Kate Sports an Iconic Irish Brand for Farm Visit & Cliff Walk

After this morning’s engagements (that post is here) the Duke and Duchess traveled to Teagasc Research Farm.

The farm is located in County Meath about twenty miles west of Dublin.

It is recognized for its pioneering research to promote sustainable farming across Ireland. 

Below, the royals meeting Ireland’s Agriculture Minister, Michael Creed (2nd from left).

More from Simon Perry’s People article: 

William’s father Prince Charles has shown a longterm interest in farming — especially organic agriculture. So when his son turned up at a farm in Ireland, locals were especially delighted he was following suit.

“Farming is a bit like the royal family — where it’s handed in from one generation to another,” says Liam Herlihy, chairman of Teagasc authority, which runs the research farm in County Meath.

The couple spoke with a group of farmers who have implemented Teagasc’s research into their own practices.  

More from the Irish Farmer’s Journal:

Prince William asked local farmers he met at Grange if the general public understands their role as custodians of the land and whether there were many young farmers entering the business.

Suckler farmer from the Hill of Tara Justin Walsh told him that he does not see a future in beef farming for his four children.

The couple saw some of the latest developments in beef farming during their visit. 

More from the Irish Farmer’s Journal, quoting Teagasc researcher Paul Crosson.  

“I suppose the concepts that really seemed to grab their interest was the role that the farmer plays not just in food production but being rewarded for the broader countryside stewardship role.

“I think Irish beef was something they were familiar with as a quality product and that we are a food island, if you like.”

Kate and William also met a group of school children visiting the farm. They spent time in a session that taught the children about the environment, nutrition, and food production.

Back to Simon Perry’s story: 

The excited children from Kiltale primary school told the royal couple about their healthy eating projects during the visit to Teagasc research farm.

Thaddeus, 11 — whose project was about sustainable farming and agriculture’s effect on greenhouse gas emissions — says, “They said they wanted to bring their kids over soon to show our projects.”

Before they departed the royals were presented with a piece of 5000-year-old bog oak as a gift.

After they wrapped up at the farm, the Duke and Duchess visited Howth Cliff.

Known for its spectacular views, the cliff walk is north of Dublin and looks out over the Irish Sea.

More from The Mirror’s coverage: 

In brilliant winter sunshine, the royals looked happy and relaxed as they walked to the trail summit where they were met by Irish environment minister Richard Bruton.

After meeting the couple the politician said: “They remarked on how you couldn’t come to Ireland and not see the coastline so they got their wish.

“And they saw it in a benign light, normally there is a wind howling – it’s really beautiful today, they couldn’t be luckier.”

More from Extra.ie: 

William and Kate took the opportunity to enjoy the scenic views of the Howth cliff walk , but their hectic day didn’t stop them from enjoying a chat with locals.

In this tweet from Shane’s Howth Adventures, you can hear them chatting with residents. 

Only in Howth ?#RoyalVisitIreland #failte @howthadventures @dublinbiosphere @Failte_Ireland @KensingtonRoyal @GoToIreland @VisitDublin #kate #william #WilliamAndKate @LovinDublin @LoveFingalDub @DiscoverIreland pic.twitter.com/FmdOEm6hxv

— shanes howth adventures (@howthadventures) March 4, 2020

 

The couple met representatives from the Marine Institute, a state agency responsible for marine research, technology development and innovation in Ireland.

They Duke and Duchess will learn more about the impact of climate change and conservation efforts around Ireland’s coastline

Now for our look at Kate’s second ensemble of the day.

We begin with a new jacket from iconic Irish brand Dubarry.  The jacket looks like it is the Friel Utility style ($379) in olive.   

The piece is made of a Gore-Tex exterior and lining that sandwich a lightweight middle layer. The piece features multiple pockets that snap closed, a belted waist, stand collar, and faux suede trim. It is also machine-washable.

Beneath the jacket, Kate wore a shirt from the Barbour X Alexa Chung collection.

Done in a classic navy and olive check, the 100% cotton shirt features a ruffled stand collar, tie neck with bow, ruffled cuffs, and front button closure.  Here is a closer look at the ruffled collar and bow at the neckline. 

A Tip of the Tiara to Laura for her speedy ID of the shirt. Kate’s pattern is sold out, but the ‘Bella’ remains available at Bloomingdale’s in a red check pattern. 

This is the second collection from the collaborative effort; the original group of pieces launched last fall. More about the line from an August 2019 Town and Country story: 

Sometimes, a fashion collaboration just makes sense. That’s certainly the case with Barbour’s latest partnership: a collection of outerwear co-designed by writer, model, and TV presenter Alexa Chung.

Chung has long been sporting Barbour’s signature wax jackets, but this collection marks the first time she’s officially collaborated with the British heritage brand. Chung personally worked with the Barbour team on the line, and delved into the brand’s archives during the design process to create pieces specifically for a summer spent outdoors.

Kate repeated her go-to casual boots, the Penelope Chilvers Long Tassel style ($695). 

Kate had on the Daniella Draper earrings we first saw this morning.

Here is one last photo from the afternoon’s adventures. 

We’ll see you shortly for our post on tonight’s reception; the Duchess wore vintage Oscar de la Renta, ooh-la-la!

 

LINKAGE: 

• the Irish Farmer’s Journal story is here; Simon Perry’s People farm story is here; 
• a Daily Mirror piece about the cliff walk is here; 
• a Hello Canada fashion story is here; People’s story is here;