Royal Tour Day 8: Christchurch

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made a sombre visit to Christchurch today. The city was impacted by a devastating 6.1 magnitude earthquake in February 2011, killing 185 people.  The Royal Couple visited the CTV Building memorial site meeting families who sadly lost loved ones in the earthquake.

In a nod to Canterbury's official colours, the region in which Christchurch is located, Kate wore her Luisa Spagnoli red dress suit, accented with black buttons and a black velour bow belt.  

Kate Middleton first wore this 2-piece suit when she and Price William visited St Andrews University on 25th February 2011. Incidentally that was only 3 days after the tragic earthquake. For the St Andrews visit, Kate elected to wear a turtleneck over the top of the dress. On that same day, Kate and William visited the New Zealand High Commission in London to sign the condolence book. For this occasion, Kate wore the red dress but swapped the matching peplum jacket for a black overcoat.

Thanks to the brilliant detective work of Ayvee Elliot, she first noted on WhatKateWore, that the Duchess may have converted the dress into a skirt.  This would account for the longer hemline, which many observed as the main difference between the suit she wore in 2011 and the one she wore today.

Kate completed the outfit with familiar pieces; the black suede Episode 'Angel' pumps, black suede Mulberry 'Baywater' clutch, Annoushka pearl drops with Kiki hoop earrings, and the Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.

Episode 'Angel' pumps

Mulberry 'Bayswater' clutch

Annoushka pearl drop with Kiki hoop earrings

Cartier Ballon Bleu watch

SHOP KATE'S 'CANTERBURY' STYLE FOR LESS ...

Target Earrings · Marlow Clutches · Nine West Platforms

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also officially opened the visitors centre of the Botanic Gardens. In the aftermath of the earthquake, the gardens became a place of reflection for the people of Christchurch.

Following the opening, William & Kate visited the city's Latimer Square to endorse the upcoming Cricket World Cup.  The pair participated in a light-hearted game of cricket with the local kids.  Despite both being dressed in suits, the royal couple weren't afraid to show off their competitive side.

You can read further details of today's events on the official website of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

After an action packed week in New Zealand, the Duke and Duchess will spend tomorrow resting in private. On Wednesday, the royal couple will fly out of Wellington Airport and head to Sydney for their first Australian engagement at the Opera House.