The Duchess brought back a Catherine Walker coat for the early engagements on Day Two of the Royal Train Tour. Here you see the Duke and Duchess arriving at Edinburgh Waverly Station.
They were welcomed by music.
The bagpipes are a giveaway if you’re trying to guess the first stop on William and Kate’s #RoyalTrainTour …
The royal train pulled into Edinburgh Waverley station where they will then meet NHS staff and paramedics who were on the #COVID19 frontline 🏴 pic.twitter.com/i0QQfs38Fa— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) December 7, 2020
They were also greeted by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Sandra Cumming.
Another view. 
There was an announcement this morning as things were getting underway: the Duke and Duchess are now Joint Patrons of NHS Charities Together. More about the organization from the NHS CHarities site: “…we represent, champion and support the work of more than 140 member charities. These fantastic NHS Charities give over £1million every day to the NHS enhancing patient experience and care… [providing] extra funding and additional services above and beyond NHS core funds, supporting hospitals, community and mental health services and ambulances services.”
Their first stop was at Scottish Ambulance Service. 
The Scottish Ambulance Service receives funding from NHS Charities Together, which has been spent on indoor and outdoor wellbeing spaces for staff and well-being packs with information booklets and reusable water bottles.
The visit came on a tough day for the service as members were thinking of a colleague whose funeral was today; 63-year-old Rod Moore died after getting the coronavirus. More from Danielle Stacey’s Hello story:
It also emerged during the visit to the Scottish Ambulance Service response centre that William and Kate had sent sent a special bouquet of flowers to the family of a veteran paramedic, who died last month after he re-enlisted in April four years after his retirement.
A spokesman for the ambulance service said: “I know that Rod’s family greatly appreciated the flowers sent on behalf of the royal family. It was a lovely gesture.”
The Telegraph has more on William’s conversation with a paramedic named Alistair Matson, 54, whose father became ill and died during the pandemic.
Mr Matson said: “It was very emotional talking to the Prince about losing my father. He was very anxious to hear how we managed to cope with the mental strains of our job.
“I was helped considerably by the great sense of camaraderie at my work. There was never any rush to come back and they have been like another family to me. It was really heartening to see the Royal couple here today acknowledging what we do and their thanks means a lot to us.”
The next stop was back in England, at Berwick-upon-Tweed, where the royals visited Holy Trinity Church of England First School. Here you see staff and students waiting for the couple. It looks like it was a brisk, blustery day. 
Lizzie Robinson of ITV shared a video.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived in Berwick for their second stop of the day on the #RoyalTrainTour 🚂 They are meeting staff and pupils from Holy Trinity Church of England First School. pic.twitter.com/G6Oo6gfOaM
— Lizzie Robinson (@LizzieITV) December 7, 2020
The couple wanted to recognize the work of teachers this past year, especially their efforts to keep schools open for vulnerable children and the children of key workers. 
They also chatted with students, who were sporting festive hats. 
Including antler styles. 
The Duchess chatting with some of the children in a video Richard Palmer shared on Twitter.
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) December 7, 2020
The children had a special treat in addition to the royal visit: they were able to meet some real reindeer. It turns out the Palace arranged for the reindeer visit. We return to the Hello story:
Rent a Reindeer owner George Richardson took along Chaz, Crackers and her six-month-old calf Echols, and told William and Kate about caring for them and how coronavirus has affected his business.
Mr Richardson, who is based in Cold Hesledon, County Durham, said the booking by the palace had been “top secret”.
He said: “We got a phone call out of the blue two weeks ago. They asked us to bring a reindeer for the royal visit and we were happy to oblige.”
The duo appeared to be enjoying their time with the students immensely. 
Now for what Kate wore for the early engagements.
She was in a coat by Catherine Walker that we first saw in February 2018 during the Norway tour, when the Duchess was expecting Prince Louis. 
The dark teal coat features a high neck, princess seams, and an asymmetrical front closure.
Kate carried a new bag by Strathberry, a Scottish brand. It looks like the Multrees Chain Wallet style ($355), named after the label’s just-opened Edinburgh flagship store on the iconic Multrees Walk.
It is crafted of leather and measures roughly 8″ by 4.5″. It features the brand’s signature gold bar on the front and comes with a detachable chain. Many thanks to Lauren and Mallory for their ID of this item!
Kate had on the Ralph Lauren Collection boots seen last night. 
Between the ambulance service and school, the Duchess changed her boots, donning her Half ‘n Half pair by Stuart Weitzman for Russell & Bromley. Thank you to Beth for pointing this out in a comment. 
The Duchess wore an Amaia Kids face mask, the Emma and Georgina Liberty London print. 
She wore her hair down. 
And had on her sapphire and diamond drop earrings.
I am still working on identifying the gloves Kate wore for the morning engagements.
The couple then traveled to Batley in West Yorkshire to visit the Batley Community Centre. As you can see, the Duchess changed clothes and accessories before this engagement. 
They were at the center to meet volunteers who have been supportive of older adults in the community. 
People have written cards and letters, run errands, dropped off shopping and food bags, created and delivered activity packs, and made phone calls. 
They also met a gentleman named Len Gardner, who volunteers at the center. 
I should say the Duchess met Mr. Gardner in person, as she has already gotten to know him by phone. More from The Sun, who broke a story yesterday about Kate’s volunteer work.
…the Duchess of Cambridge has secretly been volunteering during the Covid pandemic, making phone calls to 85-year-old full-time carer Len Gardner, The Sun can reveal.Dispensing with formality, she insisted: “Call me Catherine.”
Kate, 38, and Len were connected earlier in the year by the Royal Voluntary Service, which The Sun has partnered with this year for our Christmas Together appeal to tackle loneliness.
During two lengthy conversations during the first lockdown, Kate chatted away to her new friend about making pasta and taking her children to watch sheep shearing.
The Duchess was connected with Mr. Gardner via the Royal Voluntary Service. 
Mr. Gardner cares for his wife, Shirley, who is 84 and has Alzheimer’s. Len is also dealing with bladder cancer. Back to Kate Jackson’s piece in The Sun:
Kate’s first call came on May 13, while the royals were locked down at their country estate, Anmer Hall in Norfolk.Len, who spent his life working in the textile industry, said: “I was flabbergasted when I found out who would be calling. The first question I asked was, ‘How do I address you?’ She said, ‘Call me Catherine’.
“After the first two sentences I didn’t feel like I was talking to someone so important.”
They were serenaded by the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band as they walked to Mr. Gardner’s house.
A first meeting in person for The Duchess of Cambridge and Len Gardner, who The Duchess has spoken to previously as part of the NHS Volunteer Responder ‘Check-in and Chat’ scheme.
📍 Batley | 🚂 #RoyalTrainTour pic.twitter.com/W1uTQsX6o8
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) December 7, 2020
Below, Mr. Gardner introduces his wife, Shirley, to the Duke and Duchess. 
The couple in a group photo with the band. 
Now for our look at what Kate wore for the afternoon engagements. Many recognized her ‘Bianca’ coat by Hobbs London. 
We first saw the Duchess in this style when visiting Wales this past February. 
The garment is a military-inspired style made from a blend of 78% wool/22% polyamide. The maxi-length design is a structured style in a double-breasted silhouette with distinctive burnished buttons, oversized patch pockets, and shoulder epaulets. It is sold out in navy but still available in black ($560). 
She wore a pair of trousers that look like the Jigsaw pair we have seen previously. 
The Duchess carried a new bag, the ‘Roma’ style ($1170), by a new brand for the Duchess, Métier London. 
The bag has multiple interior pockets and slots for cards. It measures 4.3″ x 8.2″ and comes with a metal chain handle as well as an adjustable leather strap. Thank you to Middleton Maven for this ID!
It looks like Kate brought back her Emmy ‘Josie’ pumps ($490). 
The point-toe style has a block heel that measures a bit more than 3″. I am also working on sorting out which pair of gloves the Duchess wore in Batley. Kate’s mask is the Blue Phoebe style (£15) by Amaia Kids. 
The best ID of the day is by Chrissy, and an answer to a long-running UFO mystery: the drop pearl earrings the Duchess has been wearing. Chrissy alerted Middleton Maven that she thinks they are by Simone Rocha, the brand’s Faux Pearl Curb-Chain Earrings ($310). 
A Tip of the Tiara to Chrissy for this fab find!
A quick follow-up to last night’s post about the Duke and Duchess departing from Euston Station. 
It turns out the Duke and Duchess left a message to transport workers on the board at Euston Station.
NOTE: The post has been updated to put Berwick-upon-Tweed in the proper country, England, as opposed to Scotland, where I inadvertently moved it. Many thanks to Sue for letting me know.
VIDEOS:
Here is roughly 1:10 on the school visit.
WATCH: Headteacher Nicholas Shaw welcomed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Holy Trinity Primary in Berwick this afternoon – click on the link below to hear what pupils made of it all #royals #Trainspotting #schools pic.twitter.com/vhuwkRrOr1
— Radio Borders News (@yourbordersnews) December 7, 2020
The Royal Family Channel offers more than three minutes of coverage of the Edinburgh arrival and Scottish Ambulance Service visit.
Along with a separate three minutes from the school visit.
The Press Association has a nice video of the school visit.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took some festive cheer with them on their royal train tour of the country, arranging for schoolchildren to meet three reindeer pic.twitter.com/BUKnbXH0nw
— PA Media (@PA) December 7, 2020
LINKAGE:
- Learn more about NHS Charities at the organization’s website here; follow the group on Facebook here and on Twitter here
- Visit the Royal Voluntary Service website here; the service’s Facebook page is here; its Twitter feed is here and Instagram page here
- The Telegraph’s story is here and the photo gallery here
- Stories About the Duchess and Mr. Gardner: The Sun’s story is here; Stephanie Petit’s People article is here; The Daily’s Mail’s piece is here; an Express story is here
- Simon Perry’s People story is here; Danielle Stacey’s Hello article is here; a Pop Sugar gallery is here; the Fug Girls coverage is here
LOVE the cornflower coat and was just admiring it a few weeks ago on this site the black accessories are more chic then then brown and fur worn with it last time.Not a fan of kate’s second look too long too dark, and boring!
I enjoyed this coat a lot in its first appearance, but I think I’m appreciating it even more now that there is a bit of fit-and-flare action going on. It’s such a flattering silhouette on her, and the effect here is so ladylike, in the best possible way.
I LOVE the Catherine Walker teal coat – the color, the simple, uncluttered, elegant style, and that very practical high neck. Why aren’t more coats designed like that? I would snap one up in a moment as I don’t enjoy wearing scarves although I love seeing them on other people, including the Duchess.
Love the teal Catherine Walker coat, it looks so different on her without the brown accessories and baby bump. I think I prefer the black boots over the brown accessories so I prefer the styling here.
As for the Hobbs coat, it looks so much better worn with slacks and open. I didn’t like its first iteration paired with the twee looking scarf. I think it’s a tricky coat to wear because it’s almost veering into the “too long” category for me. The slacks are also a smidge too long but we so rarely see Kate in them and it’s nice to see her in more professional attire. Smart of her to wear mostly repeats.
Thanks for the lovely post, Susan. How nice to have such a wonderful trip (and related posts) to read about!
Absolutely loving the two coats. What a fab ID for the earrings! Kudos to all of you who work so hard to ID these outfits quickly.
Just a quick note: there seems to be a typo in the paragraph about reindeer – returns out instead of turns out. I know you’re very detail-oriented so I thought you’d like to know.
Again, thank you for such a cheerful, informative post and looking forward to the next ones!
Thank you, Spruha! You know I appreciate it, and you. 🙂
It’s such a treat to be able to review Kate’s fabulous overcoat collection on this mini-tour, she has plenty to choose from. Seeing the Catherine Walker again is lovely, such a cheerful shade of blue for winter and those beautiful, flattering, clean lines of the princess silhouette look marvellous on Kate’s long figure. The effect is expertly enhanced by all those vertical panel seams
I love the high collar styling with neat indent just at the top of the elegant hidden placket, and I also love the smart, high RL boots with it, plus leather gloves with immaculate Strathberry croc clutch. I’m not sure, but it looks as if Kate might have switched to a lower boot heel for her trip to the junior school, which looks just as good. Her blue sapphire earrings and pretty Amaia mask work well.
The return of the Hobbs maxi is equally welcome to me, though I’m less happy about teaming it up with wide leg trousers, I find this too heavy-looking under all the coat fabric and think the slim leg of fitted boots or pants would be preferable. The Emmy pumps are lovely as ever and I’m much enamoured of the neat Metier suede bag — what fun to have a new label for Kate. Tan is such an excellent, classic contrast with navy. Interesting that she switched to potentially less formal fabric gloves
Huge congratulations are due all round to the solving of the UFO pearl drops, the rigour of these fashion sleuths can only be marvelled at.
First look: the coat has clearly been taken in and kudos to the seamstress. I liked everything about this look.
Second look: the coat is too long and so are the trouser legs. The wide leg coming down over her shoes looks sloppy. I don’t understand that yellowish shade of brown purse with the cool toned blue coat.
Overall it’s a wonderful tour and they look happy and engaged.
This trip is lovely – the visit with Mr. Gardner brought tears to my eyes.
Though I do realise that this tour is for a difficult reason, I am thrilled to be here for this tour! It’s my first after finding the blog. So…very thrilled
I love her first coat. It’s absolutely beautiful! I’m just like😘 The colour is just gorgeous and the fit… I could just go on for ever about it.
The other not so much. It would look better if it were shorter…
I love this idea. I think we all needed this. Good job, Will and Kate!!
I think the approach that the Duchess has taken on this trip so far is spot on: pieces we’ve seen before, solid colors (I confess that I often find her choices of prints to be somewhat baffling), and colors that are appropriately somber for discussions of grief, but not overly gloomy. Looking forward to the outfit remixes we’re likely to see tomorrow!
And how lovely to learn more about what the Duke and Duchess have been up to behind the scenes this year, and the many thoughtful gestures they arranged for.
Kate looks great and love the different coats as some have been my favorites!
Looking at some of the photos on twitter there were two different cream tops she wore with the navy Hobbs outfit. Or have been mistaken….
I love watching this young couple interact with the crowds and with one another. Somehow, they are able to find the perfect balance of youthfulness and maturity. They seem so genuine in their interactions, especially when talking with children.. Catherine’s face just lights up.
On the fashion front, Kate can do no wrong in any of these fitted coats. William is also well tuned out with his “hi-lo” combo of casual trousers and shoes in counterpoint to the obviously expensive wool, possibly cashmere, navy coat. He looks regal, yet approachable.
Catherine has changed her make-up.. rosier, better blended blush and more use of eye shadow and less eyeliner for the eyes. The aubergine eye shadow is a good choice for her green eyes.
Lovely post Thank you! I love the first coat on the Duchess but it was BEGGING for something! A scarf, Pin, necklace, something. A bit too plain. The cornflower blue is a lovely color on her and the tailoring was perfect. Hair makeup etc was lovely.
The second outfit was also nice except for those pants. I just do not understand the extra wide leg look with hems over the shoes. It looks so messy to me as well as out of proportion. Again a pop of color with a scarf or colorful brooch, fine or costume, would be so nice to see.
They must be so enjoying getting out and interacting with so many people.
A real treat to watch The Duchess and Prince William in the videos.
Looking forward to your next post.
Thank you!
Agree—a holiday brooch, costume or something sparkly, would add a festive touch. I love wearing coats w/ holiday brooch in Dec., although we’ve not had it cold enough in CA this year.
I agree the coat would have benefitted from something like a brooch to liven it up, however unfortunately as Catherine always has her hair hanging over her shoulder (when not in a ponytail/up, etc) any embellishment would be lost and somewhat superfluous. Elegant draping of a scarf would be good. Apart from Euston on Sunday night I cannot ever remember another instance of somethimg similar.
I always think HM is terrific with her accessorised coats.
I think that George, Charlotte and Louis are going to be seriously irked that they were unable to meet the reindeer!
Lakegirl, Not only did the kiddos miss the reindeer, but they also missed the train ride adventure. It will be hard to convince them that Daddy and Mummy were actually working.
LOL. Absolutely! And rightly so. 🙂
I thought the same thing!!
I like that Kate is rewearing her coats and with so many fabulous ones, why wouldn’t she? I loved the blue with furry accessories but it also looks good with high boots. The black Hobbs coat looks fab this time round. An iteration of something many of us wear so smart and relatable plus the brown bag works beautifully as a subtle colour – very chic.
I’m enjoying Kate’s new handbag collection and am particularly taken with yesterday’s black top handle which would have also worked well today.
Nice to see these two kind, cheerful people getting on with things.
Some of us wondered if Kate would do the red/green Christmas look throughout the tour. Just as well that she didn’t, because it might have seemed a bit cheesy. I do see, however, that William is sporting a festive scarf. I’m glad that Kate is wearing repeats, as during the current time, restraint seems wise.
This blue coat is actually quite lovely. When Kate wore it in Norway, she chose brown accessories and a fur hat and cuffs. So wearing it with black, minus the fur, gives it a fresh new look. Catherine Walker’s tailoring is right up there close to McQueen and I like the asymmetrical closing on this coat and the interesting neck detail.
The navy coat with pants is a good look. Personally those flared pants are too wide and too long for my taste, but Kate’s height helps carry off this style. I wouldn’t have chosen a tan bag to go with this outfit, thinking a navy blue, or even the red one worn before, would look so much better
I have the same scarf that William is wearing.. pure wool, made in Scotland. I bought it at a thrift shop in Canada last winter, in mint condition, and I love it.
I think Kate tries to ring the changes on accessories for different outings so the switch to tan might have been part of that. Also tan with navy is a very classic choice and often used, maybe this one just didn’t look right to you!
Plus the studio shot shows the coat worn with tan boots.
I hear you ElizaMo. I just don’t like tan with navy. I don’t like black with navy either. It is just a personal quirk.
Oh I quite understand, Bonnie, I have a few of those quirks myself!
What a great holiday treat and so welcome I’m sure for all the UK first responders, teachers, and essential personnel! The DoC is so smart to rewear major items but add new accessories which keeps the attention on the event and not her. I think she changed boots from the first engagement with the Scottish Ambulance Service to the second engagement at the Primary School…they look different to me in the pictures. She looks beautiful in all the pictures and I love that she’s wearing UK and Scottish brands 🙂
Fab catch, Beth! She did change, I will update the post. Thank you! 🙂
So glad you caught up with the lower heel, I couldn’t find pics to confirm but you’ve added a couple of helpful ones, thanks!
Day one of the new lockdown in our neck of the woods must have me overly emotional because the story of Kate’s conversations with Len, him receiving the pasta maker and flour, and Kate and William placing a gift on their porch In the video just has me 😭😭😭😭😭. My heart is well and truly warmed. And thank you Susan for the great coverage as always.
Hang in there Crystal. With the approval of several vaccines, hope is on the horizon. I agree that the gifts were very touching. The recipients must have been thrilled.
The cornflower blue Catherine Walker coat with the heeled black boots may be one of my favorite outfits of the year. Kate looked incredible chic here. The cut of the coat with that unique collar is so slimming and flattering. I didn’t like it nearly as much with flat shoes – I think the coat needs the lengthening of the legs that heels provide to look it’s best. Her hair is a marvel, and her makeup is subtle yet enhancing. Amazing look for me.
Now the outfit Kate wore in West Yorkshire seems poorly suited to the occasion. In the video, you can clearly see her long trousers dragging on the ground while she and William are walking in the neighborhood. All I could think about was how dirty and wet the hems must be. The unbuttoned Bianca coat flapping behind her with the trousers dragging on the ground made for a strange scene outfit wise.
The long hems on the trousers are quite a puzzle, it’s a rare slip from Kate. Looks to me like the trousers were styled for higher heels and she didn’t realise until she had the lower shoe on and had to walk out the door.
Hahaha exactly ElizaMo! That was my impression too
The Catherine Walker coat is to die for! The tailoring is impeccable, the color is lovely, and I love the high neck and asymmetrical closure details. I’m curious if the original fit is the current fit and they let it out for her pregnancy, or the other way around?
Thanks for a lovely post! I’m sure it will be a busy few days for you with so many engagements and multiple outfits per day. Appreciate your hard work on this!
Agreed about the CW coat! I imagine it is much easier to take in a coat than to have enough in the seams to let it out? Is this the first pregnant to not-pregnant rewear we’ve seen? I’m a fan.
I read elsewhere Kathy, that this coat was made when Kate was pregnant and was let out to be worn afterwards.
Oops….that should be “taken in” to be worn afterwards.
Oh my goodness. Full marks from me! I think we can call this the Royal Coat Tour and I’m loving every one.
Wonderful to see these impeccably tailored coats out for another spin. That navy coat with gold buttons looks immeasurably improved with the elegant trousers. It was sweet with the red hearts scarf, but this looks so sharp and sophisticated.
LadyLeah, In case you weren’t checking back, I answered a question you had about the Maple Leaf Tartan, on yesterday’s blog entry of WKW.
Bonnie, you’re a dear! I’ll go have a look.
Berwick upon Tweed is actually in England, just south of the border, not in Scotland.
Thanks so much, Sue! 🙂