The Duchess chose a dress by Beulah London for an afternoon tea party. 
To celebrate the NHS’s 72nd birthday, the Duke and Duchess attended the party at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, located about 20-25 minutes from Anmer Hall. 
More about the NHS origins from Historic UK.
On the 5th July 1948 an historic moment occurred in British history, a culmination of a bold and pioneering plan to make healthcare no longer exclusive to those who could afford it but to make it accessible to everyone. The NHS was born.
Today’s party was the couple’s first joint engagement in person since the lockdown began back in March. A video of the Duke and Duchess shortly after they arrived.
Wow! On the day we celebrate the #NHSBirthday – some very special guests (@KensingtonRoyal @RoyalFamily) have dropped in #ThankYouTogether #NHSBirthday #QEH40 #TeamQEH pic.twitter.com/vIU7JMcxts
— The QEH King’s Lynn (@TeamQEH) July 5, 2020
Kate and William sanitizing their hands before joining the party. 
This afternoon’s tea also celebrated Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s 40th anniversary. A look at some of the festive decorations before the party. 
More from The Lynn News.
…Lynn’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital got a very special visit when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge came in person to say thanks to staff.
The founding of the NHS is dated to June 5, 1948, making this the 72nd anniversary.
In this tumultuous year Kate arrived wearing an appropriately coloured outfit, light blue, the colour of the National Health Service.
In addition to marking the anniversaries, the couple also wanted to thank staff who continue to offer vital support in response to COVID-19. Below, Kate and William chat with Dr. Frankie Swords, the hospital’s medical director. 
The British Monarchy’s social media sites noted: “Whether you are existing staff, former staff members who came out of retirement, volunteers or key workers – we thank you for the resilience, perseverance and hope you’ve shown our nation.” And this is from the KensingtonPalace Twitter feed.
Today we mark the 72nd birthday of the NHS, in a year when it was needed more than ever as the nation responds to COVID-19.Whether you are existing staff, former staff members who came out of retirement, volunteers or key workers – we thank you for the resilience, perseverance and hope you’ve shown our nation.
Listening to stories from staff. 
Below, you see the Duke and Duchess seated across from nurse Suzie Vaughan; she worked on the COVID Intensive Treatment Unit and COVID Emergency Department. 
More about the Vaughans from this June story in The Telegraph:
Suzie Vaughan, 43, from King’s Lynn, Norfolk, surprised Hettie, seven, and Bella, nine, after spending more than two months away from them while she worked on the front line of the health crisis.
The children have been staying with Ms Vaughan’s sister, Charlotte.
Ms Vaughan told the PA news agency: “We had said it was only going to be for a maximum of a month, but nobody knew at the beginning of this how it was going to go.
In this video, you see Ms. Vaughan and her girls when they were finally reunited.
Just in case you missed it. Here’s the girls being reunited with Mummy after 9 weeks of being away so she could help save lives. Please feel free to share x pic.twitter.com/KhPGNAqwD8
— Charlotte Savage (@Lottsoflove21) June 2, 2020
Below, Ms. Vaughan and her daughters before today’s party. 
We learn the family’s reaction to meeting Kate and William via this Shropshire Star article.
Afterwards, Ms Vaughan said: “It was amazing to see the them both. I told them about being away from the girls for so long.
“They asked how I coped away from them for so long. He said how amazed he was. That felt amazing.”
Hettie added: “It was fun. I told her I had never met a real princess before. And she said she was as pleased to meet me as I was to meet her.
“I told her how proud I was of my mummy.”
A video of the royals at today’s party via Richard Palmer of The Express.
It doesn’t get more British than attending an afternoon tea party to mark the 72nd anniversary of our National Health Service, the jewel in Britain’s Crown. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge went to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, to thank staff for their work. pic.twitter.com/6scWrE04Vh
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) July 5, 2020
Another view of the party.
The duo was given gifts from the staff for George, Charlotte, and Louis. The Shropshire Star reports they are “…three small Knitted Angels keyrings of doctors and nurses which were made by hospital staff.” 
They brought a giggle to Kate’s face. 
A closer look at the Knitted Angels, which look darling. 
There have been observances celebrating the 72nd anniversary for several days. National landmarks were bathed in blue light as part of the “Light It Blue” campaign honoring the service. Below, the Round Tower at Windsor Castle.
The iconic London Eye. 
This afternoon there was also a Clap for our Carers observance, which the Cambridges took part in privately. We have seen them clapping before; below, mark the occasion on April 23rd. 
Following today’s party, the hospital’s medical director, Dr. Frankie Swords, said, “They came. They saw. They were incredibly friendly and interested, and it was our absolute pleasure to meet them.” 
Now for our look at what Kate wore to this afternoon’s tea. 
She was in the Beulah London Shalini Midi Dress (most recently sold at £130). 
The dress is 100% silk crepe de chine; the fabric was digitally printed in Italy, while the dress itself was constructed in England. It is midi-length with a contrasting white point collar and cuffs, concealed front placket, fitted waist, flared skirt, and self-belt. A closer look at the cuff and placket. 
There are also epaulets on the shoulders. 
There were comments on the Facebook page about today’s dress being similar to the Alessandra Rich worn when Kate visited Bletchley Park in May of last year. Here is a side-by-side view of the two garments. 
Kate wore pumps that look like her Rupert Sanderson’ Malory’ heels, as best I can tell. 
We finally have a good closeup of the earrings that were a challenge to identify back in May until Martina suggested they were by Patrick Mavros.
It appears they are the Ocean Tides Milky Quartz in 18ct gold ($3049) style. We thought they were the Smokey Quartz style but can now see the difference with the closeup photo.
My favorite part about today’s engagement was seeing the Vaughan family again. I remember watching the video shown above when it happened in early June and my ongoing amazement in seeing another example of the dedication and sacrifices being made all over the world by essential workers.
We’ll leave you with one more photo from the day. 
A gentle reminder that we need to avoid the pitfalls and politics of discussing national health services, either in support of, or opposition to, nationalized healthcare.
VIDEO:
ITN’s Royal Family Channel offers about 3:30 of raw video from today’s function.
LINKAGE
- The Mirror’s story is here; the Shropshire Star piece is here; The Telegraph’s article is here; The Evening Standard’s story and gallery are here; The Daily Mail’s story is here; The Express coverage is here;
- A Harper’s Bazaar piece is here; Hello’s article is here; People’s story is here
- The hospital’s coverage of today’s party is here; A BBC piece about the Vaughans is here
- For a Hello! story showing Princess Mary in the dress, click here
Isn’t this the same dress she wore for the photo shot to commemorate The Prince of Wales’s 70th birthday back in 2018?
I just want to say that I love how she recycles outfits. It’s very cool to see what she does to change them up. She’s a style inspiration!
I love this website SO much!
I love so much about this dress – the print, the colour, that collar! – but sadly it just seems to be too much fabric overall. The sleeves are too big in comparison to the rest, and I agree with a lot of other comments that it just seems wrong for the summer. Yes, July was a bit unpleasant weather-wise in Britain, but everyone else just looks more weather-appropriate. I would love to see this dress again in the autumn or spring when it’s a bit colder, though with the sleeves taken in.
Big fan of the ponytail!
As I love the Alessandra Rich Blue & White pock dot dress last May, 2019, I also like this one, slightly different, Love the colors and pattern. This is Kate’s style she is a Duchess and she is appropriate dress for the event and I would like to add William’s outfit looks modern and coordinate with her outfit wonderfully. He is stepping up his wardrobe and looks great, like to see more William, hope you are reading this. As a couple, the look and outfits perfection 💙.
It is the middle of Summer! She is beautiful ( as always) and I do like that her work is written about before her dress. I wish she was wearing something more fun and reflective of the season. She could wear that dress anytime of year. One only has a few opportunities to wear a fun Summer dress. I love this website!
I agree.
To me the dress was a little much. Nothing terrible – there just seemed to be a little too much fabric and coverage. When I compare it to a similar navy print dress with white collar and cuffs worn by Camilla recently, Kate’s version seems dowdy.
Camilla’s collar is open, the sleeves are 3/4 length and the dress is slightly shorter. Still a respectful and appropriately business-like dress, but not quite as conservative in the details. This is not my favourite look for Kate, but perhaps the outfit looked better in movement. Always a fan of blue, though!
I agree with this! Was thinking the same thing. It looks too “staid”. It left me wishing she had unbuttoned the collar. It’s more the design of the dress than anything. They could have finished it with something. The other thing I thought that could have made it a little more relaxed was a pair of her espadrilles. I believe hers aren’t navy, but not sure. I’m always amazed how a pair of shoes can change the look. I think I suggested on her once to change them out with a couple outfits to another shoe and see how it looks. A high heeled sandal would have looked more summer or a flat sandal more casual and so on. Kate looks so adorable in her espadrilles though. And her frame is really small/thin so this dress overwhelms her some. I wondered if that might be part of the reason we don’t like the collar. The dress she wore last year that looked somewhat like this one, looked much better on her.
I’m a little late to the comment party here, but I have really benefited from everyone’s thoughts. Bottom line for me is the nature of the engagement and how the dress and accessories point to the work (and history) of the NHS. The dress is beautiful in color, conservative in style and does not distract from the event. Kate’s hair, earrings and smile add a great splash of cheer.
We’ll all have our favorite looks and pieces that we don’t like at all – I love reading everyone’s thoughts. I come down on the side of what Is most helpful for the cause she is supporting. This dress is a good one for that. I look forward to more snazzy outfits when we’re not under the cloud of Covid and she is attending a different kind of gathering. Frankly, if she was dressed too trendy and drew too much attention to herself at this time, I’d be a bit disappointed. She and William have handled these hard times so admirably and been a bright light where one is so badly needed.
Beautifully said!
I agree as well. Elegance of thought and an astute and kind observation. Thank-you Anne in Kansas.
Yes! Thank you for voicing this! Kate and William really do show the exceedingly good side of the Royal Family and bravery, I think at this point.
What a great engagement! I like the dress and think it’s perfect for the occasion. Normally, of course, it would probably be worn a bit more unbuttoned and with a different shoe. It was the right nod here and a very fun way to give kudos for the heroes at work. Pretty sure we’ll see it again sometime and wonder at it being the same dress. I love the ponytail and I like the stronger eyebrow (less aging than the other style). Ponytail Technique envy…. hahaha
So nice to see Kate out and about, and honoring the amazing NHS workers who worked tirelessly and selflessly to save lives. On to the fashion- Kate’s hair looks wonderful in a ponytail- just perfect for an outdoor event. I loved the Alessandra Rich dress- it was so vintage, yet edgy. The slimming dropped waist, white contrasting buttons, sexy side slit, sharp, structured collar and cuffs- so lovely. I also loved the red Beulah dress with the sharp white collar, cuffs and darts along the bust and waistline. I thought it was a lovely example of a dress that could be charmingly vintage AND edgy at the same time.
For some reason, even if this blue Beulah dress is similar (nearly identical) I’m just not a fan. I think honestly, it’s the “shirt-dress” curse- The midi length is prim instead of elegant (though practical outside on a breezy day), the long loose sleeves and self-belt looks unstructured and a bit sloppy (even on slender Kate) and the dress lacks the structure, and fun details, like the darts, dropped waist, contrast buttons, wide cuffs, and sharp design of the other two dresses. The epaulets on the shoulders are too bulky, adding breadth to the shoulders (most women don’t need broader shoulders) and overwhelm slim Kate. I adore the sharp white contrasting collar, but its too buttoned up, prim and proper. I love the print and the color- such a lovely blue. So this dress is elegant and perfectly appropriate for the event, but not a knock-out, in my book.
A big yes for the high pony tail a big no for the dress!
Catherine is so pretty, buy I don’t like this look. Very aging, unflattering and too modest . She usually manages to look professional but still in fashion but this times it’s a bit off to me.
Oh, it is so good to see a real in person engagement again! Thank you for sharing some of the stories of the families/individuals the Duke and Duchess spoke with.
I have to say it. I don’t like this dress. While it is entirely appropriate for the occasion, it seems too dark and heavy for the season. Even worse, it’s downright frumpy. The side by side with the Bletchley Park dress illustrates this perfectly. Hope we don’t see this one again.
Evidently Kate must have felt her look-a-like Alessandra Rich dress was a slit too far and has unearthed an almost repeat style with secure skirt. I prefer the stylish Rich for its exaggeration, deeply pointed collar, extended cuffs, and that wicked flash of leg from the front which didn’t quite button up all the way. But I’m fully behind the working girl who wants to protect her modesty and this latest Beulah version of the style is clearly more appropriate to the occasion.
I love this print and its many subtleties. On a casual first glance it looks almost like polka dot, but is in fact a lattice pattern resulting from the grid arrangement of tiny floral icons, in alternate lines of upright and upside-down. This creates waves of shading all the way down, grading between dark and pale for gentle contrast, and easing uniformity in the print. The epaulettes, raised collar, and front placket helpfully reference the many uniforms worn by NHS staff over the years. This is a smart, but feminine, dress to honour the anniversary of a valued national institution.
Lovely to see a youthful ponytail and to get close-ups of the Patrick Mavros earrings, which achieve a nice balance between ornate on the stud and understated on the drop. Blue Sanderson courts are good with this.
ElizaMo, you write like a professional fashion writer. Thanks for the tip about the the NHS uniforms. Not being British, I was not familiar with the history of these uniforms. I figured that Kate had a good reason for wearing the collar and epaulettes, especially mid-summer, and now that makes sense.
I knew there was something I liked about the print, and since you pointed it out, I think it is the wave effect created by the color grading you mentioned.
I never liked the Alessandra Rich but it has grown on me. Particularly contrasted next to this Beulah, the AR dress is quite edgy and structured.
Margaret, you flatter me, I’m just a plain jo here like everyone else, but glad you found something helpful in my comments. I love coming here when I don’t like a dress and being talked round by other views!
Great event, cute ponytail…but I hate this dress. Aside from the fact that it looks like a school teacher dress from the 80s, it makes her shoulders look super broad. Hard pass.
I absolutely agree with the comment from Jane! This dress is a nod to NHS nurses. Look back at the uniforms from the 1940’s. Once again, an outfit well done.
Oh my god, I got so emotional seeing that video of those girls being reunited with their mom. That’s a LONG time to be separated from your mom at that age. I’m so happy they are reunited and that their mom survived coronavirus (I think it said up above she did get it?).
As for Kate’s dress, for once I think people see what I usually see when she wears these long, peter pan collar, buttoned up to the neck dresses with matronly floral designs. She really does look like some kind of 1960s vicar’s wife or like she’s cosplaying as an extra from Anne of Green Gables. I appreciate the blue for the NHS but she has so many other more modern blue dresses in her closet she could have worn instead of this dated dress.
People are comparing it to the Alessandra Rich dress and again, I don’t like that dress on her either. It’s too long and the buttons are just too much. The way Abigail Spencer styled that dress at Meghan’s wedding was everything with the accessories. Alone on its own, the dress isn’t much to look at and needs some pizazz styling in order to look dynamite the way Abigail wore it.
I do like the earrings she wore and how her hair is up in a ponytail. I really like this hair length and color on her. Not sure who is styling her hair in quarantine but whoever it is is doing a great job.
This is one of Kate’s looks that I don’t really understand. I wonder why she has bought a dress so similar to one she already owns but which isn’t nearly as nice. I think a re-wear of the Alessandra Rich with different accessories would have been great and sends all sorts of on trend messages about reducing waste and not being spendy. This Beulah also looks a little odd and the collar seems awkward and doesn’t really seem to work being done up.
I’m all for repeat buying when something works but I’m not sure this one really does.
I also think the downfall of this dress is the extra fabric in the sleeves. I much prefer the Alessandra Rich dress because it was more fitted and sleek. The side by side comparison shows this well. Despite not really liking this style a great deal, I was tempted to buy a similar one to the Alessandra Rich because she looked so retro and elegant that day!
I’ve been reading your website for years, and as always love getting the information about Kate’s latest looks. However, one thing I realized that you’ve always done is to feature Kate’s work and patronages first before the outfits. Thank you for helping us learn about Kate’s work in addition to her clothes! It’s important not to think of the Duchess as just a clothes hanger.
I agree, Jane. You’ve put it so well.
The Alessandra Rich dress was a lovely look. One of my all-time favourites, in fact. I loved it when I first saw it worn by a guest in the WKW coverage of Harry and Meghan’s wedding and was so pleased when Kate added it to her wardrobe too. I wondered whether she had liked it when she saw it on Meghan’s friend and decided to buy one herself or if it was a coincidence and she owned it already. An unanswerable question!
The Beulah dress does not appeal to me nearly as much despite the attractive fabric so well described by the inimitable ElizaMo. One reason is the epaulettes. Kate has broad shoulders and very slim hips (sigh). The epaulettes emphasise both in an unflattering way.
On a positive note, the earrings first seen during Zoom calls are beautiful. Nice to be given a better view!
I echo several others who posted that this seemed like a lot of fabric and details for what it supposed to be an easy breezy summer dress. The model has the top three buttons undone, which is perhaps a little more skin than the duchess would want to show, but I think unbuttoning the top two would have helped a lot. The long sleeves and epaulets are unneccessary and I don’t love the cuffs. The earrings work fine with the dress, but
$3000+ for milky quartz is a ridiculous pricetag. Her hair is lovely and a pony is always a good choice for outdoors engagements.
Regardless of my fashion opinion, my opinion of Kate and her grace and charm and professionalism remain unchanged. She is lovely and doing a great job.
Hence your nom-de-plume, katefanatic!
‘Swathed in fabric’, remains my opinion of this look. I think the Alessandra Rich worked better because of the buttons, and some of the detailing around the waist. As others have noted, one or two buttons left undone would have made this a less severe look. More ‘garden party’ and less ‘this will keep me from catching Covid’.
I couldn’t agree more with your assessment here. I think her whole look could be described as way too covered up and a bit stiff.
The dress with the floral pattern is a repeat of the same dress-theme – longsleeved printed midi-dresses – which the Duchess has worn a lot in the last year. If she had worn one of her “older” dresses in her wardrobe it would have been a sign of sustanability and against fast-fashion instead of always wearing a new dress. Besides from that she is a young and beautiful woman with a model-like body and height and she could wear so many different elegant and appropriate styles in her public role but not these dowdy looking, old-fashioned gouvernante-style-dresses which do not flatter her at all.
I think Kate’s dress is an appreciative and respectful nod to nurses. My Australian nurses’ uniform had epaulettes back in the ‘80’s. The blue tone of the dress, the white collar and cuffs and the ‘buttoned up’ look are in keeping with this theme. I think Kate dresses incredibly deferentially and symbolically for important engagements and with what nurses have gone through and sacrificed during this pandemic I think her choice of outfit subtlety acknowledges their commitment and selflessness. It makes her ‘one of them’, which is fitting given her associated patronage.
I find the ‘buttoned up’ look on the Beulah in keeping with the vintage theme of the dress, referencing early twentieth century clerical workers, and even chiming with the founding of the NHS in the ’50s.
Great comments! I think the dress was totally appropriate for the event. Front line staff in attendance were in their scrubs. This dress was classy with it’s references to NHS and not over the top. The earrings maybe but she has already worn them a lot and often wears costume jewelry earrings, so on the whole, they are fine too.
I am trying to determine why I like the Alessandra Rich dress so much more than the Beulah dress. I think the former looks a lot more “effortless”. I wish Kate would have unbuttoned a couple of buttons! The epaulets are a confusing addition on what is supposed to be an easy summer dress.
I understand that Kate and William were going for a blue, slightly formal look, but for me both their outfits slightly missed the mark. Their demeanor and work continues to be stellar, though!
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I have noticed that on her video chats and now in this engagement that she seems to be going with a a much thicker eyebrow look. In some photos it really overpowers her whole face. Has anybody else noticed this? Not so much a fan of it, actually… But, other than that, she has really done a great job with continuing to reach out throughout the last couple of months.
I’ve noticed the change in shape of her eyebrows too, and I attributed it to Covid. I thought maybe she had been managing her eyebrow maintenance on her own instead of having them done. They remind me of earlier times. That being said, I think they look great!
I noticed the same too, and like yourself, would be happy to see less of it. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Maureen C is right and it’s a lockdown d-i-y thing.
I understand Katherine wants a longer length dress for events like this in case she needs to bend down. I don’t understand, though, the need for a midi dress plus long sleeves plus a collar buttoned to the highest button. I appreciate her desire for modesty, but in my personal opinion, this is excessive and doesn’t flatter her.
Of course, being Katherine, she looks lovely anyways!
So delightful to see them out and about! I love Kate’s ponytail and those earrings are beautiful, although I agree with the poster who commented on the price. It does seem like a lot!
The dress is “meh” to me. The Alessandra Rich dress was so stylish and chic, and this is just a frumpy version of that. I’m surprised she didn’t pull out something from last summer, the Ridley London Virginia dress (loved that!) or even the green Sandro Paris dress. Both of those could be dressed up a bit (whereas she dressed them down last time with the Castaner espadrilles and casual earrings). I’m happy she’s going for more midi-length dresses (so easy for me to repliKate as they are perfect for work!) but this one just seemed to matronly for me.
On a more positive note, both William and Kate are just such an asset to the UK and the Royal Family. The Queen and Prince Charles must be both incredibly proud and happy the Monarchy will be in such good hands!
The Alessandra Rich skirt flowed much more easily ( different cut?) even though there was still a lot of material, and its collar was in a more flattering shape than on this Beulah dress. The epaulets are so secondary here, unneeded, and the sash belt is not nearly as flattering as the elongate, uninterrupted waist on the Rich dress. As one writer says, at least there are no flounces on the Beulah – and I would add at least there is not a pussy bow. Lovely that the two are out and about, though! Such great representatives for the Crown.
I agree with some other posters about wishing Catherine would have unbuttoned a button or two. I also think the midi length makes it easier for someone known to crouch down to remain modest. Catherine tends to get low to speak to children which can be angst-ridden for the short skirted.
On another note can you help me please identify the lady in blue‘s (Dr. Sword?) dress? I love the sleeves.
Wonderful to celebrate the success of the NHS, with 72 years of stellar service. In Canada, we also have national health insurance funded by each province through our taxes, meaning that all medical expenses are granted to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. When you see the video of the mother, who was away from her daughters for two months, while on the front lines, you realize what a sacrifice many paid to be of service.
I want to like the Beulah dress worn by Kate today, but it has too many details that I don’t care for. It is much too buttoned up for summer and the sleeves seem overly full. The epaulets on the shoulders are pointless, as this is not a military style. They look like an afterthought to embellish where no embellishment is needed. A self belt with a buckle would have been better than a tie belt. I do like the way the silk drapes and also the length of this dress. I always like Kate’s hair in a ponytail and it is good to really see the earrings, although their price is outrageous, given that quartz is not a precious stone.
If the Queen views these videos she must be so pleased at the way William and Kate conduct themselves with dignity, kindness, humour and such great interest in the people of Britain.
I like this dress in general and think it’s a good pick for the occasion, but if it had a fault I would agree that would be those very full shoulders on the sleeves.
I’m not a fan of this dress at all. I bet the fabric is lovely and I do like the print, but the collar and cuffs are too stark. They also seem an add-on, especially with the epaulets. I much preferred the statement collar and cuffs on the Alessandra Rich. I like the length of these summer dresses she’s been wearing for the past couple of years. I favor this length as well. The earrings and ponytail worked for me.
Kate’s slightly off-center ponytail is becoming. She always looks great in a ponytail.
Kate’s outfits for her public engagements are always a part of her message. The color choice was thoughtful, and the seriousness of her outfits these days seem to say that this is not about her, but about those she is honoring.
Having said that, I am not a fan of the stark white collars and cuffs. The dress would have been better without them.
Couldn’t have said any of that better – and I thought all three things!
The two of them together are doing “an amazing job” (which they always seem to say 🙂 encouraging, promoting, and reassuring the public.
Gosh I think if she had had bare legs and espadrilles with the top bottom open this dress would have been so much better.
I like your edits. That would be more summery and less stuffy.
Yes I couldn’t agree more
It was nice to see them out and about. I liked the earrings and pumps. I actually think Kate feels more comfortable in the longer dresses so just wears them more now. As long as they do not have a ruffle at the bottom. I also think she may be aiming for a more serious overall look.
I hear you Faith about ruffles at the bottom. Many a wonderful dress has been spoiled with one of those wretched hem flounces.
I don’t know why, but I quite like these, what I call “Catherine dresses”. The midi length, the collars and cuffs and the distinct “old world” style. These dresses make me think of the 40’s housewife -in a good sense. Homely and nice.
I liked the pattern and colour of this particular dress.
Maybe what appeals to me is the modesty of her dresses. I’m SO tired of everybody who is “somebody” showing off boobs, midriffs and too much thighs and bums for years and years.
The main point to me, is that Catherine seems to like this style, she would not wear them otherwise. They are a bit like a uniform or her workwear. She comes across as very feminine and unthreatning, approachable. And the prices are not exravagant.
In my opinion they are very appropriate for her job and what she represents (the Queen) ultimately.
Well said. I totally agree.
For the shoes, I think they‘re the Prada ones she wore for Charlotte‘s first day at school?
I so agree with what you write here, Berenike!
That’s a good way to describe them — Catherine dresses! She has made them her own, hasn’t she? I was annoyed by them at first as I was all for sleek and tailored which she can do to perfection, but I’ve been brought round to them by Kate. Every so often she steps out in one I find a real winner — like the green Prada print for the Diana Memorial Garden — and it helps explain the ones I struggle with. The Prada was a case in point as it boasted a pet dislike of mine, a soft neck bow, though only a very slim, laid-back one. I’m still puzzled how the super sleek wearer of McQueen and pin-sharp Packham can harbour an inner hippy, but there it is 🙂
Love the ponytail and the earrings!!!
Same!!
As is the case with most Beulah London pieces, I’m not a fan of this dress at all. Especially the way she buttoned the collar all the way to the top. This makes the collar look rather unnecessary and uncomfortable. I actually wondered if she was wearing a white shirt underneath the dress. A rather odd choice for July.
I really like the pattern on the fabric and it fits her so well, BUT it’s just a lot of the fabric. I wish she had worn it unbuttoned or with her hair down). I don’t love the earrings she chose, but that’s my taste. The earrings work well enough with the occasion and her dress.
She usually wears shoes that match the most common color of the dress or the background color of the pattern. I wish she would pick out one of the lesser used colors of the pattern to complement the dress. I would have worn green or pale pink (for a contrast). I appreciate how on theme she is, but it just looks like a LOT of blue.
Also, William looks more modern than usual with his skinny tie, or maybe I just don’t pay him enough attention.
This is so lovely.
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Yes, I agree about the shoes (usually another bugbear of mine, all that matchy-matchy instead of contrast, but by now most of us agree that Catherine does not seem a ‘shoe’ person. Pity). Picking up that greeny almost turquoise colour would have been fab, I think.
I’m just guessing here, but there probably is a reason why Catherine often chooses “matching, boring or too similar” shoe/bag colours with her outfits.
It might be, that she well knows/sees what would look even better or snazzier, but goes for the less showy style/colour/type. Because she well knows that she should not outshine her own work and the people or causes she is supporting on any given occasion.
I think she is deliberatedly giving out a “look at my work, not at me and my amazing clothes” -signal. And I think much of that stems from her own personality.
Looking at her dress choices lately, it looks like she might have a few self made “rules”, concerning her public daywear;
-modest
-appropriate or highlighting the occasion
-fashionable but not too showy
She seems to understand that while she might be the most “important” person in the room, her work should not become second to her fashion choices.
I do agree that pink shoes and a few open buttons would have made a difference. But subtle changes like that would send a totally different signal. She would look more like a fashionista than a serious working royal, and I think she wants to avoid just that.
But this is just my opinion, dont come for me 🙂
I think you hit the nail squarely on the head. When you think of it, the Queen, Princess Anne, and Sophie Wessex follow the same protocol as well.
I agree with Berenike too.
A nice engagement with both Catherine and William. Hopefully they were happy to be out and about again, I sm sure everyone was delighted to see them in person!
I have to say I am not keen on this look. With the stiff white collar and the white cuffs the dress is awfully similar to the other Beulah Cathetine wore recently – and I didn’t much care for that one either. Again I feel the white collar/cuffs are too stark. This dress, with the epaulettes, looks like a nurses uniform from the 50s or something. A shame, as I think the patterned silk could have been put to better use in a different style.
Crown Princess Mary of Denmark wore the same dress on a tour in Indonesia. In my opinion it did not do her many favours either.
Sorry, Catherine, thumbs down from me today. For me, the various Beulah dresses the duchess has worn are either a definite ‘yes’ or ‘no’, there are no maybes…..
I prefer Crown Princess Mary’s version if the dress that she wore in Indonesia, which doesn’t seem to have the epaulettes.
Thanks for highlighting the Crown Princess Mary crossover! I always wonder how much the young royals keep up with each other’s styles.
A nurse’s dress from the 1950’s would be pretty appropriate for celebrating the post-war founding of the NHS.