I love black and navy together, especially this look. I think the navy coat with the black suede boots is so chic, and that is before you add that beautiful scarf (I had to pre-order… just stunning!) and the dress is adorable on her. Her hair looks great (I’m in the minority, I think, of wishing she would go back to the darker shade) and those earrings… I would buy those in a heartbeat if I had that extra cash lying around!
I do kind of see what everyone is saying about her coat collection. She has so many! I wonder where she keeps them all?
Kate and William are adorable together and I love seeing them together on engagements. And how cool about her teachers coming to visit her!
Love her in red and blue. I especially loved her earrings, she has worn them numerous times, and they always add the finishing touch. Looks lovely today.
I thought this was a perfect away day look for Kate. The scarf was wonderful and the navy and red were gorgeous together. I wouldn’t change a thing. I wish I could find that Zara dress – I would buy it in a heartbeat!
Beautiful dress and colour. Lovely scarf, just love it. Neat coat and ritch colour. AND THE HAIR – FABULOUS!!! Always love her hair pulled away from her face.
Happy smiles.
I love it when we get pictures of the back of Kate’s hair- thank you! I’m so in awe of the twisty bits (obviously not a hair person- ha!). Thank you!!
Kate seems very relaxed and happy these days, which is great to see (especially with all of the recent challenges within the family). I echo the sentiment of not liking black with navy. I wish she had chosen a different coat or opted for a different belt and boots. The pop of red was really refreshing. Call me crazy, but the scarf made me immediately think of the Valentine’s scarves that are currently on sale at Dollar Tree. What an easy, affordable repliKate to get the look!
Cozy outfit and cheery pops of red! I love this whole look.
Flat boots are practical and stylish. And they are fabulous with that smashing red dress.
I have no issue with the mix of navy & black. I think it’s chic and confident.
At last! I was delighted to see a neck scarf on Kate today. We haven’t seen many. As I am someone who gets the urge to wrap her neck up at the slightest whisper of a breeze, this is an accessory that I can really get behind!
I thought Kate looked smashing in the red knit dress and black belt. Love those trendy sleeves. The navy coat was okay but was definitely perked up by the ref scarf and purse.
Doesn’t Wales look incredibly scenic!
It’s a truly ultra-smart, professional royal look from Kate today, the navy and red balance kept a snappy and efficient look, plus we had the added bonus of seeing the whole Zara dress later. A scarf with hearts on was a perfect princess touch, even while being something I’d find too sentimental for ordinary use. It fitted right in with the red Welsh theme and meeting such a lot of people, especially children.
Hobbs have offered well-tailored , classic double-breasted coat in the Bianca, and in a good winter length. I’m glad to see a revere neckline into which Kate can fit her scarf as she relaxes her former buttoned-up-to-the-neck preference. The red dress emerged from beneath as another winner, taking a simple sheath and adding the twist of those lovely balloon sleeves, and ribbed bodice over a fluted skirt.
I’m glad Kate had sensible flat boots for walking out along an exposed pier, the Weitzmans are elegant at the same time as being built for comfort and ease for tackling hazards, such as lifeboat station stairs.
Despite the extreme weather, her hair remains beautiful and again so elegant away from her face, plus admirably well secured. I’m reminded how she managed to keep a tiny fascinator firmly in place on an equally wind-battered Anglesey engagement. The gorgeous Asprey Oak Leaf earrings are always a treat to see, and a welcome hint of baroque among all the smart lines of red and navy contrast. The neat Mulberry quilted clutch is the perfect finishing touch of low-key texture.
Love how she avoided eating the ice cream
She looks lovely and that red dress is a big win. What a delight to get to see her former teachers, for her and for them. Is it just me or did William and Kate seem to be enjoying themselves, together, a bit more on this engagement – more eye contact, smiling, touching? Whatever. They make such a good team.
Big kudos from me today! I LOVE that red on her. For me with the black belt this ensemble is evocative of her Luisa Spagnoli skirt suit, which I will always adore. And the cute little scarf with the coat – what a fun way to break up the many many coats she wears!
William’s remarks made even me laugh. I love that he takes the time to be funny with people. As others have already said, he and Kate are a wonderful team who really interact with the people they are meeting, and I’m sure Wales is full of lovely memories for them. As a child of teachers, I am sure Kate’s old teachers were tickled to death to see her!
Gosh, that dress is great. I love the scarf, too. I would love to see her wear more patterned scarves as a way to pull her look together. She’d look divine with a scarf-tied ponytail.
She and Prince William are so adorable together; their affection for each other is so obviously sincere.
Oh, a scarf tied ponytail – the heart skips a beat.
Co-signing this scarf in a pony tail wish!
Oh, my yes, yes, yes! to a scarf-tied pony. It is one of my personal favorites, perhaps being a child of the sixties. I would love to wear it, but, unless the DoC gives me the style go-ahead, I feel out of sync with the times 🙂
Over the years we’ve seen Kate in numerous coats, but she has worn a scarf in the neckline so very few times. Therefore, I appreciate the addition of the red and white scarf that adds a pop of colour to what is otherwise a very sedate coat. I do like the navy coat and it appears to be very serviceable and warm. The purse echo’s the colour in the scarf. The only think I dislike in the outside look is her choice of boots. They are perfectly lovely boots and I always am happy to see Kate in a lower heel that protects her feet and back. I am just one of those people who never wears black and navy together. They certainly don’t clash, they just do very little to enhance each other. Queen Letizia of Spain has glorious red boots and I think these would have lifted Kate’s outfit into the WOW zone. When she was inside, however, and took her coat off, the black boots were fine with the black belt on her dress. The dress has a lovely flow to it and I especially like the interest of the sleeves.
What a fine day…meeting her former teachers, eating ice cream and interacting with plenty of children! Since one day William and Kate will be the Prince and Princess of Wales, I think it is wonderful that they get to visit Wales as often as they do.
I agree about how the black accessories worked well with the red dress but not as much with the coat. I didn’t mind the black/navy mix. I think it made her look like a regular person, and not too perfect. I think her gloves were black too. I would have chosen a purple or camel colored coat but I wasn’t put off by her choice. Sometimes I think the over coat choices always incorporate style but often come down to the temperature, weather conditions, occasion, price, fanciness of the events/setting, whether she’s planning to take the coat off, and the ease of taking it on and off. I don’t think the styling is the top priority.
I am loving this long coat thing she has happening. Very flattering. The scarf is not to my taste, but it’s bright and cheery and Wales-y. I adore the Zara dress. It’s a chic design. She looks quite young in these pictures! Reminded me of newly married Kate. Maybe it was the hair (which was gorgeous btw) maybe it was the fact that they are always so happy to be in Wales.
I like this. I am a big fan of red, and I actually like the belt she added. It is a great color on her. I like the coat, too (another coat?!), and I like that she added a scarf. I think it is odd that with all the coats and dresses she wears that we hardly ever see her in scarves, so I like seeing one. And I love the clutch. I like her hair half pulled back, but I really, really want to confiscate her curling iron. Those big curls, urgh.
I’ve always liked navy and red, works every time, and I particularly like the bright red bag (and the scarf) with the navy coat – all too often Catherine’s bags get ‘lost’ being similar colour to her outerwear. For myself I wouldn’t wear a poly/viscose blend dress but with her figure Catherine carries it off brilliantly, and the black belt is a good option also.
Classic style win for me (although was another coat really necessary? I don’t think we have had a proper outing for the one she wore at Balmoral last summer?). I just wish William could find some other style shoes to wear, instead of always pairing brown desert boots with navy chinos……. One lives in hope!
They always seem to have such a nice looking and comfortable interaction with each, it’s great to see.
It is still winter. How would a summer coat serve her in early February on an outdoors jaunt?
I was not specifically advocating that coat for the Wales engagements, it was more of a general comment about the number of coats. The Balmoral coat I am thinking off is not a summer coat: it was a very solid looking one we just caught a glimpse of as the Duchess was driving to church with HM. As I recall, several people at the time commented in the ‘thick’ coat in the summer…..
How does she not have one hair out of place with that wind 😮😮😮😮😮 has to be magic.
Her hair is indeed magic. Many of us would have looked like the Bride of Frankenstein.
Lovely alchemy between the Duke and Duchess right now. They are just amazing together.
Love this look on Kate. Hair is perfect, coat is smart looking and warm, red for Wales, and the boots are both stylish and comfortable. I own a few pairs of these boots 😊 in the over the knee style and wear them all winter long. They are so comfortable and keep my legs toasty warm.
I love to watch both William and Kate interact with the crowd and each other. What a fabulous team!