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The Duchess Wears Massimo Dutti for Early Years Survey Video

We are back with an update on the Duchess’s early years survey as well as sad news about the loss of a Cambridge family pet. We start with the latest on the 5 Big Questions survey.

This morning Kensington Palace released a video with the Duchess speaking about the survey results, which will be released this week. Here is a look at the full video. 

 The survey asked things like, “Which period of a child and young person’s life do you think is the most important for health and happiness in adulthood?”

There is clearly an interest in the topic—more from this Hello story by Emily Nash. 

Kelly Beaver, Managing Director of Public Affairs at Ipsos MORI, who conducted the study, said: “Ipsos MORI has been conducting research with the public in the UK for over 50 years, and we have never seen a response like we did when the 5 Big Questions was launched.”

In addition to the open survey that anyone could take part in, there was also research using scientifically-gathered data, according to The Telegraph’s story by Victoria Ward. 

Further, scientific research, commissioned by The Royal Foundation and conducted by Ipsos MORI, included qualitative and ethnographic research, a nationally representative survey conducted before the pandemic and a survey on the impact of Covid-19 on families. 

Kate used today’s video to thank people for taking part in the survey.

From her comments: 

We wanted to hear what you think about the importance of the earliest years of our children’s lives.  Later on this week we’ll share 5 Big Insights that we’ve discovered and I will take your questions. This is just the beginning and I want to thank you for starting a conversation because we’re all on this journey together.

You may remember when the project was launched in January. Below, Kate at the Thinktank Science Museum in Birmingham for a kickoff event. The Duchess said she wanted to learn about “the key issues affecting our families and communities so I can focus my work on where it is needed most.”

Here you see Kate in Wales at a children’s center in Cardiff at another launch event.

And at a Stockwell nursery and preschool in London.

Here she is speaking with parents at a cafe in Aberdeen, Scotland, in February. 

The Duchess also did a podcast on the subject, speaking with Giovanna Fletcher for the Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast. 

As noted in the video, results will be released this week. Kensington Palace reports that this Friday, “the Duchess will give the keynote speech at an online forum hosted by the Royal Foundation and Ipsos MORI during which the full findings of the research will be discussed.” Some results may be revealed before Friday’s event and Kate’s keynote address.  

Now for our look at what Kate wore in the new video. 

She appears to be in another Massimo Dutti design, the brand’s 100% Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater ($179) in the rose-pink colorway.  The piece has a straight cut with side vents and ribbing at the collar. 

Thank you to Valerie and Heaven and Anna and Natasha for the ID.  Today’s sweater appears to be the same as the style worn for a World Mental Health Day engagement in October.  You can see the same ribbing at the neck and the way the sleeves are rolling at the wrist is the same. 

The blazer hasn’t been identified. It may also be by Massimo Dutti, but I want to look at some other possibilities.  

UPDATE: I think the jacket is most likely the 100% Wool Flannel Blazer ($199) in green by Massimo Dutti. 

The jacket features a single button front closure, flap pockets, peak lapels, back vent, and three buttons at the cuffs. Thank you to Janine, Danielle, and Cambridge, Sussex, York for their ID work. Thanks also to outstanding IDer CopyKate; not only does she believe Kate is wearing the blazer, she thinks the Duchess is wearing the matching Wide Leg Trousers ($129) seen above left.  I cannot 100% tell if she is or not but would consider it a solid possibility.   

The Duchess wore her hair down, and I did not notice a pair of earrings that could be identified.

She brought back the Paleontology Nugget Necklace (£360) by Alex Monroe, first noted in the Hold Still video released last Saturday. 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

There is other Cambridge family news today about a tough loss for the family. In a post on Instagram yesterday, the Duke and Duchess revealed they had to say goodbye to Lupo, the family’s cocker spaniel.

The black cocker spaniel was a wedding gift from Kate’s brother, James. He was included in the family photo taken days after Prince George was born.

Many of us remember the image of a very young Prince George and Lupo on the cover of The Sunday Mail in 2014. 

He was a frequent companion for Kate at polo matches. Below, at a May 2012 match.

I’d not heard this before, but People magazine reports Lupo was given to the couple to help keep Kate company while William was on a long deployment.  

Years later, it was revealed that the royal couple got their cocker spaniel to help them at a difficult time, when William was about to head to the Falkland Islands for a six-week-long deployment.

“When Prince William was away in the Falkland Islands, he went for dinner with some good friends of ours in the Air Force, and he was saying how difficult it was for Kate because he was leaving for six weeks. It was when they’d just got the Spaniel to help her with the time apart,” said Natalie Bressani, who was a guest at a 2018 Christmas party at Kensington Palace for Royal Air Force families separated from their loved ones.

William with Lupo at the same match. 

Lupo was on hand for the Duchess’s British Vogue shoot in 2016.

And very much a part of Prince George’s third birthday photos

He was also part of another magazine shoot, this one for a 2017 GQ story.

Lupo came from the same litter as three of James Middleton’s other dogs, Luna, Inka, and Zulu.  He is a firm believer in the ability of dogs to provide help to humans. This is from an August People story.

Kate Middleton’s younger brother recently appeared on BBC’s Sunday Morning Live to speak about his struggles with depression and how his dogs — particularly his black cocker spaniel Ella — have helped him. Sharing a clip from his interview, James wrote on his Instagram on Monday, “Dogs don’t just change lives…they save them.”

James also posted about Lupo on Instagram.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by James Middleton (@jmidy)

 Having said goodbye to multiple four-legged family members over the years, I know how really tough it can be to lose a pet. 

NOTE: The post has been updated to say Lupo came from the same litter as three of James Middleton’s other dogs, not four. Thank you to Sarah for pointing out the error in a comment. 

LINKAGE:

  • The Royal Family’s official information on the survey is here 
  • The Telegraph’s story by Victoria Ward is hereThe Daily Mail’s piece by Harriet Johnston is hereHello’s article from Emily Nash is here
  • A Sky News story about Lupo is here; the People piece is here; the in-depth People article about James Middleton and his dogs is here; a Daily Mail article is here
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Amelie

Wednesday 25th of November 2020

I was wondering if we would ever hear about the 5 Big Questions survey! There was a lot of noise around the launch and then nothing for so long. I understand they needed time to research and that type of thing and I'm curious to see what the results were. I won't get into it but the execution of that project was a bit lacking in my opinion. Still curious to see what insights they gathered though.

As for her outfit, I think it looks fine and professional. Now that I know the blazer is green and not black as it looks in the pictures, I find the pairing with the salmon/pink sweater a bit questionable but it's hard to tell on the video. It really does look pink and black to me. I'm on the fence on the (dark pink?) eye makeup. It's nice to see her changing it up and I know it can be tough to find the right colors/shades (this is why I hardly wear makeup, because personally I hate it and can't be bothered!).

Amelie

Wednesday 25th of November 2020

I forgot to add earlier my condolences to the Cambridges for the loss of Lupo! Handsome dog and I'm sure the Cambridges, especially the kids, will miss him. I love the touching tribute from James Middleton's IG. Grieving a dog is so hard, I remember losing my childhood dog in 2014 (he was 15 and so lived a pretty long life). 9 seems so young for a dog.

Alissa

Tuesday 24th of November 2020

Aww, poor thing. She does look a bit sad in the video. My dad passed away in September and I share that feeling of deep grief. Kudos to Kate for being able to continue her work even with that sadness.

It seems trite to mention her clothing at such a time! She always looks lovely. However, I would have left the jacket off...it’s a great piece, but that sweater is lovely and cozy looking. The color and necklace are great—I would not have covered them up but that’s just me!

Also, a happy thanksgiving to all of my fellow Americans on this site. Have a blessed week.

sally

Tuesday 24th of November 2020

Blazer looks perfect size to me. Why would anyone wear a garment that was far too big and baggy.

Brandi

Tuesday 24th of November 2020

Im so sorry to hear about the family losing Lupo. Pets truly are part of the family and the loss is so heartbreaking. We lost our 13 yo dog last summer and my heart goes out to them, especially the children. Thank you for including the older pics of Lupo with the family. I always liked those the best as they seemed so natural. The one of him and Kate for her Vogue shoot is precious. And the one with baby George in the window! I always wanted a family portrait like that! And as always Kate looks fab.

Elizabeth in Oregon

Tuesday 24th of November 2020

I happened upon this story and thought perhaps Crown Princess Mary is wearing the same suit at a speech she recently gave. I have attached an article here from the Daily Mail so that you can see how it looks when Mary is walking. The button, lapels, and pockets look the same to me. It's a really lovely look, especially with the cream-colored blouse.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-8949663/Princess-Mary-Denmark-emotional-heartbreaking-speech-grief.html

The news of Lupo's passing is incredibly sad to me. Having lost dogs myself, I can empathize with the whole family. RIP, dear Lupo.

LadyLeah

Wednesday 25th of November 2020

Elizabeth F-P, great spotting! I’m glad you shared that link.

I thought Kate wearing the pink and green looked really cozy and pretty for a Zoom talk on a couch.

But seeing Mary’s pairing with a cream blouse and amazing shoes — takes it to chic, elegant and professional woman attire. A great suit can play different roles and moods. I like both iterations, so I’m a big fan of this green suit!

Bonnie

Wednesday 25th of November 2020

Great spot Elizabeth F-P. Like you, I prefer the cream blouse, rather than Kate's pink sweater. In fact when I commented earlier I said that I'd prefer an ivory or pale yellow top with the green. Also, I saw a photo of Kate on another site and it really looked like her jacket was green but her pants were black. So I think she only wore one part of the pantsuit.

admin

Tuesday 24th of November 2020

That is a terrific spot, Elizabeth. It sure looks like the same jacket to me, the lapels and other details are the same as the Massimo Dutti jacket linked to in the post. What a good eye! :)

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