The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spent the day in Wales, visiting the Valero oil refinery on the Pembrokeshire coast to commemorate its 50th anniversary.
The refinery was officially opened in 1964 by the Queen Mother and it has since become a major contributor to the local economy, employing 1,200 people and supplying more than 10% of the UK's fuel.
Upon arrival, Their Royal Highnesses viewed a display which chronicles the 50 year history of the refinery and its relationship with the community. They then met with refinery workers and various community organisations who are supported by the refinery.
The visit concluded with a performance by the Young Actors Studio who works in partnership with the refinery through the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Kate and William unveiled a plaque and a painting by a local artist upon departure.
The double-breasted wool coat is from the Autumn/Winter 2014 collection. The colour is described as Pacific Opal blue. The coat fastens with silver-tone dome buttons at the front, as well as a concealed button in the interior. It is fully lined in a printed silk - tiny blue star constellations on a black silk background. There is a vent at the bottom of the centre back for a comfortable fit. Double pockets feature on each side.
This is only the second occasion the Duchess has worn a Matthew Williamson design. Back in 2012 she wore a customised Matthew Williamson sheath dress to the Premiere of 'African Cats'.
Today we saw the return of Kate's beloved Aquatalia 'Rhumba' black suede boots, a style she has worn since February 2011.
She also carried her black Stuart Weitzman 'Muse' Clutch in black suede.
We got a glimpse of a brown shirt dress under the coat.
The girls at What Kate Wore were quick to identify the dress. It is the Hobbs London animal print shirt dress in light bitter chocolate brown. The classic style shirt dress features a tonal animal-print embossed silk jacquard with a covered placket and coordinating belt. It is currently on sale at Hobbs and John Lewis for £118.
After the visit, Kate and William - who is the vice patron of the Welsh Rugby Union traveled to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff to attend the Rugby Union international match between Wales and Australia. During half-time, the royal couple meet privately with injured servicemen in the President's Box.
Today, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were joined by Prince Harry on a visit to the opening of the Tower of London's "Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red" poppy installation. The expansive art installation is in honour of the 100th anniversary of World War I. It gives the illusion of a blood-red moat around the castle and the evolving work will feature 888,246 ceramic poppies when completed. The poppies represent a British or Colonial military fatality during the Great War. The installation is the work of ceramic artist Paul Cummins, with setting by stage designer Tom Piper. It was officially opened to the public today, and will run until late Autumn with the last poppy to be symbolically planted on Armistice Day, 11th November 2014. For today's engagement, The Duchess wore her snorkel blue L.K. Bennett 'Detroit' dress. This dress was first worn on Valentine's Day this year to the opening of the ICAP Art Room at Northolt High School in London. The Duchess carried her navy suede Russell & Bromley 'Muse' clutch. Other familiar accessories included her Sapphire & Diamond Oval Drop Earrings and Ballon Bleu de Cartier Stainless Steel Wristwatch. There were two new additions to Kate's outfit today. The Duchess swapped her usual Alexander McQueen navy suede pumps with a new pair from Jimmy Choo named 'Georgia' (identified by My Small Obsessions). This style features a thick column shaped heel with a rounded toe. They are currently available for€450/US$625. Kate also debuted the Empress Mini White Gold and Diamond Pendant necklace by Mappin & Webb (identified by My Small Obsessions). A sparkling motif pendant features 0.40 carats of round brilliant-cut diamonds set in 18 carat white gold on a 46cm (18 inch) chain. The motif measures 15mm (0.59 inches) in diameter. The piece retails for £1,850. The Cambridge's will take a break for the remaining Summer. Kate is scheduled to return to royal duties in mid September, where she will undertake her first solo visit abroad. On 20th - 21st September 2014, the Duchess of Cambridge will visit Malta to mark its 50th annivsary of independence. SHOP KATE'S STYLE ...
This morning, the Duchess of Cambridge visited the restored heritage and education site of Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire.
Today's visit by Her Royal Highness marked the completion of the £8 million restoration project, which has restored the site to its World War II appearance.
For today's visit, Catherine wore her military-inspired Alexander McQueen separates, first seen on her visit to the Summerfield Community Centre in August 2011 following the Birmingham riots.
Both the blouse and skirt are from the Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2011 collection. The Military Silk Georgette Blouse features navy trim detailing, gold button-fastening and a peplum hem. The navy Embellished Wool Crepe Skirt has directional front slits and gold tone decorative button front.
We saw the return of familiar navy accessories, which included the Stuart Weitzman 'Muse' clutch, her Alexander McQueen pumps, and her sapphire & diamond drop earrings.
Kate toured the WWII Codebreaking Huts and heard about the achievements of the Codebreakers, one of who was her paternal grandmother, Valerie Glassborow.
Kate then on to view the interactive exhibitions and had a go at deciphering a morse code message using a replica radio that was used at Bletchley Park during WW II.
The Duchess commemorated her visit by planting a tree.
The next engagement for the Duchess will be on 5th July, when she and William will attend the ceremonial start of the Tour de France at Harewood House in Yorkshire.
Following a breakfast reception at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, the Duchess of Cambridge dashed back to London to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace. Also in attendance was Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip, who was celebrating his 93rd birthday. Catherine changed out of her Jaeger contrast crepe dress and into the much-adored Alexander McQueen champagne lace dress, first worn two years earlier to the Queen's Jubilee National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral. For today's event, Kate opted to remove the tonal sash belt and complete her look with new accessories. The Duchess wore a new hat from Jane Corbett Millinery which is a bespoke piece designed to coordinate with her frock. Kate accessorized with a new pair of nude patent heels which are currently unidentified. One possibility is the LK Bennett 'Florete' pumps. She carried her Russell and Bromley nude patent 'Park Avenue' clutch. She kept her jewellery to a minimum, wearing only her Annoushka baroque pearl drops with Kiki hoop earrings (in addition to her wedding rings, of course!). SHOP KATE'S GARDEN PARTY STYLE FOR LESS ... 12/06/2014 - ID UPDATE Ashley Marie contacted LK Bennett regarding their 'Florete' pumps, but they wrote that this was not the style the Duchess wore to the Garden party. I then contacted Russell & Bromley to ask if their '5th Ave' court shoes could be an ID. They responded with a denial but did claim that the '5th Ave' style used to be available in beige patent (the same colour/fabric as her R&B 'Park Ave' clutch). Ashley Marie persisted with this and managed to get a hold of someone more knowledgeable at R&B. They confirmed that the '5th Ave' style is indeed the one the Duchess wore. Despite my efforts and the misinformation I was given by Russell & Bromley, I'm delighted that Ashely Marie got to the truth!
The '5th Ave' court shoe in beige patent was from their 2013 collection and is no longer available. It is currently available in a variety of shades and fabrics. These point toe courts feature a slim 8cm heel height. This morning, the Duchess of Cambridge attended a private breakfast reception at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. It was her first solo engagement since returning from the Royal Tour of New Zealand and Australia. During her visit, Catherine meet with supporters of the bid to launch a British team in the 35th America’s Cup, which is being led by Sir Ben Ainslie. Catherine wore an ivory/navy crepe dress by British high-street label Jaeger. This sleek ivory sheath dress features navy trim along the round neckline, arms and waist. It originally retailed for £150 but has been reduced to £99. Kate carried her Stuart Weitzman 'Muse' navy suede clutch (also known as the Stuart Weitzman 'Raz' clutch in the USA). On her feet were her bespoke Alexander McQueen navy suede pumps. Her jewellery included the sapphire and diamond earrings, Asprey London 'Woodlands' charm necklace and Cartier Ballon Bleu watch. SHOP KATE'S LOOK FOR LESS ... The Duchess meet with crew and boat designers before viewing an America’s Cup class boat at the museum. The America’s Cup, which is the oldest trophy in sport, was first established in 1851 as the hundred pound cup for the winner of a race around the Isle of Wight, witnessed by Queen Victoria. The Cup was named after the first winner of the race, the schooner ‘America’, from New York. American teams successfully defended all challenges for 132 years, until an Australian team won in 1983. Britain has never won the America's Cup.
This afternoon, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended two events to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France. The Royal couple attended a tea party in the town of Arromanches where they spent the afternoon chatting with WWII British veterans and listening to their emotional recollections of the landings. For today's events, the Duchess opted to repeat pieces she has previously worn. No doubt this was to ensure the focus stayed on the commemorations. Catherine wore her bespoke Alexander McQueen cornflower blue coat first seen on the New Zealand tour. Other familiar pieces included the 'Salsa' black straw hat by Sylvia Fletcher for Lock & co, her sapphire and diamond earrings, and Mulberry Bayswater black suede clutch. Kate did however wear a new pair of black suede heeled shoes. My Small Obsessions has identified them as the Stuart Weitzman 'Power' pumps. These pointed-toe court shoes feature a covered 3 ¾ inches thin stiletto heel and leather sole. SHOP THE LOOK FOR LESS ... Following the tea party, William and Kate visited the D-Day museum on Gold Beach (Arronmanches). 70 years ago, over 400 British troops lost their lives in the assault on Arronmanches. There was a ceremony to remember the brave men who paid the ultimate price. The Duke gave a heartfelt speech where he described the pivotal operation which began the downfall of the Nazis during the Second World War as a "great and terrible day." To read an historical account of the D-Day landings click here.
Royal Tour Day 4: Kate wears blue Alexander McQueen coat dress to Blenheim and Omaka Aviation Center10/4/2014
This morning, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge continued their royal tour of New Zealand with a visit to the Marlborough region located on the north east tip of the South Island. They started the day with a commemorative wreath-laying ceremony in Seymour Square, Blenheim. Price William and Kate were joined by a group of WWII veterans, politicians, and thousands of spectators. The service was held to pay tribute to those who have died in combat during the first World War, which marks its 100th anniversary later this year. For today's solemn service, Kate wore a bespoke cornflower blue coat dress from her favourite designer, Alexander McQueen. The piece appears to be a fusion of the Utility Coat Dress and Belted Crepe Coat from McQueen's current ready-to-wear collection. Kate's coat dress is described as a double leaf crepe coat, with utility pockets, waist belt and pleated back skirt. It features a collared neckline and has concealed snap fastenings through the front. On her feet were bespoke Alexander McQueen navy blue suede pumps, first seen during her first Royal Tour of North America in 2011. SHOP REPLIKATES OF THE ALEXANDER MCQUEEN NAVY SUEDE SHOES ... Kate coordinated her shoes with her navy suede Russell & Bromley 'Muse' clutch also known as the Stuart Weitzman 'Raz' clutch. She wore her Sapphire & Diamond Oval Drop Earrings, which were a gift from Prince William and originally owned by the late Princess Diana. SHOP REPLIKATES OF THE SAPPHIRE EARRINGS ... On Kate's left chest was a poppy pin. The pin is a symbol of the "Remembering WW1 - 100 years on" commemoration, and identifies First World War centenary activities, events, or projects in New Zealand. Following the memorial service, William & Kate had a private lunch at Wither Hills winery. The restaurant staff tweeted: "It has been a right royal day at Wither Hills! We are so proud to have hosted the royal couple at our restaurant". After lunch, the Duke and Duchess headed to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre for a tour of the 'Knights of the Sky' exhibition, a display of First World War aircraft collected by Lord of the Rings film director Sir Peter Jackson. This evening, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend a state reception at Government House. Prince William will give a speech at the event and unveil a new portrait of Her Majesty the Queen.
You can read further details of today's events on the official website of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. |
I have retired the "Bits and Bobs" section of the website and started a new segment title "Outfit Chronicle".
Archives
December 2014
|