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It’s LK Bennett for Westminster Abbey Rehearsal

It’s LK Bennett for Westminster Abbey Rehearsal

I am back with a couple of quick updates as we approach the Coronation on Saturday. Earlier today, the Wales family took part in a rehearsal at Westminster Abbey. 

Unfortunately, there are no photos I could license, but several of the papers have pictures. (The Daily Mail’s article is here, and a Daily Mirror piece is here.) 

Also today, the first Buckingham Palace garden party of the season.

It is the first garden party of the King’s reign. In addition to the King and Queen Consort, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and the Duke of Kent were at Buckingham Palace for the celebration.

A wide shot gives you an idea of just how many people are at the function.

Also attending, Lionel Richie and his longtime girlfriend, model and entrepreneur Lisa Parigi.

The entertainer has a long history with the King. He was the first Global Ambassador of the Prince’s Trust. In this image, you see him with the Prince of Wales at a 2019 Prince’s Trust International Reception in Barbados. 

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Also, today, images from a nighttime rehearsal for the Coronation. Here you see Commonwealth troops as they arrived at Wellington Barracks.

The rehearsal started shortly after midnight this morning. 

More than 4,000 sailors, soldiers, and aviators were seen rehearsing on the empty streets of London.

The King and Queen Consort will travel from the Abbey to Buckingham Palace in the Gold State Coach.

This was the final full-scale rehearsal for Saturday’s processions. 

The Diamond Jubilee State Coach will take the King and Queen Consort to Westminster Abbey. 

Another view.

Today’s obligatory photo of Séamus, the Irish Guards’ regimental mascot.

And a daytime view. 

Now for a quick look at what Kate wore to the Abbey for today’s rehearsal. With thanks to Innominate and Bojana, her dress looks like the Mortimer Ditsy Floral Print Dress ($322) by LK Bennett

The black and white dress is 100% silk with a polyester lining. The knee-length design features a pussy bow neckline, oversized pearl buttons, long sleeves, and a back zipper. The style looks like it is sold out at both LK Bennett and John Lewis.

If the dress name or silhouette sound familiar, it is probably because the Princess has worn the Mortimer Green & Cream Polka Dot Dress ($650). Below, you see her in the style when doing engagements in London in mid-December 2018. This version of the dress is available in all sizes.

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Now for a couple of scheduling and TV updates.

  • Tomorrow the Prince and Princess of Wales will visit the Dog & Duck Pub in Soho to hear how its staff and other businesses in the area are preparing for the Coronation weekend.
  • With thanks to Deliane for her comment, we know that PBS will carry the BBC’s coverage starting at 2:30am on Saturday. The network is also carrying the Coronation Concert live from 3-5pm ET. I will update the TV info on yesterday’s post but I wanted to flag it here because of the concert information.  

We’ll see you tomorrow!

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Zell

Thursday 4th of May 2023

I love the print dress that Princess Kate wore for the rehearsal, bow included. It's a very feminine look, with a ladylike, graceful silhouette. I enjoy how the princess has no qualms with wearing lovely prints when she's in the mood for them. To me, this is a very romantic way of dressing. The oversized pearl buttons give a nice contrast and compliment to the printed fabric. From what little I could tell, Princess Charlotte was also wearing a pretty, print dress. Queen Camilla looked quite dashing in her garden party ensemble. The dramatic blue and white color scheme is dramatic and dazzling, as well as classy, elegant and sophisticated, with a stylish retro vibe as well. I'm not sure if I do or do not care for the white, vertical stripes on either side of her coat dressing. They are quite stunning, but perhaps, if they were a tad more narrow, they would be a bit less overwhelming (to my eye). On the other hand, I also like that they stand out in such an artistically bold way. This outfit is quite a gorgeous look for the queen.

Anne

Thursday 4th of May 2023

The dress I really noticed at the Garden Party was Lisa Parigi (partner of Lionel Ritchie). I saw it on TV this morning and then featured in print media.

The underskirt was a nude tone with a delicate bright sky blue embroidered layer. Towering heels and a stylish matched headpiece. Just loved it. I think LR is performing at one of the concerts over the weekend.

Must be a huge time for all the royals, irrespective of their very public lives it certainly is going to be a grand occasions with a certain amount of nerves.

DuchFan

Wednesday 3rd of May 2023

Love seeing the rehearsals and so looking forward to the splendid pageantry. I, too, really felt the spring when I saw the Duchess of Edinburgh's garden party outfit. Princess Kate must be feeling the pressure as Saturday approaches; Prince William, she, and George, Charlotte and Louis will be in sharp focus. Her rehearsal dress was appropriate, low-key, and modest; I think I was picturing something with a bit more color or slightly softer looking in early May, though. Can't wait to see ensembles on the big day!

Carol

Wednesday 3rd of May 2023

I haven’t seen this question asked anywhere and I thought WKW would be a good place. Isn’t the robe King Charles will wear heavy? I’m wondering if Prince George and the other boys will be able to carry it?

Carol

Thursday 4th of May 2023

@Berenike, it will be interesting. I have a 13 year old grandson and he certainly isn’t muscle bound!! Maybe the boys have been lifting weights! Lol. I’m sure they will do a great job.

Berenike

Thursday 4th of May 2023

@Carol, I have written here before, but as an answer to your question, in a book about the Queen written years ago (cannot now remember by who) it was said that the late Queen's robe was quite heavy. Just imagine it's length and it's velvet, lined with cloth and fur with real gold embroidery. The late Queen's robe stuck to the long pile carpet as she started forwards. The 6 maids of honour just managed to lift it before the Queen toppled backwards. So, I presume it can be quite heavy.

George is young, but the other boys are around 13 years old, more like teenagers.

Bonnie

Wednesday 3rd of May 2023

It is hard to imagine the scope of the necessary rehearsals, with so many involved in the parade and then inside the Abbey. What an honour for all the military to be taking part. This must be so different and exciting compared to their usual daily routine. With all that is going on, I don't know how anyone found the time to put together a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Kate's black and white dress is fine for the occasion. As always, nobody would complain if she took the pussy bow off, but it hardly shows within the dark print. I actually have a blouse in that same print, although I assure you that it didn't come from any fancy designer.

Imagine the stress that Kate is under having to help prepare three young children, who will be viewed by the world. I'm sure that Louis has had some stern warnings not to repeat his antics as seen at the Jubilee. But many of us are hoping he will do something funny, cute and memorable.

Anne

Thursday 4th of May 2023

@Bonnie, his antics were funny and just typical of a young boy having to try and sit still for an extended period. I am sure those of us that are mothers have experienced similiar antics from our young sons. Certainly not on the same global stage though.

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