We are back with some Friday Fun: a group of fashion flashbacks spanning almost a decade.
Nine years ago yesterday, the Duke and Duchess attended the wedding of Mike and Zara Tindall. 
Kate wore a brocade coat initially seen at the 2006 wedding of Laura Parker Bowles and Harry Lopes for the Edinburgh, Scotland nuptials. 
The coat is by Day Birger et Mikkelsen, a Danish brand founded by Malene Birger and Keld Mikkelsen in 1997. The coat was crafted of a brocade fabric embellished with a subtle gold paisley pattern; it had multiple fabric panels and was single-breasted with an off-center closure and flap pockets. The Duchess had previously worn the coat to two other weddings, the 2006 nuptials of Laura Parker Bowles and Harry Lopes (photos here), and the 2010 wedding of Mel Nicholson and Oli Baker (photos here).
Kate accessorized with a hat by Gina Foster, the ‘Launceston Place’ from the spring/summer 2011 collection.
The sculptural style was quickly dubbed the ‘potato chip hat’ by some royal watchers. Kate had a part in its design, requesting the addition of a second flower on the underside of the chapeau. People reported, “She rang and asked to come in, then she tried a few on and we went from there…She wanted something in a color to match her outfit…she had her outfit and her bag with her.”
The Duchess accessorized with her Sledge pumps and Natalie handbag, both by LK Bennett. 
She also wore the diamond drop earrings first seen on the North American tour when Kate wore them with her purple Issa dress for the Canada Day concert.
It wouldn’t be appropriate to talk about the wedding without sharing a photo of the bride and groom. 
Eight years ago yesterday, we saw casual Kate at the Olympics. 
The Duke and Duchess were joined by a host of royal family members and Lord Sebastian Coe as they watched Zara Phillips compete in the equestrian eventing competition. 
Kate wore a Team GB polo topped by her Smythe Blazer, skinny jeans, and the Corkswoon wedges by Stuart Weitzman. 
She also had on her pearl studs (see inset). 
And Givenchy sunglasses. 
The Duchess was busy on the 30th. She also attended a reception that evening. 
The event showcased the “GREAT Campaign,” an effort to capitalize on the worldwide exposure Britain was receiving from the Olympic and Paralympic Games. There were quite a few celebrities in attendance, including Stella McCartney, supermodel Lily Cole, designer Vivienne Westwood, and rock star Roger Daltrey. Below, the Duchess with Ms. McCartney. 
Here you see Kate chatting with Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt (r) as she was leaving the event. 
Many will recognize the dress; we covered it just a few weeks ago as worn during the North American tour in this post. 
It is the Roksanda Ilincic ‘Peridot’ dress. It showcased delicate pleating and draped fabric with white tulle at the neckline and sleeves. 
A better view of the details on the back and the draping. 
The Duchess accessorized with the Harper pump by LK Bennett and a beaded handbag.
The Duchess wore her hair in an updo.
Those photos also nicely show Kate’s Kiki McDonough blue topaz and diamond earrings.
Three years ago today, the Duke and Duchess took part in ceremonies commemorating the centenary of the Battle of Passchendaele.
The ceremony was at Tyne Cot Cemetery in Ypres, Belgium. Below, the Duke and Duchess greet the Prince Of Wales. 
In this photo, you see King Philippe of Belgium, the Duchess, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, and Prince William, as they watch jets flying overhead.
The Duchess wore a Catherine Walker coatdress for the ceremony, the ‘Melrose’ style.
The piece is described as being made of dusty pink Venetian wool, a lightweight higher-end fabric. It is decorated at the hem and cuff with hand appliqued taupe lace.
Another view of the Duchess. 
Kate brought back a Jane Taylor hat we had seen before adorned with new embellishment. 
She wore a brooch on loan from the Queen, a piece the Royal Order of Splendor notes “… is something of an obscure member of The Queen’s brooch collection. Its provenance is so far unknown and its appearances are scarce; The Queen most notably wore it during a State Visit to South Korea in 1999.”
The Duchess also had on the Collingwood Pearl and Diamond Earrings that belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales.
This engagement was the first time we noticed Kate wearing the Gianvito Rossi praline pumps in a lower heel ($208 in very limited sizes), the 85 mm height (about 3.3″). 
The previous evening the Duke and Duchess took part in centenary events at the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing in Belgium. 
Below, the Duchess and Queen Mathilde. 
They were at the site for the nightly Last Post ceremony. Another look at the Duchess. 
Many recognized the Alexander McQueen coat immediately, remembering it from Charlotte’s christening in 2015 (l), as well as Trooping the Colour 2016 (c).
Kate’s hat was also a repeat, the Marisabell style from John Lock and Company. 
Designed by Sylvia Fletcher, the piece was first worn for Trooping the Colour 2015 (r).
The Duchess wore Emmy London’s ‘Rebecca’ heels and carried an Anne Grand-Clément clutch. 
She wore her pearl brooch and earrings by Balenciaga, one of the brand’s ‘Eugenia’ styles in silvertone brass, faux pearls, and crystals. 
This was an interesting mix to put together, encompassing a range of events and styles!
Thank you, Susan I loved this nostalgic post.
I cannot quite put my finger on why, but the 2012 photos of the Duchess in the ‘Peridot’ dress are so reminiscent of the late Diana, Princess of Wales – maybe it’s the tan, athletic look, confident smile – not sure – but I love, love, love this dress on her!
The Duchess of Cambridge looks marvelous in all these outfits and photos. I particularly Love the so called “potato chip” hat, I think it’s Great! It looks amazing from any angle, and the flowers beneath the side of it are a delightful if slightly hidden surprise. I adore the entire look, including the lovely coat dress. Kate’s hats in the other photos are also so fetching. Hats with what I call “tentacles” can go awry for me, as, sometimes, they look much too much reminiscent of a rather aggressive sea creature, but not the hats Kate wears. Her jewelry is also just the thing, somehow romantic and modern at the same time. Kate pulls off so many Great looks, and I just have to tip my hat to her for being so adroit at dressing with so much flair, and having to do it with the rules of being Royal in mind, as well.
I own the Day Birger et Mikkelsen coat and have to say that it is probably one of the most beautiful items I own. I can understand why Kate wore it on several occasions – it’s the right mix of classic/modest with some pizzazz because of the ever so slight metallic weaving through it. Very pretty in person and always lovely on the Duchess.
I’m so happy this blog is back!!! All the years I would periodically check if it was back and now it is!!!!!
Alina, Your message confuses me. Susan’s blog is pretty consistent and it has never gone away. There was a bit of a delay during the Pakistan tour in the fall of 2019, when our Admin had some health issues. She soon caught up. Of course, during the pandemic there were lags in outings by Kate, but Susan had us looking back at previous fashions, or seeing the Zoom calls. We are all glad to have WKW in our lives on a regular basis.
She’s wearing a printed shoe, people! The new post is going to have her with a white dress and a PRINTED SHOE.
I thought of you and several others when I first saw it, knowing it would likely put a smile on your face! (Post will be up soon.) 🙂
Your blog always puts a smile on my face, Susan! 🙂
Aww, thank you, Spruha! I hope things are going okay and are more manageable with fewer people getting the virus. I really hope you have been able to get some rest. Big hugs, 🙂
Things are good where I am, thankfully! Stay safe, wear masks and socially distance, everyone!
Those gorgeous shoes from her Canadian trip. I always wondered what happened to them because we never saw them again.
Same here—I loved them on that trip and then they disappeared until now.
Love Kate’s hats especially the “potato chip” hat – one of my favorites.
Such a fun post, thank you! I’ve never liked that brocade coat. It always looks too big on Kate or something. That second outing of the Roksanda Ilincic was excellent. Excellent choice of bag, shoes, and earrings. And the hair up showcased the neckline. I loathe that Catherine Walker coat — coats like that are the reason I don’t like Catherine Walker. Kate has several Catherine Walker coats in this silhouette/neckline, and I strongly dislike them all. They’re neither modern nor vintage nor classic. I can’t think of an era where this particular design fits. And I hate that zipper. The Alexander McQueen coat is one of my favorites — I love every variation Kate has on this coat. I think the Trooping the Colour outing with that ravishing pale pink hat might have been my favorite outing, but no complaints about any of them.
The wedding image is Zara Phillips Tindall and Mike Tindall. Otherwise, fun post!
Hi, Claudia, and thanks for your comment! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. The photo is meant to be Zara and Mike because that’s when/where the outfit being discussed was worn. Somehow I think I wasn’t clear with that, because there have been a couple comments noting the same thing, you’re not alone! 😁
I love the potato chip hat, and the coat. What do I know; I’m American–but to me that just looks like a perfectly unimpeachable British wedding outfit. A bit early-2000s-looking now, I suppose, but marvelous for its time. Just that hint of over-the-topness that will rake in some compliments without detracting from the bride.
I think the Catherine Walker from Belgium is lovely, but now as then I remain distracted by that zipper fob–why not just flip it to the inside?!!–and the over-the-ears hairstyle, which I am relieved that she retired after just a few appearances. I do think the coat itself is lovely, and I would love to see it again styled somewhat differently.
There is another CW coatdress with lace overlay that she wore around the same time, also lovely, in light blue with white lace (though it had the same zipper fob problem). I hope to see both of them again sometime.
The later outing of the Roksanda Ilincic is just perfection. I think the updo does wonders for the neckline and the choice of accessories on round two made for a more cohesive ensemble. And the Kiki earrings were an inspired choice – just enough color. She looked lovely in it in 2011 but she looked smashing in it in 2012. Hard to believe only a year passed between the two!
The Birger coat looks all right in a few photos, but the fabric does hang so awkwardly. I am in both camps re: the hat – it does look like a potato chip, but a pretty one!
So glad she has abandoned that awful over the ears bun hairstyle. It was so aging! Love that hat though.
Being an American I always find the DoC’s hats amazing. Since I’ve never worn this type of hat, I have a question. How does the Duchess see to her right? I love the Gina Foster hat but it is so far over to her right (you notice it more in the profile picture), she is blind sighted. Also, the hat by John Lock for the Trooping of the Colors. Even her fascinators practically cover her right eye. How can she be so graceful?
What stands out for me in this post is Kate’s collection of earrings. I love them all, particularly the Kiki McDonough blue topaz and diamond earrings; the diamond drop earrings worn on the North American tour; and my favorite pair—Diana’s Collingwood Pearl and Diamond Earrings. I honestly don’t remember ever seeing Kate wear stud earrings before, so it was good to be reminded of the pear studs she wore at the Olympics. I don’t wear stud earrings very often myself, although I do like them. I think these pearl studs looked really nice on Kate, and I’d like to see her wear them more often.
On the other hand, I don’t care for any of these dresses, except for the Roksanda Ilincic “Peridot” dress, which has grown on me more and more over the years. I really love it from the front. I don’t like the exposed zipper trend at all, so I don’t like the back view so much. But from the front, it’s beautiful, and manages to be both professional and kind of sexy looking at the same time. And I agree with Margaret that the first wearing in 2011, with Kate’s hair worn down, was the best. She looked stunning!
Betsy, Kate does have an extensive earring collection. For myself, I never go out without earrings, although it has to be a special occasion for me to put on bracelets or necklaces…other than a very simple chain or small pendant. You are correct in saying, that Kate’s pearl studs are nice, but seldom worn. I like to wear my pearl studs with polka dots, as they match the dots. Kate has several polka dot outfits, but doesn’t pair them with the pearl studs. The Queen has gifted many of the female members of her family with a small diamond stud, with a bigger pearl below it. The Queen wears this particular earring most of the time. I too like the diamond drops and agree with you, that Diana’s Collingwood Diamond and Pearl earrings are spectacular!
I’m in the not too excited camp regarding the Birger coatdress. It just seems heavy to me, which may be why the zany so-called Pringle hat came into play, to lighten the overall feel. The Catherine Walker dress for the Tyne Cot ceremony Is just perfect to me. The cut, the lacework, even the sweet brooch “of no providence” all works beautifully. And agree about the shoe colour. But overall, what a fun revisit with a sneak look at what the Belgium Queen wears as well! Thanks team!
I have always loved Kate in hats, and the Gina Foster is marvellous – the gorgeous flower under the brim is so beautiful. The hat makes up for the oft-worn Birger coatdress which I’ve always found rather frumpy and lumpy. I remember at the time thinking that the shoes should have been reversed for the 2 coat dresses in Belgium. I wish Kate would ditch the praline pumps- I’ve never warmed to the colour and can never get behind suede shoes in the summer. She looked fabulous at the Olympic event – truly fabulous hair- though I can never get behind the super tight jeans. What a fun post – thanks so much.
She wears a hat so well! I love when she wears one with her hair down- it just seems so young and fresh. I’m never decided if being an American is a relief or disappointment when it come to hats!
Je trouve qu’en 2012 elle est si belle et même parfaite ! 🙂
J’aime tout : sa tenue décontractée pour les J.O, sa coupe et couleur de cheveux, son sourire, et aussi cette si jolie robe Roksanda (sauf le zip au dos).
Moi non plus je n’aime pas tellement ce manteau de brocart, il semble trop “lourd”.
Merci beaucoup pour cette série !
Et aussi la précédente sur les robes à fleurs : quel boulot ! Bravo WKW !
The photo of the bride that is posted is of Zara Phillips, not Laura Parker – Bowles.
Hi, Laurie Beth, and thanks for your comment! The photo is meant to be Zara and Mike because that’s the event nine years ago on the 30th where the outfit was worn. I must not have been clear enough with that, because others have made the same comment, thank you for the input! 😁
This was clearly a good week for flashbacks, what a swish collection! These looks show Kate at her best, both in casual and in tailored chic. I remain a big fan of the glorious Gina Foster hat, Kate wore it brilliantly. In fact, it was so good I thought it was in danger of eclipsing the bride on its own, despite the subdued repeat of the elegant brocade coat. The drama of the exaggerated flower ornament peeking out from under the swooping brim was perfect.
The neat navy and white outfit for the Olympic event suited her perfectly, keeping her buisnesslike in a jacket, while comfortable in casual top and pants. The Roksanda Ilincic is one of my most favourite ever, and its best appearance was with this updo. I hope we see it again one day.
Kate demonstrates further sartorial aplomb with the beautiful applique Walker coat for the Ypres ceremony. Potentially a fussy coat, it works a treat for a formal occasion. The clean cut of the neckline is a wonder and the lace in an unusual taupe took it away from old-fashioned and into contemporary edge. The McQueen christening coat is as fine a piece of tailoring as anyone is ever likely to see and is another item that can bear many repeats. Thanks for such a refreshing post!
I agree that gray shoes would have gone better with the lace applique cost dress. And, looking at these photos is the first time I have liked any of the Kiki McDonough earrings. These go beautifully with the updo and the dress.
LOVE a fashion flashback, thank you Susan! These are very fun during the August lull/absence of major in-person events!
I can’t see any pink in the lovely Catherine Walker coatdress and it surprised me to see it described as pink. I agree with Bonnie about the other coat. The brocade fabric is beautiful but I think it was a mistake to have so many panels as it makes it look as if they had run out of fabric. I love the Gina Foster hat though and would like to see it worn with a different coat. I prefer the Roksanda dress worn with the hair up as it provides a view of the interesting neckline of the dress. Looking at Queen Mathilde and The Duchess of Cambridge, it really struck me how much time and effort, (not to mention money), must go into keeping themselves so well groomed. It must be rather exhausting. I guess that might sound strange to some, but I myself always feel tired when I have made the effort to have my hair done, so I can’t imagine having to keep up such a high standard of appearance all the time. I often think that these ladies must relish the times when they can relax at home without having to worry about how they look.
Agree with you about how wearing it must be to keep turning out looking so smooth and polished, I’m lost in admiration, even if they have teams of helpers at hand. I tend to think the occasional sartorial disappointment is inevitable as the wearer runs out of inspiration about what to wear next. This is a lovely collection of flashbacks today as they are all so good.
Great post Susan, thank you! It is fun to look back at events and outfits I’d forgotten all about and interesting to see what has been re-worn and when.
Someone said the Gina Foster hat looks like a giant pringle chip. Well, it does, come to think of it, but I love it! I love the gentle sloping effect and love any of her hats with floral arrangements tucked under the brim and worn tall.
I really like her demure look in Belgium, just not a fan of how she wore her hair. Her CW coats are lovely.
The McQueen she wore to Charlotte’s christening is another all-time favorite of mine.
I remember really falling in love with the Roksanda dress when she first wore it to my home state in 2011. Just looked really sleek, modern, and a dignified yet less formal look for a California summer with her hair down. I am not so fond of her look the following year with the same dress.
The very first photo shows one of the biggest misses of a Kate outfit. As mentioned, the hat looks like a giant Pringle potato chip. I never liked that coat. It has so many sections and panels to it, that it looks like there wasn’t enough material and so it had be patched together, from pieces. The other outfits are better. The Roksanda Ilincic ‘Peridot’ dress is simple but sophisticated and elegant. As I stated a few weeks ago, I don’t see the need for the tulle edging around the neckline and sleeves. The Catherine Walker coatdress, worn to commemorate the Battle of Passchendaele, is beautiful, especially the lace appliqué. I do think her grey shoes might have complimented the lace better than the praline ones. The often worn McQueen coatdress always looks good. I usually like Kate’s hats but the Sylvia Fletcher one and the Pringles one bring flying saucer vibes.
I agree the brocade coat is not the best of Kate’s collection, though it intrigued me that she was wearing something from before she was married. It looks a bit bulky though I thought the skirt panelling might have had something to do with introducing more flexibility and movement to an otherwise stiff fabric.
I don’t myself have an issue with flying saucer hats, I like a bit of flair, a hat is a thing which can handle a bit of fun, and Kate is well suited to that. I appreciate its swooping curve and have never thought of it as a Pringle.
I do agree that seems an odd choice of colour in the shoe worn with the Catherine Walker coatdress at Ypres, from photos here a grey court looks like it might have been better. Impossible to know with such neutral shades at stake without seeing them in real life, the camera may not lie, but can play a vast number of tricks. I see admin notes that the heels worn were lower than others of Kate’s also from Gianvito Rossi, so maybe comfort came into it that day.