The Duchess brought back an LK Bennett dress for a call with staff and residents at Shire Hall Care Home in Cardiff. 
Shire Hall is part of a family-run network of care homes in England and Wales offering residential, nursing and dementia care. Kate and William spent time speaking with staff about their experiences working through the coronavirus outbreak.
During the call, you hear the Duke talk with staff about the impact of the virus, the longer hours, and other factors impacted by COVID-19; he asks, “How have you and the team managed to look after yourselves, after your own mental health, because obviously you’re doing a lot more hours, you’re there a lot more?”
The workers gestured at their personal protective wear and said it is “Very hot in all of the gear. But the morale in the home is lovely.” The couple heard how Shire Hall has adapted, including the ways technology is being used to help residents stay in touch with their families and friends. 
They also thanked workers for all of their efforts in continuing to care for and look after the “most vulnerable in our society.” The conversation then turned to the bingo game that was scheduled. William asked for any tips, and the workers said, “You just call the numbers; you’ll be fine.” You then see Kate spin the little bingo cage. 
And she presented the first number. 
The couple seemed to enjoy calling the bingo game and chatting with residents and staff. 
This quick video covers the bingo calling. You hear the Duchess say, “George would like this one, five and five, snake’s alive,” as well as “Six and two, tickety-boo.” They really had the bingo lingo down!
And your next Bingo callers are…#ThankYouCareWorkers pic.twitter.com/iz7XWI1oku
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) May 21, 2020
And this video has content from the entire call, running a bit more than 2 minutes.
Now for our look at what Kate wore in the videocall.
As mentioned above, the Duchess was in a dress by LK Bennett, the retailer’s Madison style. We first saw the dress last summer when the Duchess took Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis to a polo match in July. 
We also saw Kate in the piece when Kensington Palace released a photo of her last September judging entries in a sculpture contest. 
Kate owns the Madison in both the pink and lilac colorways, the latter worn when attending a private function in August 2015.
Made of silk chiffon, the midi-length dress features a relaxed silhouette with loose, flowing sleeves that hit above the elbow; the body of the dress is lined while the sleeves are sheer. Here is a better look at the two fabrics. 
The Duchess also wore her Catherine Zoraida Fern Drop Earrings (£165/$202), shown below as worn on a previous occasion.
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Also today, a couple of quick fashion flashbacks of note, all three featuring looks by Alexander McQueen. We’ll go chronologically, starting with what Kate wore for her sister Pippa’s wedding on May 20, 2017. 
The Duchess was in a soft rose-colored design with a deep vee-neck, full sleeves, an arched, inset waistband, and pleats at the center front and back of the skirt. 
Her hat was by Jane Taylor. 
Kate wore a new pair of morganite and diamond earrings by Kiki McDonough. 
She also had on her praline pumps by Gianvito Rossi.
Two years ago Tuesday, we saw Kate in an understated design for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. 
The dress prompted quite a bit of debate as it was so similar to the look worn for Princess Charlotte’s christening in 2015, but I ultimately came to the conclusion it was a new piece. Described in an official release as a “primrose yellow wool silk tailored coat,” it was difficult to see the color in the bright sunlight. 
In the official wedding photos, you get a better sense of the color. 
The Duchess’s hat was by Philip Treacy. 
Her earring looked like Kiki McDonough’s Lemon Quartz Drops. 
Her shoes were nude pumps that appeared to be the Jimmy Choo Romy style.
And just one year ago today, the Duchess was in an Alexander McQueen coatdress for a Buckingham Palace garden party. 
The garment was double-breasted with very slightly raised shoulders, pleats at the front and back, and full skirt. 
A better view of the details. 
Kate’s hat was by Juliette Botterill.
She wore the Collingwood diamond and pearl drop earrings that belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales. 
The Duchess also sported her trusty Gianvito Rossi suede pumps in the praline colorway and carried her Loeffler Randall clutch. 
How is everyone doing as we slog through another week and approach what will be an unusual Memorial Day weekend? My hat is off to everyone managing to homeschool and to all those working on the front lines taking care of people, keeping transportation and vital services running, and getting things on shelves at stores. I hope everyone manages to enjoy the weekend if at all possible and perhaps even get some fresh air and sunshine.
I remember seeing photos of the pink McQueen garden party dress at the time and I have the same reaction today. It’s a style similar to one Camilla often wears, and while Camilla wears it nicely, Catherine is considerably younger. It’s a structured and matronly style to my eyes. It does not say “garden party” to me at all. I feel like I’m the only one that doesn’t like this outfit, but …
This is simply the most fun, I never expected to see even the ever-resourceful Cambridges calling the numbers at bingo, and doing so like seasoned players. Kate’s pretty dress is a fairly standard LKB fit-and-flare, comfy and ideal for summer – the red stands out well for video. The print is fascinating in close-up, thanks for detail illustration. It’s lovely to see Kate’s hair back from her face and her fern earrings remain a trusty standby.
Thanks too for more flashbacks. I’m afraid the McQueen matron outfit for Pippa’s wedding has failed to improve with age, with floppy, soft fabric, clutter of period detail, and washed-out colour. Perhaps Kate wanted to fade into the background for her sister’s big day. Her hat, updo and earrings, however, were sensational, spot on for family group photos.
I’m a big fan of that deceptively simple plain flap collar coat for Harry and Meghan’s wedding, something which calls for some serious tailoring know-how to work. The lemon shade was a sweet choice and her hat was an absolute triumph with its blowsy roses
The pale, pink McQueen coatdress she wore to the garden party, while repeating some features of her Pippa outfit, worked much better. In a crisper fabric, Kate presented herself as accomplished and professional for a large crowd. I’m deeply grateful for these posts and chats to help pass this weary period of time with, thank you so much.
I thought at the time of her sister’s wedding that the only explanation for the pink dress with the droopy bust line was that she wanted to be sure she did not upstage the bride. It was my least favorite dress ever. Still is. But these LK Bennett dresses make me want to go buy one! Love the summer style and both fabrics.
I enjoy this dress in both colourways, so what fun to see it again! I’m so glad that William and Kate actually got into it with the bingo lingo instead of just staidly calling the numbers out.
Thanks so much for the retrospective! I remember all the WKW discussions over these dresses. The one she’s wearing to Pippa’s wedding is just beautiful, EXCEPT the bustline. If only she could have that fixed and rewear it. And along with many other commenters, the hat she wore to the Sussex wedding is an all-time favourite.
I hope you’re doing well and staying sane! Please, everyone, remember that just because we get tired of the lockdown and the virus doesn’t mean the virus has gone away! Please continue to wear masks and take precautions!
You’ve reminded me that the Pippa dress wasn’t all bad, it looked a lot better from the back!
It did! And the colour is just lovely.
I feel the same way. I remember being “disappointed” in the dress at the time but now I really love the look. The hat and updo really pull the whole look together for me.
I see a lot of people are still very critical of the DoC’s look at the DoS’s wedding – if I recall correctly, she had only given birth to Prince Louis very recently so it was natural that her body would not have looked ideal in anything!
I love the DoC and I love this website. Thank you for all you do.
I see people not liking what she wore to her sister’s wedding. The kerfuffle about what she wore to Harry and Meghan’s wedding was whether it was a repeated look.
The darker pink dress is one of my favorite looks! I think that color is great on her. The design is gorgeous. I love the tailoring.
The dress she wore to Pippa’s wedding had a very romantic, antique feel to it. I love the idea of it. The execution was…. off. It was just way off. I’m not sure what would have helped, perhaps a different fabric? And remove a few design elements. It ended up seeming frumpy, unfortunately. I never could figure out why she went out in it. My final thought on it was, maybe it was intentional, so she didn’t outshine Phippa on her big day.
I’ve always wondered what outfits Kate likes the best, and worst.
Initially I wasnt crazy about the dress Kate wore to Pippa’s wedding. Something about the bustline draping looked awkward but maybe it was just the photos or angles? Looking back on it now I do like it though, theres something very feminine about the design and it was accessorized nicely with the hat. The color was very romantic for a spring wedding. As for the other 2 looks, classic McQueen.
I havent played bingo in over 25 years but im sure it was fun having the Cambridges call the numbers out.
Thanks for keeping the posts going, even if its just for a poll or a throwback! Theres alot of great fashion to reminisce over!
Yes, very well said! There is something really feminine and lovely about the McQueen dress that I love.
She looks fabulous in a hat and she wears many truly beautiful ones!! It’s fun how big and elaborate her hats can be but always well done. I think it would be difficult to inventory her collection
Ahhh, this would be an awesome post. What do the hats come in? A box? A specail stand for them? That would be interesting!
That was such a fun ‘engagement’, they both looked like they were having fun as Bingo callers.
I always liked that particular LKB dress – although of that long length Catherine seems to have half a wardrobe full of it is not ‘fussy’ with excess frills and furbelows, so just makes a lovely floaty summer dress. The hair and earrings were also spot on.
Of the McQueen’s the pink garden party one – beautiful tailoring. As everyone said at the time, the bustline of the one at Pippa’s wedding was unfortunate. If it weren’t for that it is also a lovely ‘formal’ dress, and would deserve another outing.
I love the structured cut and pleats of the pink McQueen coat. Her whole outfit that day was exceptionally regal. Love love love that primrose Philip Treacy hat! It’s one of my all-time favorites on her, and I believe she wore it again for last year’s Trooping the Colour. I do also wish I had an occasion to wear a hat like that to.
I’ve loved this dress every time we’ve seen it. So floaty and light.
As for the walk down fashion memory lane… I know the dress Kate wore to Peppa’s wedding was criticized A LOT. But I loved everything about it. EXCEPT for the bust draping. It’s always confused me. Does anyone have an explanation for that extra fabric at the bust? Genuinely curious.
I’ve always been amazed she turned out in front of millions of people for H and M’s wedding just 4 weeks after giving birth. Props to her. The hat she wore that day was one of my favorites ever.
Thanks for a fun post and keeping our spirits up during this time Admin!
If you look at the wedding dress of Wallis Simpson, it has that same bust line – very unfortunate, on so many levels!!)
Hello: As one who sews I can only suspect that this crepe fabric which appears to wrinkle and crease easily was not interfaced in a way to give it some extra support and body. That might have helped the fabric not be so limp. It also appears to not quite be the right fit for the bust, as a dart or tuck at the shoulder might have helped. You can see that the bodice is highly constructed with many pieces and in this unforgiving fabric that would be very tricky. I think more stabilizing fabric underneath might have helped. I love the look of this outfit from the back, and it is a lovely color. Also the Duchess’ hair looks wonderful–glossy and full. I suspect if we were all there, we would not have noticed so much, so it could also be an outfit that does not photograph well. Mary
That is an outstanding observation, the fabric being unforgiving.
Hello Mary! And thank you for the input. I’m totally not an expert and so have never been in a position to figure it out. But I’ve always been curious about it. If it wasn’t intentional (and I can’t imagine that extra side fabric at the bust would have been) I couldn’t believe no one noticed it before she wore it. Your explanation helps a lot. Most appreciated. 🙂
Again, except for that one detail, I thought the entire outfit, hair, hat, earrings…. everything else was simply beautiful that day.
I thought perhaps Kate had taken the term ‘matron of honour’ a bit too seriously, the bust detailing looks matronly too me.
I love the pinks in this dress and the beautiful flowy nature of the dress. When I find a style I like, I often get it in more than one color, so I get that.
Also, loved the retrospective on the other outfits. The hat that Kate wore to Meghan and Harry’s wedding is my favorite ever, and then she wore it the next year to the Trooping of the Colour, I believe. Also, I love the pink Alexander McQueen and the hate worn to the Garden Party! Both gorgeous. Not so crazy about the dress for Pippa’s wedding but I love the hat!
Thanks so much for the wonderful posts!
We are all familiar with “Keep Calm and Carry On” which was a motivational poster produced by the British government in 1939, in preparation for World War II. The poster was intended to raise the morale of the British public. The other day someone posted, “Keep Calm and Cambridge On.” I thought that was so very appropriate as William and Kate calmly spread their own brand of positivity, warmth and joy to so many sections of the British population.
The dress that Kate wore for this video chat is very pretty, with the floaty fabric and feminine vibe. I like it in both colours, although the red/pink version has most punch. The dress has similarities to the L.K. Bennett that Kate wore in April 2016, when the Obamas visited Kensington Palace.
I remember the discussions on this site with both the dress that Kate wore to Pippa and Jame’s wedding and the dress she wore to Harry and Meghan’s wedding. The rose pink one we almost universally claimed had a very odd draping and fitting in the bust. For days we debated whether the Alexander McQueen was a repeat, or a new outfit and if it was yellow, as claimed, or cream as it appeared in most of the photos.
The pink coatdress is a marvel showcasing McQueen’s impeccable tailoring. The pleats across the sides and back are almost architectural. All the hats worn on this posting are fabulous! They leave me wishing that hats were a part of the style in the activities that I attend.
I like the idea of the pink McQueen worn to Pippa’s wedding, but the execution was questionable at best. The use of that fabric for that design is… perplexing. It’s far too floaty for a design that structured. And the messy draping over the bust is really disappointing. And the peplum!! Whyyyyyyyy.
I sew, but obviously not with the expertise of those employed by McQueen. My amateur opinion is that the rose pink dress had too much material in the bust area. As you say Mackie, the fabric was most likely at fault. Had there been more substance to it, it might not have flopped so much. The peplum, (that could have been left off) and the cuffs, likely have some interfacing between two layers of material giving them more structure.
So much fun! What will they be doing next?! Thanks for this post!
I love those LK Bennett dresses. How cool would it be to say you played bingo with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge?!
Love this sweet summer frock, gorgeous colour and just sits so nicely with not too much fabric in the skirt. Would have looked gorgeous with some summer trendy sandals.
The other outfit I love is the pink McQueen for the tea party. Love Kate in pink and McQueen is always stylish, elegant and timeless. Have just read a book that I picked up at a book exchange on the life of Alexander McQueen. Was so talented but troubled life. I am sure he would be so proud to see his business continuing and dressing Kate for those really special occasions.
I saw the McQueen exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London a few years ago. I don’t remember much except for thinking that what is designed these days for Kate is nothing like the real stuff the actual McQueen designed. He was a bit out there. I am actually surprised they make such tame clothes for her.
I think the McQueen influence is only shown in details that reference the incredible exaggeration and swagger that was at the heart of his work. However it seems he thought highly of Sarah Burton who has taken on his mantle so perhaps it’s a natural development of his original style when Kate adopts a peplum or gathered back ruffles as on her 2011 Trooping coatdress, and also her wedding dress. It could account for the gathered bodice feature that troubles many of us on the Pippa wedding dress, a touch of exaggeration which didn’t quite come off.
Such a cute event! I’m not a huge fan of this LK Bennet dress in full-body photos, since I think it’s just too long and too much flowing fabric on Kate’s slim frame. If the sleeves and the length were shorter, it would be a pretty summer dress.
However, the cheerful pink color looks lovely on Zoom! And I love Kate’s half-up, half-down hair today.
So charming for Kate to host the bingo game for the residents! She and William are so genuine and warm and refreshing. I’m certain all the residents were thrilled to participate and she did an excellent job of being certain everyone could see the correct numbers. Kudos for both of them and their kids for cheering on those on the front lines in the nicest possible ways>>>>>>
Thanks! What a fun post with both the bingo and the retrospective! I am a physician still working and really enjoy your blog to take my mind off of things!
So happy you enjoyed it, Kelly! Thank you for all you are doing! 🙂