Kate Middleton debuts velvet Catherine Walker coat for Festival of Remembrance

Kate debuts black velvet Catherine Walker coat for Festival of Remembrance

11/11/2017

The Duchess of Cambridge attended the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday evening.

She joined the Queen, Prince Philip and other senior members of the Royal Family at London's Royal Albert Hall for the British Legion's traditional televised service.

The Festival commemorates all those who have lost their lives in conflicts and it is usually attended by the Royal Family. It is organized by the Royal British Legion and is held every year on the eve of Remembrance Sunday.

Usually accompanied by Prince William, Kate went solo this year. William was in Wales for the Wales vs. Australia rugby match in his new role as patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, taking on that duty from Her Majesty.

As expected, the Duchess wore an all-black ensemble. She debuted a bespoke velvet coat by Catherine Walker. The piece appears to be a long version of the designer's ‘Caressa’ jacket. It is crafted from silk velvet and finished with large Swarovski buttons made of jet, glass and silver.

Kate teamed the velvet coat dress with her black Magid beaded vintage clutch and Gianvito Rossi 'Gianvito 105' Black Suede Pumps.

We saw the return of Princess Diana's Collingwood diamond and pearl drop earrings. You may recall Kate first wore them at the Spain state banquet in July.

The Duchess finished the ensemble with a poppy brooch we’ve not seen before. The large single poppy in support of the The Royal British Legion appears to be made from either paper of felt.

It is the third consecutive year Kate has attended the performance. Below we see her in 2015 wearing a black lace Dolce & Gabbana dress, and in 2016 in the Temperley London 'Callas' evening coat.