Hello and Happy Friday to everyone. I imagine most readers are looking forward to a 3-day weekend with Monday being Memorial Day here in the US and a bank holiday in the UK. We start with an addition to Kate’s Calendar.

• Wednesday, June 7: According to Flanders Today Kate & William will visit Mesen, Belgium to take part in ceremonies commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Messines. From the article: “The commemoration of the First World War battle, which took place from 7 to 14 June 1917, will involve a joint British-Irish delegation as well as groups from Australia and New Zealand. The British-Irish commemoration will take place at the Irish Peace Park on the afternoon of 7 June.”  Another Belgian newspaper, Het Nieuwsblad, is reporting Kate will accompany William on the trip. There is more background info here on the event.

Thank you, Veronique, for your comment letting us know about the engagement.

Now, updates to our coverage of last Saturday’s post about Pippa Middleton’s wedding, beginning with a note about what is a major feat for this day and age: an utter lack of photos from the second reception, held at the Middleton’s Bucklebury home. I am still hoping we’ll see an exclusive magazine (People? Hello!?) cover story, but at this point, we have nary a clue about Kate or Meghan Markle’s party frocks. There has been speculation that Pippa’s second wedding gown was by Pronovias, but we’ve not heard any verification that was the case.

However, we now have the time to consider more closely some items worn by family, members of the wedding party and guests. Our first look is at the bodice of Kate’s dress, as it generated significant discussion last weekend. Several comments here and on social media referenced its similarity to the ensemble worn by Wallis Warfield Simpson when she married the Duke of Windsor in 1937. The tight waist and shirring are evocative of the Mainbocher jacket worn by Duchess of Windsor (as she was titled after her marriage). There the similarities end: the Duchess of Cambridge’s dress has a deep vee neck and no collar, while Mrs. Simpson’s jacket has a high neckline, creating a continuous line of color from her waist to the collar.  

© Nunn Syndication, Polaris /Wikipedia/Pool, i-Images

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