A New Video for Canada Day & Canadian Fashion Flashbacks

A new video was released today featuring the Duke and Duchess marking Canada Day. 

The video features the royals speaking with frontline medical workers at Fraser Health’s Surrey Memorial Hospital in British Columbia.

It is the second-largest hospital in British Columbia. 

There is a light moment off the top when William asks, “Can you see us?” In unison, the response came back, “No, we cannot.” Once the video connection was established everyone cheered and waved.  Here is a brief portion of the video. 

?? On Canada Day we say thank you to frontline workers across the country for your amazing work protecting and supporting your communities.#CanadaDay | @FraserHealth pic.twitter.com/IYoWdw2yTd

— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) July 1, 2020

The video was recorded last week, on the 23rd. As Kensington Palace notes, the Duke and Duchess wanted to hear about the staff’s experiences working to combat the Covid-19 outbreak, as well as the unique challenges of providing care throughout the outbreak.

They also wanted to learn about the impact on staff, patients, and their families.

The employees spoke about the unique stressors created by the impact of this virus.  More from a Press Association story via the Evening Express, 

The duchess described it as “heartbreaking” when she heard that a patient’s wife had sung to him from a phone held in a bag as staff did their utmost to keep loved ones connected during the crisis.

Kate said: “That’s heartbreaking to hear. You guys see that and feel that on a daily basis. How do you manage yourself? Are you all OK?”

The couple had been told of the distress experienced by patients and their families who were separated from one another.

They also chatted with Sunny Dulai, who is pregnant.  The first quote is from Prince William. 

“Sunny, is it right in saying a little birdie says you’re expecting in September? How have you found it? How has it been working?”

Ms Dulai told the duke and duchess – parents to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – that dealing with the Covid-19 crisis had affected her mental health after not being able to see her three siblings, but that she had had amazing support from her team.

You see Ms, Dulai in the center below. 

Back to the Press Association story, quoting Ms. Dulai.   

“Initially I was like ‘No, I can do this’, emotionally, it wasn’t really impacting me,” she said.

“Then, as I got later in my pregnancy and the more the pandemic started to move along, it really did impact my mental health.

“I felt like I was angrier because I didn’t have the support networks at home that I typically have.”

She added: “But I never once felt that I needed to stop working where I work, because of the support I got from my team.”

You can hear Kate say “Good luck, Sunny, going forward … with your new baby.”

The Duchess also tells workers, “It’s an amazing role that you’re playing and a hugely tough one as well, so we’re in huge admiration for everything you’re doing.”

And William says, “I just wanted to just touch base and say how proud we are of all of you and everyone on the front line who have led the way, very stoically, very bravely and put patient care right at the top of the list, and done a fantastic job.”  Here is the full seven-minute video. 

Now for our look at what Kate wore.

Sartorial diplomacy was center stage with the Duchess sporting red and white, the colors of the Canadian flag. It looks like she may have been wearing this Alexander McQueen Tweed Shift Dress. 

Made in Italy, the tailored design is crafted of a cotton/wool blend and features a fitted silhouette, cap sleeves, jewel neckline, hidden back zipper, and silk lining. If this is the piece, I expect Kate would have had some length added. Many thanks to Sybill on Instagram for her speedy ID of the dress, and also Laura on Twitter for her help.  I added a number of possible repliKates on the RepliKate Dresses page (some better than others).   

I was not able to get a good luck at Kate’s earrings but will try to take a peek later. 

During the call, the Duke also said, “I hope Catherine and I can come and visit you guys one day and say that to you in person.” Many readers will remember that William and Kate celebrated Canada Day in person back in 2011. So those looks will be today’s Fashion Flashbacks! 

For a citizenship ceremony and walkabout, the Duchess wore a recognizable piece, the ‘Nanette’ dress by Reiss, first seen in one of the couple’s official engagement photos.

The creamy white piece showcases an asymmetric draped neckline, frill along the front zipper, bracelet-length sleeves, a tulip skirt, and side pockets.  

Perhaps the most recognizable part of Kate’s ensemble was her hat, with its distinctive maple leaf.

 It was made specifically for the tour by Sylvia Fletcher for Lock & Company.

The Duchess carried the ‘Fan Clutch’ by Anya Hindmarch.  

Her shoes were by Hobbs, a style called the Albini Square Cut Court shoe. Kate wore the Queen’s diamond Maple Leaf Brooch.

A look at the other jewelry worn by the Duchess for Canada Day 2011. 

She had on her Elsa Peretti® Diamonds by the Yard bracelet from Tiffany, the white topaz Kiki McDonough Grace earrings, and Asprey 167 Button Pendant.

Today’s other Flashback is from that evening, when the royals attended a concert on Parliament Hill.

The Duchess wore an Issa silk knit dress.  A closer look. 

She carried her bespoke Anya Hindmarch ‘Maud’ clutch in black silk. 

And it looked like she also wore her Prada pumps.

Kate’s hair was up. 

We saw the Queen’s brooch again, as well as some new jewelry, a pair of earrings, and a matching bracelet. The set is believed to be a gift from Prince Charles. Below, the earrings. (Sadly, I do not have a photo showing the bracelet.)

One more view from the evening event. 

Happy Canada Day to all our friends celebrating the occasion! 

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One side note: writing about the Asprey pendant reminded me of the charity versions of that piece Asprey if offering.  I wrote about one of the pendants created to raise funds in Retail Roundup, but keep forgetting to include it in a regular post, argh!  

The jeweler has created a version of the Button Pendant (below left) Kate wears that is a zero-profit initiative on behalf of the National Emergencies Trust. (You may remember the Duke and Duchess at the official launch of the organization.)  The Charity 167 Button Pendant seen below right ($300) is done in sterling silver with an inset amethyst and the NET logo inscribed on the back. Thanks to Sherry for this tip!   

There is also a version of the pendant that supports an American non-profit, No Kid Hungry, an organization working to provide solutions to childhood hunger. Below, a look at that pendant. 

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Today’s other note: in light of this year’s Wimbledon cancellation, the Duchess has narrated a video about the event, telling fans that next year’s championships will be “worth the wait.”  

 

LINKAGE: 

• The Evening Express story is here; The Daily Mail’s coverage is here; The Evening Standard’s piece is here
• A Hello story about the call is here;