For this afternoon’s garden party at Buckingham Palace the Duchess brought back a much-loved frock.
Victoria Murphy, The Daily Mirror (@QueenVicMirror)
She wore the bespoke lace dress by Alexander McQueen admired by many fashion followers.
John Stillwell/WPA Rota/Nunn Syndication/Polaris
The Queen’s Jubilee Tour was in Nottingham today, Prince William and Kate accompanied HM on the visit.
James Whatling / Splash News
William and Kate actually drove up from Anglesey for the appearance. Below we see HM being greeted, the Duke and Duchess are about to step out of the car transporting them from the train station, where they met up with the Queen.
Via Genie14 Twitter Feed
Unfortunately the Duke of Edinburgh was not able to join the group as originally planned, he continues to recover from an infection. The Queen wore a lovely silk tweed Stewart Parvin coat and dress in a rich aqua.
The British Monarchy Twitter Feed
The crowds were enormous in Old Market Square.
Via My Nottingham
Everything Kate wore has been seen previously, she first wore the blue tweed M-Missoni coat on March 1 for the visit to Fortnum and Mason with Camilla and the Queen. (Our post on that event is here.)
SplashNews.com
Some may recall this is a piece Kate purchased at the Bicester Village outlet mall. Another look at Kate and the Queen via Esmik D’Aguiar’s Twitter feed.
Esmik D'Aguiar Twitter Feed
Kate’s hat was seen for the visit she and William made to the Irish Guards last year on Armed Forces Day. (Our post on that is here.) The piece is by Rachel Trevor-Morgan, a royal favorite.
SplashNews.com
No doubt some will recognize Kate’s diamond and sapphire earrings, the pair we believe were re-fashioned from a pair of Princess Diana’s earrings. She also wore her blue Zara dress underneath the tweed coat, this is at least the fourth time we’ve seen that garment.
Many of the day’s activities were at Vernon Park.
My Nottingham Facebook Page
The group visited Vernon Park in recognition of its Fields in Trust designation, more on that from the Telegraph:
… it was back to the day job for the monarch who unveiled a plaque at Vernon Park in Basford to mark a Fields in Trust project, which preserves parks as recreational spaces, during the first leg of her two-day visit to the East Midlands.
The British Monarchy Twitter Feed
More on the trip to the park from the BBC’s story:
The royal party then travelled to Vernon Park, where the prince made his official jubilee tribute.
He said: “The occasion presents the perfect opportunity for me, through my patronage of the Queen Elizabeth II Fields, to pay tribute to the Queen on her Diamond Jubilee.
“On behalf of Fields in Trust, thank you so much Your Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh for everything you have done throughout your reign to protect these vital outdoor places for the nation.
Here we see the group at the park, with thanks to CNN’s Max Foster for his wonderful photos.
Max Foster, CNN (@MaxFosterCNN)
The Duchess carried the Jaegar ‘Kate’ bag, with thanks to WKW Facebook friends Kate Spotter and Carolin for the quick ID, the bag originally sold at Jaeger sold for £150, it is now sold out.
Jaeger/SplashNews.com
She also wore her LK Bennett ‘Art’ pumps, initially seen for the couple’s visit to Darwen Academy, most recently worn for Kate’s visit with the Olympic hockey team in March (our story is here).
LK Bennett 'Art' Court Shoe
Another look at the group assembled for the official presentations, our thanks again to CNN’s Max Foster.
Max Foster CNN Twitter Feed
Prince William during the walkabout, with thanks to jasminbahia’s Instagram feed.
Jasmin Bahia Instagram Feed
And a side look at Kate’s partial updo, again with thanks to Jasmin Bahia. This also gives you a slight perspective of what Kate is looking at when at a function of this kind.
Jasmin Bahia Instagram
Some shared their delight at meeting the royals via Twitter.
Rosie Hamer Twitter Feed
Here we see Kate chatting with some of the thousands who came out for the event.
Via Sophie Stewart
Among those on hand, the Nottingham Scouts, they formed part of the welcoming group at Old Market Square and inside the Council House, in addition to help out at the park, the group shared this photo.
Nottingham Scouts Twitter Feed
Kate also helped the Scouts put up a tent.
Nottingham Scouts Twitter Feed
Our brief list of additional stories and sites with photos and video:
The London Telegraph
And with thanks to WKW Facebook friend Misty for the tip, probably the cutest video of the day from ITN is the one titled “Royals: William & Kate Greet Queen on Arrival in Nottingham,” click here to get to ITN’s main royal video page and scroll down for this story, you’ll love it.
ITN News
It looked like a wildly successful visit for the Queen, as well as William and Kate. The Duchess looked lovely while also demonstrating through her understated ensemble that she has no interest whatsoever in trying to upstage HM.
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A reminder that Trooping the Colour is this Saturday, that is the next time we expect to see Kate, as well as other royals.
Armed Forces Day mandates a solemn tone and that was very much the case today as Prince William and Kate spent time meeting privately with families of Irish Guardsmen killed in the line of duty.
Splash News
This was also the first time the Duchess was making any kind of official military appearance, clearly a function heavy with symbolism.
The British Monarchy
Additionally this was William and Kate’s first visit to the regiment since he was made Colonel of the Guards, it was the deep red uniform of the Guards he wore on his wedding day. Below we see William presenting medals to members of the Guard.
The British Monarchy
Kate accented with a navy fascinator.
The fitted navy coat was accented by shining gold buttons and epaulets on the shoulders. Alexander McQueen confirmed via Twitter Kate was wearing the line: HRH the Duchess of Cambridge wore a navy Alexander McQueen PreAW11 dress in Windsor, England today. We continue to wonder however if both garments (the coat and whatever is underneath) are by McQueen…? NOTE: 6.26.11 McQueen has apparently confirmed this is their garment, good to know. 🙂
There is strong sentiment the piece was custom-made, blending many of the elements seen in the Pre-Fall (Autumn/Winter) collection referenced in the tweet.
Via Style.com
Here is a snippet from the review Women’s Wear Daily did (subscription required)on the collection:
“Sarah Burton showed a military-inspired pre-fall lineup, packing it with a feminine take on traditionally masculine fabrics and details. Like the men’s collection, it’s about uniformity and has a regimental feel with the richness of ceremonial dress, Burton said.”
Kate’s coat is not identical to any of the pieces shown in the collection. It is almost a combination of the coat shown lower left and the dress lower right.
Via Shop Style & Matches Fashion
The always-on-top-of-things Leisa pointed out on Facebook that Kate carried another Anya Hindmarch bag, the Marano Clutch, she also wore her Kiki McDonough Citrine Drop earrings. We also saw the return of Kate’s navy Prada pumps.
Anya Hindmarch/Kiki McDonough
Our fab friends at Kate Middleton Style blog confirmed the fascinator is once again by Rachel Trevor-Morgan, she created the piece worn by Kate at the Order of the Garter.
The gold three-leaf shamrock brooch Kate wore has a storied history: it actually belongs to the regiment, they determine to whom it will be loaned. Previously it has been worn by the late Queen Mother, as well as the Princess Royal, Princess Anne. (NOTE 6.26.11: With thanks to Jen for her helpful comment, this is corrected copy, amended to reflect the Guard’s ownership of the brooch.)
The Duchess definitely stood out in the sea of camouflage, her ensemble was effective, conveying honor and respect. Altogether another splendid outing for Kate.
