Kate Brightens Up The Queen's Garden Party In Yellow Emilia Wickstead Coat

The Duchess of Cambridge made an unexpected appearance at The Queen's First Garden Party of the year at Buckingham Palace this afternoon. Kate who is around seven months pregnant attended the event along with Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Gloucesters.

PA

The royals joined around 8,000 guests including diplomats, Olympians, Paralympians, and officials from London 2012. As an ambassador for the games it seems fitting Kate chose to attend today's garden party. After the playing of the national anthem at 4 p.m. the royals separated and mingled with the crowd to ensure as many guests as possible had the opportunity to meet a member of the Royal Family.

Clarence House Twitter Feed/Press Association

Her Majesty hosts at least three garden parties every year at Buckingham Palace, as well as one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. The parties are considered one of the royal highlights of the year since the 1860s when Queen Victoria instituted what were known as 'breakfasts' (although they took place in the afternoon).

PA

Quantities of tea and refreshments served are enormous, according to the official website:

'Tea and other refreshments are served from long buffet tables. At a typical garden party, around 27,000 cups of tea, 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 slices of cake are consumed. Some 400 waiting staff are involved in the serving.'

A closer look at some of the tasty treats served at the royal tea.

Jo Tomlin Twitter Feed

Guests had the opportunity to explore the beautiful gardens, a wealth of wildlife and the summer house. Unlike the state rooms the gardens are not open to the public, so it is a real treat for guests.

Wikipedia

Paralympian Mark Colbourne shared a photo of his invitation via his twitter feed. I just love seeing these!

Mark Colbourne Twitter Feed

More from The Mirror's story:

'Also attending the Garden Party at Buckingham Palace were the world's longest married couple. Karam Chand, 107, and his wife Katari, 100, have been happily married for a staggering 87 years.

 The couple have eight children and twenty eight grandchildren. Mr Chand says the secret lies in their sense of humour "My trick is to make Katari laugh. I like to tell jokes and make her smile. Being funny is my way of being romantic.'

Baby talk was very much on the agenda.

Rebecca English Twitter Feed

Kate appeared to have a lovely time and enjoyed mingling with guests.

Reuters

Guest Jo Tomlin shared this photo of Kate on the lawn.

Jo Tomlin Twitter Feed

Kate met Marie Curie nurse Susan Bradley who said afterwards:

'She instantly recognised my uniform and the daffodil in my lapel and told me that she had great admiration for the work the charity does as our staff cared for her own grandfather in his home when he was terminally ill'.

The Duchess also revealed the effect the weather was having on her pregnancy:

'She said that the one benefit of the weather was that it was keeping her temperature down. She said she was thankfully rather cool'. 

It is the second time the Duchess has attended one of the Queen's garden parties. She wore a pink Emilia Wickstead coat dress to her first bash in May 2012.

Press Association

The Duchess chose a Ms. Wickstead piece again today, electing to wear a pretty yellow and white Marella Silk Coat - perfect for a garden party and the season. The abstract check coat is collarless with an open front and three quarter length sleeves. It is available for €1,522 at Matches. Kate's coat features a horizontal seam which would allow the coat to be taking in after Kate's pregnancy.

Matches

From the product description:

'Taking inspiration from 1950's society swan Marella Agnelli, Emilia Wickstead's silk coat is elegant and classic with a hint of playfulness. This perfectly polished, precisely cut piece wouldn't look out of place strolling down Park Avenue.'

The popular pattern features in other pieces in Ms. Wickstead's collections most notably the full length Bouvier Dress and the Margerita Skirt.

Matches

Kate recycled the white Jane Corbett hat she wore to last year's Order of the Garter parade.

The Duchess wore her Russell and Bromley Park Avenue Shoes and matching clutch. The £165 court shoes are very similar to Kate's Sledge pumps but eagle-eyed Ashley Marie noticed them very quickly.

Russell and Bromley

Kate completed the look with her Annoushka pearls.

You can watch a video at ITN Source.

It was lovely to see Kate joining members of the royal family for the Queen's garden party. I thought her outfit was elegant, summery and a perfect choice for Kate at this point in her pregnancy. Did you like it?

Prince William's Solo Engagements, Talks Fatherhood, Kate's Cooking Lessons, Charity Auction + More

We have a packed post for you today with news on William's solo engagements, Kate's reported cooking lessons, Kate's mentor's wife speaks, Great Gatsby Fever, Charity Auction and royal gnomes...yes gnomes.

Prince William has been busy over the past couple of days carrying out engagements in support of causes close to his heart. Today, William joined forces with Prince Charles hosting a high-profile conference at St James's Palace to focus world attention on the urgent battle to end illegal trade in wildlife.

The Prince of Wales Website

I was shocked and dismayed to read wildlife poaching and trafficking has reached new heights. Wildlife losses have reached unsustainable levels with some African elephant populations facing the possibility of extinction within a decade because of ivory poaching. Both black and white rhino are under attack for their horns and wild tiger numbers across Asia have decreased by 90% in the last 100 years.

WWF

William's patronage Tusk Trust expressed the importance of the conference via Twitter.

Tusk Trust Twitter Feed

To mark the conference Clarence House changed their twitter profile photo for the first time.

Clarence House Twitter Feed

Prince Charles and Prince William, alongside Environment Secretary Owen Paterson addressed guests from 26 of the countries particularly affected by illegal wildlife trade, calling for a global partnership and urgent action to reduce demand for endangered wildlife products, a stepping up of law enforcement against the criminals involved, and help for local communities to find an alternative to illegal wildlife trade.

During his speech at the conference The Prince of Wales mentioned becoming a grandfather:

'I'm very sorry my own father cannot be here today as he's been involved for so many years in conservation. That fact that my son is here too, in order to support his ageing father is hugely appreciated. 

We face one of the most serious threats to wildlife ever, and we must treat it as a battle. As a father and soon to be grandfather, I find it inconceivable our children could live in a world bereft of these animals'. 

And Prince William said this:

Paul Harrison Twitter Feed

William and Charles were shown some of the products that result in poaching.

Sky's Paul Harrison Twitter Feed

It's an incredibly important cause and I for one am so glad the Princes are behind it. Prince Charles announced a Head of State meeting in Autumn to discuss solutions. You can find out more about the campaign here and look out for the hashtag  #endwildlifecrime on Twitter for news and updates.

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Yesterday, Prince William and Prince Harry carried out a joint engagement supporting a charity very close to their hearts. The Princes were delighted to officially open the Help For Heroes recovery centre at Tedworth House in Wiltshire.

With the arrival of Baby Cambridge less than two months away, fatherhood was very much on William's mind. The Duke was presented with a white babygro with the words "My Daddy Is A Hero" by two-and-a-half-year-old Jenson Boggi. Whilst talking to Jenson's father, Corporal Josh Boggi, he revealed he is very much looking forward to fatherhood.

More from the Mirror's Story:

'"Are you looking forward to it, Sir?" asked Corp Boggi, a triple amputee from Berkshire. "Very much so", said William, who is due to become a father in mid-July.

The Duke refused an offer to get some practice in by holding Corp Boggi's two-year-old-son, hastily saying: "No, no, you're very kind." William revealed he received words of advice from parents at the centre. "All the mothers have been looking at me, just you wait, just you wait, long sleepless night".'

Military charity Help For Heroes runs four recovery centres across the country which form part of the Defence Recovery Capability - a partnership between Help For Heroes, The Ministry of Defence and The British Royal Legion. The recovery centres are there to inspire, enable and support our wounded, injured and sick, and their families, for the rest of their lives. The centres provide a "launchpad-to-life" where the wounded and their families can access psychological, financial and emotional support.

The Princes met members of the wounded community and their families and heard first hand the positive impact the centres provide. They were both presented with customised hoodies with William also taking one for Kate.

You too can own a Help For Heroes Hoody. The zipped jacket is available in a variety of colours for £30 at the charity's online shop and the best part: all proceeds go straight to Help For Heroes. The hoody is 50% cotton and 50% polyester, easy to wear and machine washable.

Help For Heroes Online Shop

William gave a poignant speech at the centre:

'The British public's unprecedented response to the likes of Help For Heroes, the Royal British Legion and countless other service charities was a heartfelt response to that sense of death felt by countless tens of thousands of people - in fact, the whole nation - who wanted to show support and gratitude.'

During a Kate engagement, this is usually the part where we discuss Kate's outfit, so for today we'll just say both Princes looked simply dashing in their blue suits. I'm sure you'll agree! :)

They paid tribute to Help For Heroes by wearing the organisations £2 Wristband.

Help For Heroes Online Shop

There's a great video from the visit, well worth checking out.

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Meanwhile, Kate has been spotted out and about grocery shopping at her local Waitrose in Kensington. 

@Demi_D16 Twitter Feed

Perhaps the Duchess was shopping for ingredients for new recipes she is reportedly learning from new Italian housekeeper Antonella Fresolone. US Weekly reports:

'Fresolone worked for 13 years at Buckingham Palace where she was well known for her "delicious" Italian cooking. Among her specialities? Homemade pasta and freshly baked bread.

The Duke and his wife hired Antonella three weeks ago, during which time she has been teaching mom-to-be Kate how to make "a number of new dishes" in the small kitchen at Nottingham Cottage.'

We know Kate enjoys cooking and baking, as it's been previously reported the Duchess baked cupcakes for William and his RAF colleagues regularly, and she is frequently spotted grocery shopping around the Kensington area.

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The Daily Mail's Richard Kay wrote a very insightful piece called 'Kate will not wilt like Diana says mentor' in which Sir David Manning's (you may recall we discussed Sir David during our 'Kate Loves: The Royal Staff' post) wife quashes rumours her husband was brought on board to instruct Kate in royal protocol.

'Contrary to popular belief, the Duchess doesn't need any help in that department at all. says Lady Manning, Sir David's wife, who writes thrillers under the name Elizabeth Ironside.

Let me tell you, the Duchess is interested in everything and doesn't need any encouragement or etiquette instruction. She knows what is required all by herself. I've heard it said my husband is instructing her on protocol, but that's wrong. He's a mentor.

I've only met her a few times but I have been very impressed. I can't talk about the Royal Family, but I do wish people would give the Duchess credit where it's due.'

Her husband - a former ambassador in Washington and former Prime Minister Tony Blair's foreign policy advisor - is a valued member of William and Kate's staff. He accompanied the couple on their first joint tour in 2011 and has been an unpaid adviser to William and Harry for four years. Very interesting comments from Lady Manning!

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Baz Luhrmann's adaption of The Great Gatsby has been hugely successful and influential, particularly in terms of fashion. Two of Kate's favourite designers have paid homage to the dazzling movie with window displays featuring a selection of 1920s inspired gowns.  Below we look at The Temperley London window on Bruton Street.

Temperley London Facebook Page

And the Jenny Packham window at Harrods. So many divine possibilities for the Duchess!

Jenny Packham Facebook Page

Harrods also commissioned one of Kate's go-to milliners, Vivien Sheriff, to capture headwear of the iconic era.

Harrods Facebook Page

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Another week, another exciting  Baby Cambridge Fundraiser activity raising funds in aid of Kate's patronage East Anglia's Children's Hospices. This week, the fundraiser is auctioning a Royal Favourite Lot on eBay containing two stunning items.

The first is the beautiful L.K. Bennett Alexia Clutch. The patent leather, sky blue clutch retails for $350 and is not available on the L.K. Bennett US site so it is a particularly wonderful opportunity for US residents to snag the piece at a reduced price. The Alexia Clutch is brand new and was donate by a very generous anonymous donor.

L.K. Bennett

The second is a lovely pair of Cornelia James Pure Wool Gloves with Side Bow. Cornelia James has held a Royal Warrant since 1979 and has a long association with the Royal Family. The £52 gloves are available in pure wool and a cotton style which is perfect for summer!

Best of luck to all bidders and don't forgot you can donate to the fundraiser by visiting the Just Giving Page.

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The Chelsea Flower Show is taking place at the moment with a number of royals in attendance. While William and Kate couldn't be there a couple of lookalike gnomes have been making the headlines!

The Times of London Twitter Feed

Finally, a selection of photos of William and Kate at William Van Cutsems wedding are now available to view at the Daily Mail.

Kate Loves: Issa

When William and Kate's relationship became public knowledge, the eyes of the world focused on the then Kate Middleton and soon magazines all over the world were focusing on her style. What was Kate wearing? Who were her favourite brands? Women are all over the world became interested in Kate's style and over the years her status as a style icon grew until she became one of the most influential style icons of our generation.

One fashion label played an undeniably pivotal role in influencing and defining her style until 2011: Issa.

Issa's creative director Daniella Helayel grew up surrounded by sun, sea and the stunning nature of the Brazilian coast line. The distinctive prints the designer has become known for have clearly been influenced by Daniella's roots.

'Nature was very generous to Brazil and is enveloped by unique landscapes and dazzling colours. My collections are designed to reflect the effortless elegance and the laid back lifestyle the country is known for. I love making women feel glamorous and chic and always design with comfort and confidence in mind.'

Ms Helayel completed her studies in New York and worked as a fashion consultant and buyer before moving to London where she was inspired by the city's eclectic energy and diversity. In 2001, Issa was born, and since then Daniella's collections have been embraced by celebrities including Madonna, Scarlet Johansson, Eva Mendes and Sharon Stone. But it was primarily Kate's love of the brand's versatile dresses that introduced the them to millions.

Kate chose a beautiful, floor-sweeping coral gown for the Boodles Boxing Ball in 2008. It was the first time we had really seen William and Kate together at a glamorous event and Kate certainly made quite an impression. It remains one of her best looks to date in my opinion. In 2009, Kate chose a very similar halter-neck Issa gown when she hosted a table at the Saatchi Gallery to raise money for the Starlight Children's Foundation.

RCFA

Kate has displayed a selection of eye-catching dresses at society weddings in recent years including the black Issa dress with sheer panels she wore for the wedding of Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly in 2008. It was an important day for Kate; not only was she attending the wedding of Prince William's cousin, she also met the Queen for the first time.

Hello! Magazine

Lady in red Kate opted for a silk jersey Issa dress for the wedding of Emilia D'Erlanger and David Jardine-Paterson. It was a chic, sophisticated choice for Kate and simply perfect for the occasion.

Hello!

In October 2010, William and Kate attended Harry Meade's wedding in Gloucestershire. The tanned couple had just returned returned from Kenya and speculation was rife in the papers they were secretly engaged (of course, it wouldn't be confirmed for almost another month). Kate wore a cobalt blue dress by Issa, her first custom made garment by the brand, signalling the strength of the fashion relationship.

Much to the delight of royal fans all over the world, the long awaited engagement announcement of Prince William and Catherine Middleton finally happened on November 16, 2011. It was an immensely exciting and daunting time for Kate who gave her first ever public interview. What does one wear for such a momentous occasion? Kate chose a Silk Jersey Wrap Dress by her go-to designer Issa.

The British Monarchy Flickr

Something many noted immediately was Kate's engagement ring. The oval blue sapphire surrounded by a cluster of 14 diamonds belonged to William's mother, the late Princess Diana. Speaking about his decision to give it to Kate, William movingly said: "It's very special to me. As Kate's very special to me now, it was right to put the two together. It's a way of making sure my mother didn't miss out on today." The Issa dress complimented the striking ring wonderfully.

AP

The dress was a marvellous choice for Kate. The ruched detailing on the neckline was stunning and the length was appropriate yet still young. The dress is crafted from pure silk and features wrap over panels at the waist providing a truly flattering fit. The wrap dress is a signature of Issa's and remains available today for £499 at Harrods, The Editeur and Les Nouvelles.

Issa London

Issa was one of the first labels to experience "The Kate Effect" and the demand for Kate's engagement dress and publicity following the announcement was transformational for the brand. It was recently revealed it was almost too much for the business to handle:

'Demand was so huge that the business couldn't cope. If Kate wears a Zara dress, these huge companies have the backing to follow through. Issa was basically run by interns, students and Daniella.'

Days before the royal wedding Kate was photographed shopping in London wearing a short-sleeve Issa Black Wrap Dress with a v-neckline. At the time fashion experts were predicting Kate would choose Daniella Helayel to design her wedding dress.

And the day before the royal wedding, a radiant Kate arrived at The Goring Hotel wearing her Issa bird print dress.

During William and Kate's first official joint tour of Canada in June/July 2011, Kate brought back the bird print dress for a youth reception.

Canadian Heritage Flickr

On July 1st, William and Kate celebrated Canada Day with the regal Duchess electing to wear a rich purple wrap dress by her favoured designer Issa. Kate wore her hair up to display the exquisite detailing and the neckline of the pretty frock. 

Canadian Heritage Flickr

The event marked the final occasion Kate publicly wore clothing by the brand.

Canadian Heritage Flickr

I regularly receive emails from fans of Kate asking why the Duchess no longer wears Issa clothes, the answer is very much an obvious one. In July 2011, it was announced Camilla Al-Fayed bought a majority stake in the brand:

'The daughter of ex-Harrods owner, Mohammed Al-Fayed, purchased a 51 per cent stake in the label which was thrust into the public consciousness after Kate Middleton chose to wear a slinky blue dress for her engagement photo call.

 Al-Fayed's title will be chairwoman and she will oversee the commercial expansion of the brand, while Helayel (who continues to hold a 49 per cent stake), will remain as creative director.'

No doubt the Al-Fayed name is one most of you are familiar with. Princess Diana was tragically killed in a car accident in 1997, with her then lover Dodi Al-Fayed, son of Mohammed Al-Fayed. Following the tragedy Mr. Al-Fayed made a number of accusations against the Royal Family, branding the Duke of Edinburgh a "nazi" and a "racist" and publicly blaming the Duke and MI6 for the death of his son and Princess Diana. In a television documentary he burnt the royal coat of arms that used to adorn the wall of Harrods.

Speaking on The Hour, Mr. Al-Fayed controversially said:

'To know that your child has been slaughtered by a bunch of gangsters calling themselves the Royal Family and the head of the British royal family himself, calling himself Prince Philip, he's a nazi at the core, well known racist.'

Naturally there is bad blood between the Queen and the Al-Fayed's and the notion of Kate wearing clothing from a brand owned by Mr. Al-Fayed's daughter is simply unthinkable. Will we see the Duchess publicly wearing Issa again? As long as Ms. Al-Fayed is chairwoman, I would say definitely not.

I imagine it was a difficult decision for Daniella Helayel to strike up a partnership with Camilla Al-Fayed. The brand is doing incredibly well but losing a loyal customer with the status and influence Kate has is a major loss for any brand. It is a terrible pity, in my opinion, because it was a wonderful fashion relationship and one I expect would have continued otherwise. Daniella's wrap and printed dresses suited Kate's frame and remain some of her best looks.

PA

The Duchess has gone on to forge excellent working relationships with designers such as Sarah Burton, creative director of Alexander McQueen, Jenny Packham and Emilia Wickstead. Let us know which of Kate's Issa looks are your favourites?

UPDATE: On May 2013, it was unexpectedly announced Daniella Helayel decided to leave Issa. According to industry experts she's been unhappy for some time and wants to pursue other projects. The designer said "Creating Issa has been one of the greatest rewarding things in my life. I may be leaving, but the Issa girl will live forever in my heart".