Strictly Kate (Catherine - The Duchess of Cambridge)

Monday, June 17, 2013

Kate is Pretty in Pink for Trooping the Colour

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Kate made her last public appearance before the birth of her first child when she joined thousands of well-wishers to celebrate the Queen's official birthday at the Trooping the Colour parade.

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She waved to the crowds lining the route as she travelled in a carriage with the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry. The televised military spectacle is held every year at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall, London.

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More than 1,000 soldiers and horses took part in the ceremony including the Prince of Wales - who is Colonel of the Welsh Guards, the Princess Royal - who is Colonel of the Blues and Royals, and the Duke of Cambridge - who is Colonel of the Irish Guards.

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Trooping the Colour originated from traditional preparations for battle. Colours, or flags, were carried, or "trooped", down the rank so that it could be seen and recognized by the soldiers.
In the 18th century, guards from the royal palaces assembled daily on Horse Guards to "troop the colours", and in 1748 it was announced that the parade would also mark the Sovereign's official birthday.

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Daily Mail/PA

Later, the Duchess of Cambridge joined the rest of the royals on the balcony at Buckingham Palace to watch the traditional RAF fly-past.

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Turning to one of her favorite designers, Kate wore a pale pink coat that was custom designed by Sarah Burton from the iconic British design house, Alexander McQueen. The gorgeous coat features a wide collar, side darting, three-quarter sleeves and oversized pearl buttons.

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2012

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You may recognize Kate’s hat as the piece by milliner Jane Corbett that she wore to the Queen’s Buckingham Palace Garden party last year. She also accessorized with a grey, bespoke McQueen clutch and Annoushka pearl earrings.

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Thursday, June 13, 2013

Kate Wears Hobbs in Last Public Appearance Before the Arrival of the Royal Baby

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In her last solo public appearance before her baby is due, Kate flew to Southampton via helicopter for the naming ceremony of the 3,600 passenger cruise ship in front of hundreds of guests.

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The ship was officially christened the Royal Princess when the Duchess of Cambridge smashed a 15-litre Nebuchadnezzar-sized bottle from Moet & Chandon (£1,250) of champagne against its hull.

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Standing on the naming platform with the ship’s Captain Tony Draper, Kate pronounced, “I name this ship Royal Princess. May God bless her and all who sail in her.”

Daily Mail

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The naming of a ship is a tradition that dates back thousands of years. The ritual marks the birth of a vessel, and asks for a blessing of good fortune and safety for the ship and its passengers and crew.

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The most important element of the naming tradition is the godmother selected to christen a ship. In the mid-19th century it became customary for a woman of distinction to be selected for this honor. A godmother is the symbolic patron, or sponsor, of the ship through its entire life and symbolizes the spirit of the vessel.

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Princess Cruises has a history of illustrious godmothers for past ships including Diana, Princess of Wales, who named the first Royal Princess in 1984. Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, and Baroness Thatcher have all been godmothers in the past.

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Hobbs London

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The Duchess of Cambridge showed off her baby bump in a £169 black and ivory Dalmatian print coat by high street brand, Hobbs London (sold out). The collarless coat hung to her knees, and featured two front pockets.

Details from the Hobbs London Website:

Length:96cm

Sleeve: Long

Sleeve Color: Black Ivory

Fabric composition:55% flax 45% viscose

Lining:100% acetate

Washing instructions: Dry clean

Style code:4001

Extra detail: Visible zip

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Kate complimented her statement look with a matching black hat by Sylvia Fletcher for Lock & Co Hatters, stylish new box clutch (Wicca Mini leather satchel - $1,095 and no longer available) by Alexander McQueen and her favorite black court shoes.