Video of William and Kate at Ark gala dinner

A two minute video made by the Telegraph shoes the Duke and Duchess arriving at the ARK charity gala dinner. The couple pose for photos and mingle with guests. From looking at the video the one aspect that strikes me is how Kate looks even more beautiful in motion. Photos don't do her justice. In the large number of articles that have been released since the couple arrived at the gala I'm surprised to read negative comments about Kate's fashion choice. Her dress is beautiful but many felt too conservative. As a royal she cannot be seen in skimpy attire. On the whole I think most people loved it. Did you? William and Kate attended on behalf of the princes' foundation. The couple met with Arpad Busson former partner of Elle McPherson, he organised the event. According to reports the event has been a success thus far, no doubt helped by William and Kate being there!

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Kate Wears Matthew Williamson to 'African Cats' Premiere

William and Kate attended the African Cats première at BFI Southbank, London. It is their first joint public engagement in over three months.Despite the dismal weather conditions, the couple were in high spirits. The rain briefly stopped moments before their arrival.

Pacific Coast News

'African Cats' is a nature documentary which follows a lioness and a Cheetah with their offspring in Kenya's Masai Mara nature reserve. The film is narrated by Samuel L. Jackson and Sir Patrick Stewart. A portion of the proceeds for the film were donated to the African Wildlife Foundation. The 'true adventure' documentary offers a rare insight into the struggles animals face in the wild to protect their young. I expect one would need their handkerchief when viewing this movie as it's a real tearjerker. 

The première is in aid of William's patronage Tusk Trust. The organisation has twenty years experience initiating and funding conservation and community development programmes across Africa. Tusk has been a driving force in helping to protect African wildlife, something Prince William is passionate about. If you wish to donate please click here.

The Mirror/African Cats

The Cambridges were joined at the event by one hundred children involved with their patronages. You can a video from the event at ITNSource William and Kate with Charlie Mayhew of Tusk Trust. Mr Mayhew revealed the couple 'absolutely loved the film'.

Zimbio

There was much speculation regarding Kate's sartorial choices for the evening :)

Richard Palmer Twitter

However Kate opted for a classic, dove grey, dress with turqoise and gold encrusted detail on the cuffs by Scottish designer Matthew Williamson. Kate's outfit is from the pre-fall 2012 collection. The dress is not available in stores yet but will be priced at $1695. Kate ordered the dress in January. (With thanks to Lisa WKW FB)  Williamson added beading on the collar to match the cuffs for Kate's piece, perhaps because Kate wanted it for an evening appearance? 

Matthew Williamson

Williamson is an incredibly talented designer and I'm delighted to see his work has caught Kate's eye. Again we see Kate choosing a new designer whilst staying true to her love of timeless elegance.

British Monarchy Flickr

 

A look at the back. The peplum jacket is reminiscent of the LK Bennett Jude jacket Kate wore during her visit to Leicester. Obviously a style the Duchess favours.

Styleite

Kate wore the gorgeous Kiki Classic Peridot , Blue Topaz and Diamond Earrings. (With many thanks to the wonderful Anna who also Id'd the shoes) The beautiful earrings are available for £1,200 and described as

"These runaway best selling earrings never fail to impress. Wearable, elegant and available in a dazzling array of colourways, the flattering green and blue gemstone combination is especially popular."

Kiki McDonough

Duchess Kate wore a pair of dark grey Emmy shoes and carried what appears to be a matching clutch similar to the items below. (With thanks to What Kate Wore)

Emmy

When the movie ended William began his speech with 'I'm emotionally exhausted. There's more drama in that than Eastender's :) To view the full speech please click here. William and Kate have a busy day ahead tomorrow with two receptions to attend. See you all then :)

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Kate Wears Stella McCartney to 'Aiming High Exhibition'

Duchess Kate attended an opening event for The Road to 2012: Aiming High Exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery this morning.

Kate arrived in a chauffeur driven car at 9 a.m. and was greeted by dignitaries.

Kate was the guest of honour at the Olympic photography exhibition which documents three years of preparation for the London games. The engagement combines Kate's roles as patron of the National Portrait Gallery and Olympic ambassador.The London Games begin in just over a week and we can expect to see William, Kate and Harry attend many events supporting Team GB from the sidelines.

The newly commissioned photographs of the athletes were taken by renowned photographers Anderson & Low, Nadav Kander and Jillian Edelstein. 

National Portrait Gallery

From The Telegraph's review

'Road to 2012 is the biggest photographic commission the NPG has ever undertaken, a three year project reaching its culmination this month to celebrate the festival of running, jumping and diving about to take place seven miles to the east. These are not quick snaps or candid behind the scenes revelations. Anderson and Low shot rowers, swimmers and gymnasts in their training environments to create the formality and feel of a fine art portrait'.

Jim White's review ends with a powerful description of the athletes comparing them to gladiators and warriors:

'Here are the heroes of our time, modern gladiators, serious - minded, determined, unflinching; photographed with a reverence in which, in previous times, warriors might have been recorded ahead of going into battle'.

The women's hockey squad posed for the photo below in November 2011.

National Portrait Gallery

Kate viewed footage of a naked David Beckham sleeping shot by Sam Taylor Wood. A difficult job but someone has to do it :) She also viewed the NPG'S Diamond Jubilee Exhibition on The Queen, Art and Image.

Rebecca English Twitter

Kate also featured in the exhibition herself in a photograph taken at the Team GB hockey event the Duchess attended earlier this year.

Paul Harrison Twitter

Sky News reporter Paul Harrison noted the Duchess was embarrassed when she saw the photo.

Paul Harrison Twitter

Below we see the Duchess looking at it.

Paul Harrison Twitter

Kate meeting guest Diana Gould who turns 100 later this year.

Paul Harrison Twitter

The exhibition runs until 23 September and is free daily from 10.00 until 18.00. If you are a lover of the arts and wish to support the gallery you can find information on donating here or take a look at the online shop which sells books, posters, exhibition catalogues, jewellery and portraits. Below we take a look at the Kings & Queens Tablecloth, the Elizabeth II Canvas Tote Bag and the Necklace Camera.

National Portrait Gallery Online Shop

It is Kate's second visit to the gallery this year. The Duchess made her solo debut at the Lucien Freud Exhibition last February where she met guests and staff.

The British Monarchy Flickr

Royal aides have said the Duchess has been looking forward to viewing the exhibition 'immensely' as she is a keen photographer herself. She wrote her history of art degree dissertation on the photography of author, Lewis Carroll. There has been talk of her staging an exhibition in aid of her charities in the future.

Kate looked lovely in the electric blue crepe  Stella McCartney Ridley Stretch Cady Dress from the Fall 2012 collection. The £515 dress is described as:

'A vibrant crepe dress. This simple shift  embodies easy luxury with it's minimalist silhouette  and eye catching bold hue. Concealed zip fastening at back. Round neck, short sleeves, darts at waist'.

Selfridges

I personally love the dress. It's vibrant and youthful yet conservative and elegant. I had thought we would see Kate wear Stella McCartney for some of her engagements as Olympic ambassador (Stella designed Team GB's uniforms) and this dress was an excellent choice. What do you think?

Rebecca English Twitter

Kate wore her Prada pumps.

The Duchess accessorized with the stunning Cartier Trinity Necklace (With many thanks to Karen from WKW FB) Royal aides said it is from her own wardrobe and she thought it appropriate to wear it today given the Olympic theme. 

The 18 caeat gold necklace, with paved diamond is 80 cm long and retails for a staggering £49,000. Given the huge price tag I expect it may have been a gift. Perhaps to celebrate Kate's role as Olympic ambassador? It's one of the most beautiful pieces of jewellery we've ever seen Kate wear. 

Cartier

Kate completed the look with a pair of gold Swaroski earrings, quite possibly an older version of the $85  Heloise Pierced Earrings. Pippa has been spotted wearing the same earrings in silver. (I must say a huge thank you to Anna from My Small Obsessions who works tirelessly to ID Kate pieces and is always kind enough to let me and the other bloggers know about her discoveries)

The engagement went incredibly well and (for once this summer :)) the sun was shining. Kate was all smiles leaving the gallery....

You can watch an excellent video from the exhibition at The Telegraph.

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In other news the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry has been renamed The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. The royal trio are aiming to make the armed forces, young people and conservation their primary areas of focus for the time being. The website is well worth a look with large photos from recent engagements and information on the foundation. The following message from William, Kate and Harry appears on the website

'For reasons that never cease to amaze us, we do seem to be able to bring a spotlight to bear on wonderful initiatives created by other people to help those in need'.

The new website and renaming of the foundation is confirmation William, Kate and Harry will continue to work together as a team. If/When Harry marries his wife will be included in the foundation also.

Richard Palmer Twitter

Judging by the figures I anticipate the royal foundation will be a great success.

Max Foster Twitter

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We'll finish today's post with a look at another artists impression of Kate from Marie Claire South Africa. There is currently an ongoing debate as to whether the photos are art or using Kate as a clothes horse. The fact she is wearing designers (who stand to profit from the magazine cover) clothes in the mock ups makes me question whether it is appropriate or not. What do you all think?

Grazia/Marie Claire South Africa

Thank you for reading.

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Duchess Kate To Begin First Official Solo Engagements Next Month And Will Begin With Lucian Freud Exhibition + Collette Dinnigan S/S 2012

January has been an unusually quiet month for Duchess Kate in terms of appearances and royal engagements. As Prince William is preparing for his imminent deployment to the Falklands, I had thought this dry spell would continue but it seems the Duchess is eager to immerse herself in royal life while William is away. Clarence House has announced Kate will officially begin her solo engagements next month. 

"The Duchess will have a handful of engagements while the Duke is away. She will visit all her patronages publicly at least once and continue to visit them privately. It will be a busy period. The reason she chose so few charities is that she wants to get to know them all intimately".

To recap on Kate's choice of charities please Click Here. 

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It is expected Kate's first official solo engagement will take place at the National Portrait Museum where the Duchess will tour n exhibition of the late Lucian Freud's portrait paintings. Freud who passed away last summer aged 88 was the grandson of Sigmund Freud. The exhibition known as 'People in my life' will feature over 100 works fro museums all over the world. As an Art History graduate, Kate will be familiar and will no doubt appreciate the technical virtuosity of his work. The exhibitions open February 9th, You can find all booking details Here.

A Royal aide said

"The Duchess, as a patron of the National Portrait Museum, will take an active interest - publicly and privately - in all aspects of the gallery's work. While the Duke is away, she is fully intending on using those six weeks to do nothing but work and will visit her patronages and undertake a number of engagements in support of the Royal family".

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I'm delighted we will be seeing the Duchess engaging with her patronages. As you all know I'm also very excited to see which designers she will choose for these engagements. (Yes, I'm always thinking of the fashion possibilities :)) I couldn't help but notice how simply beautiful the Collette Dinnigan Spring/Summer 2012 collection is. Collette is one of Kate's favourite designers and is becoming a household name worldwide.

 Both Nicole Kidman and Rachel McAdams chose a delicate nude and black lace, knee length, off the shoulder dress from the collection recently and I think it would be perfect for Kate. If it was full length it would be an ideal piece for an evening reception.

Duchess Kate adores lace detailing and no one designs lace dresses quite like Collette. These feminine, delicate pieces are very Kate.

The detailing and structuring on these dresses is stunning.

The strapless, blue evening gown is my personal favourite piece in the collection. What's yours?

With minor alterations these black pieces would be perfect for a Duchess!

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I will update as soon as the exact date for Kate's engagements are announced. Hope you all had a great weekend :)

Sources (Daily Mail, Trisha What Kate Wore FB, The Telegraph, Colette Dinnigan)

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William and Kate get two tickets for the price of one at Cineworld

Yesterday William and Kate enjoyed a trip to their local cineworld in Llandudno to see The Inbetweeners. It as reported by other people watching the movie that both William and Kate were in fits of laughter throughout the comedy. Funnily enough it was 'bargain Tuesday' at the cinema which meant they got two tickets for the price of one. Even the Royals are becoming frugal in these recessionary times. :)

The couple are obviously major movie fans having been seen at the cinema recently watching the smash hit comedy 'Bridesmaids'. As you can see the photo's are not very clear. I'm sure the photographer (possibly just an excited fan) wanted to keep a respectable distance so the couple could enjoy their evening out in peace. Personally (And I know you would all agree) I would rather see photos like these than close up ones of William and Kate being hassled. 

Duchess Kate (from what I can see :)) pulled off casual chic yet again. Wearing light blue jeans with a grey cardigan and her black espadrille wedges. It's lovely to see them taking time out for a 'date night' like any other couple. In Wales they seem to enjoy a certain anonymity. As you will see in the photo's, the other cinema goers are not staring nor asking for photographs. It proves how attitudes towards the Royals is changing. Could you possibly imagine Charles and Diana enjoying a night out at the cinema? 

In other news, Duchess Kate graces the cover of Hello magazine this week. Her visit to Brimingham was extremely well received. Pippa is also on the cover with her boyfriend Alex Loudon.  For any of you who read the magazine, you will know Kate is almost always on the cover. There is a very good reason why, The Duchess has helped to lift sales of the magazine by more than a quarter in the first six months of the year.

 For those of you reading the 'Kate before Cambridge' page. I'm hoping to add at least ten entries a day. As it's in chronological order, do scroll down for new photo's! :)

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New photos of Kate watching William playing football on Christmas eve

You will all recall I mentioned that Kate and Harry went to support William when he played a Christmas eve football match at Castle Rising. Stunning photos of Kate have surfaced from the event, from the talented people at Lynn News.

These photos remind me of William and Kate pre engagement when Kate used to go to his matches to support him. It's wonderful to see the couple still do that. Again, it should be noted that Harry is by Kate's side. He seems to be a great source of support for Kate.(as if we needed another reason to love Harry :))

Kate looked exceptionally happy about to depart for her first Christmas with the royals at Sandringham. 

Kate looked casual, chic and most importantly comfortable in skinny jeans. She wore the beautiful L.K. Bennett Darwin Jacket in Brown. (With thanks to WKW FB) The jacket is currently sold out, however there will be huge demand for it now Kate has worn it so I expect it could be reissued. From the signature collection it is £695 and also comes in black. It is described as


"The Darwin is a super sexy shearling jacket and one of the most beautiful pieces of the season. The full collar and cuffs with exposed shealing combined with a nipped waist makes this a must have. Made from 100% Toscana Sheepskin".

Kate appears to be wearing the Temperly Honeycomb Tunic underneath her jacket. (With thanks to Karen from Berkshire and Michéle) The Almond coloured jumper is €420 and also comes in orchid.

Kate's jeans were ID'd by the talented Melissa via WKW FB as the Twenty8Twelve straight jeans. I'm sure you know the famous brand is owned by actress Sienna Miller and her designer sister Savannah. Kate has previously favoured jeans from J Brand and Hudson, It's always interesting to see her experiment with new brands and these jeans are fabulous. They are €129,95 and described as


"Subtly distresses dark blue straight leg jeans from Twenty8Twelve by S. Miller. The dark blue stretch denim has a low rise waist with a higher cut at back and features a classic five pocket styling with welt patch pockets at back, belt loops, gold hardware, yellow stitching, a designer stamped button and concealed zip fastening at waist".

For a practical choice of footwear Kate chose her Le Chameau leather lined Wellington Boots. They are available for both men and women (You can see Prince Harry wore matching pair :)) for around £250.

Kate completed her look with a cream turtleneck and a cowgirl/outback hat. The hat wrapped up the look nicely whilst protecting Duchess Kate's hair from the windy weather. In 2005 we saw the Duchess in a very similar look. (With thanks to Julie)

There is a very enjoyable slideshow of these photos here. I will update if more photos emerge.

Sources (LynnNews.co.uk, What Kate Wore facebook,)

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