Bumper Update Post...

So in the last few days there have been several Kate related news stories and some Kate related fashion news, so instead of doing them all in separate posts, I decided to create a bumper post!

I will start with what is, in my opinion, probably the most important news story. Kensington Palace has confirmed today that the Duke of Cambridge will travel to China and Japan early next year, however the Duchess, who will be around 6 months pregnant, will stay at home with Prince George. This does not come as much surprise as the trip will involve lots of travelling, which will make the Duchess' pregnancy even more strenuous and exhausting.

via Clarence House Twitter

Kensington Palace's press release on the upcoming trip;

The Duke of Cambridge will visit Japan and China in early 2015 at the request of Her Majesty's Government.

The Duke will spend approximately three days in each country, departing in late February and returning to the United Kingdom in early March.

First, in Japan, His Royal Highness will undertake engagements in Tokyo and elsewhere on behalf of the British Government, focused on UK-Japan relations, commerce and cultural exchange and in support of his own personal interest in combating the illegal wildlife trade.

Then, in China, the Duke will officially open the GREAT Festival of Creativity at Shanghai's Long Museum on Monday, 2nd March. The Duke will also undertake engagements in Beijing and elsewhere to promote UK-China relations, people to people links, and in support of his work to combat the illegal wildlife trade and support wildlife conservation.

The Shanghai GREAT Festival of Creativity, part of the GREAT Britain campaign, aims to give over 500 of Britain's most innovative businesses the opportunity to reach potential Chinese partners and demonstrate how British creativity can help businesses innovate and grow.

Further details about His Royal Highness's itinerary will be released in due course.

I think it is great that Prince William is able to take on more royal duties on behalf of The Queen before he starts his training to become a helicopter pilot for East Anglia Air Ambulance.

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Next up is Kate sighting. The Duchess was spotted leaving the Mews Antique Emporium in Holt yesterday afternoon. It is not the first time Kate has been spotted shopping in Holt.

photo via EDP 24 Facebook

Last April she was seen visiting the Mews Antique Emporium which sells antique furniture.

photo via Twitter

Holt is very close to the couple's home Anmer Hall in the Queen's Sandringham Estate. It is likely that the couple are spending some quiet time there as a family before their hectic trip to the US.

Chloe Nelson spoke to the Norfolk Eastern Daily Press about the sighting and said: "She looked lovely in a tartan cape as she left the Antiques Emporium and headed up the high street, what a great ambassador for shopping in local independent shops."

In the pictures it looks like Kate is carrying a few bags filled with goodies, no doubt finishing touches for Amner Hall now that renovations are complete. 

photo via the Daily Mail

The Duchess appeared to be wearing Zara Checked Print Cape, which she has been seen wearing since last February when she was in the early stages of her pregnancy with Prince George. 

photo via Zara

The Duchess also appears to be wearing a black sweater, blue jeans - likely J Brand or Paige Denim - and her black flat boots. They could be the Russell and Bromley Charge It Boots that we have seen the Duchess in often or the Stuart Weitzman Half and Half Stretch Rider Boots that the Duchess wore to a SportsAid event earlier this month. 

photos via Russell and Bromley

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This year Zara is offering a new style of cape which comes with a hood in a dark green check - which is a very popular colour for this winter. It is currently on sale for £71.99. It is a lovely staple for the colder months. John Lewis have a selection of roll neck jumpers in a variety of colours for only £29 - a great item to stock up on for winter. Team these jumpers with your favourite pair of skinny jeans and a pair of long black suede boots like the ones by Principles by Ben de Lisi which are currently in the sale for £48.75 (they were originally £65). 

A beautiful everyday outfit to wear during the colder months, which ensures that you are stylish and warm!

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Our next story is less official but what I think is very cute! According to the Daily Mail: "Kate has learned of a litter which is due at the end of November through Drakeshead, which has been successfully breeding and training gun dogs for the past 45 years. Once the puppies are born, Harry will choose his own to take back to his home at Kensington Palace. Kate is apparently keen to have another dog around the Palace so that her spaniel Lupo has a companion during walks around the area."

This shows how thoughtful the Duchess is and how much she cares about her brother-in-law.

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Our third item for today is more fashion related. The Daily Mail, again, has done a lovely article comparing Kim Sears and Kate Middleton. I think it's a really nice peace because it doesn't criticise either of the ladies and highlights their fashions sense and dedication to their spouses. This article comes after the announcement that Andy Murray and Kim Sears are engaged!

They have also included some nice photos which show just how similar their style can be. This one is my favourite because the pictures are both from Wimbledon this year, so shows how they had very similar choices at the same event!

photo via the Daily Mail

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The final update for today is very fashion related. One of Kate's go-to British designers - Jenny Packham - has just announced that the website now has a Ready To Wear online store. I know there are many online retails that sell Jenny Packham's beautiful dresses (Harrods, Harvey Nichols...) but the actual website now offer a wider ranger of the dresses that are from this year's collections.

photo via Jenny Packham

There are lots of beautiful dresses available to wear that I can just picture the Duchess in, possibly at the St Andrew's 600th Anniversary Gala dinner she will be attending in New York!

I hope you didn't find this post too overwhelming! I am looking forward to the Duke and Duchess' trip to New York, and Washington for the Duke, next week, as I am sure you guys are too!

New Photo of the Cambridge Family...

Hot Monarchy posted a photo to their Twitter account earlier today of the Cambridge family. The photograph is of the Duke, the Duchess and Prince George in it.

photo via Hot Monarchy Twitter

According to the Daily Mail, sources have said that the photograph was taken by Jason Bell in March this year. Jason Bell took the official christening photographs last year and also took the official photograph of the family that was released for Mother's Day this year.

Jason Bell Photography

It was commissioned by the couple to send as a 'thank you' to people involved with their then forthcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand. This custom is common with other members of the Royal Family as they often send photographs of themselves as gifts to members of the public.

Although it is unknown who the gift was sent to, Hot Monarchy are asking for people to let them know if they find out who the source is!

photo via Hot Monarchy Twitter

As you can see the photo frame has the couples cypher embossed into it at the top and underneath the photograph are the couple's signatures.

It is not the first time we have see a photo frame like this. Last year, when the Duchess released her first video message, on the table next to her was an official photograph from the couple's wedding. If you look closely you can see that the photo frame has the couples cypher at the top too. The frames are very similar and are clearly a popular choice for the couple.

A spokesman for Kensington Palace said:

"I can confirm it is a photo the Duke and Duchess used as official gifts on their tour to New Zealand and Australia. It was taken by Jason Bell before the tour."

In the photograph the Duchess is wearing her Rebecca Taylor navy tweed suit which she first wore in April 2012 and repeated during the tour of New Zealand. Rebecca Taylor is a New Zealand-born designer, which makes the outfit choice very appropriate for this particular gift.

The Duchess also appears to be wearing her Annoushka Favourites Pearl Drop Earrings which retail at £1,090.

It is very exciting when a photograph like this turns up. They make such a good looking family and I can't wait till next year when similar photographs will be released with the four of them in!

The Duchess is Radiant in Red at Norfolk Showground

The Duchess of Cambridge was in Norfolk today to attend the launch of East Anglia's Children's Hospices fundraising appeal to build a new children's hospice. 

photo via the Daily Mail

The event took place not far from the Duke and Duchess's home in Norfolk - Amner Hall.

Amner Hall

The Duchess looked to thoroughly enjoy meeting children and parents who have been supported by EACH.

photo via the Daily Mail

Kate has been a patron for the charity, EACH, since January 2012 and has attended many events to help support and raise awareness of the charity. Back in 2012, shortly after it was announced that the Duchess had become patron to EACH, she officially opened The Treehouse.

photo via EACH

Because of the Duchess of Cambridge EACH have been able to make contact with a hospice in Malaysia. In September 2012, during the couple's Diamond Jubilee visit to Malaysia, the Duchess visited Hospis Malaysia and gave her first overseas speech.

photo via The Mirror

In April 2013, the Duchess supported Children’s Hospice Week, by recording her first ever video message, at Clarence House, to encourage people to support children’s hospices.

photo via EACH

In April this year, The Duke and Duchess, whilst in Australia, visited Hummingbird House, a children's hospice in Queensland. In August 2014, EACH entered into an International Children's Palliative Care Network with Queensland Kids to support the start-up phase of Hummingbird House.

photo via the Daily Mail

June this year, the Duchess made a private visit to The Treehouse during Children's Hospice Week.

photo via EACH

This shows just how much the Duchess has helped to raise awareness.

The Duchess was greeted today by local dignitaries at the Norfolk Showground.

photo via the Daily Mail

Two little girls who could not contain their excitement. They performed little curtsies for the Duchess and presented her with a posy.

photo via the Daily Mail

Before the event, the Duchess wrote a foreword. Within it she wrote:

"I greatly admire the dedication, generosity and achievements of the charity's supporters and volunteers and look forward to seeing the progress of this campaign".

Kate met Emma Bridgewater who has designed a collection called 'Flower and Insect' which are being sold in aid of EACH to help raise money.

photo via the Daily Mail

The Duchess also met Jack Cottis who suffered a brain haemorrhage in the womb.

photo via the Daily Mail

The Duchess looked radiant in red today, in a new dress by Katherine Hooker. 

photo via the Daily Mail

Although there was some confusion as to whether the dress was by Catherine Walker or Katherine Hooker, it has been confirmed as the Ascot Dress by Katherine Hooker. The Duchess wore a bespoke version in red. However, the dress can be bought in navy or black on the website, or ordered specially in a different colour like the Duchess chose to do.

The Duchess has worn Katherine Hooker before. Most notably for a pre-wedding engagement in Anglesey and also to attend the Order of the Garter in 2011.

The Duchess braved the cold and forwent a coat, but did wear her Jimmy Choo Vikki Suede Pumps which retailed for £375 but are now sold out. She also carried a black clutch.

The Duchess accessorised with her Mappin and Webb Fortune White Gold Drop Necklace which retails for £3,950 and her Kiki McDonough Green Amethyst and Diamond Cushion Drop Earrings which retail for £1,300.

via the Daily Mail

The Duchess also wore her hair in a lovely ponytail for today's event.

photo via the Daily Mail

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I love red, especially in winter because it makes you feel festive. Although it's only November, December is less that a week away so I think we're allowed to start feeling festive now! The Hobbs Etoile Dress is a lovely substitute for Kate's dress and is much more affordable at £139. It is perfect for dressing down for the office or dressing up for the evening. A very versatile wardrobe staple. I have chosen these black suede heels from Aldo, which are a similar style to Kate's as they have an almond toe and a covered heel. For the jewellery I think that Links of London's Diamond Essentials Pave Round Necklace is a good match for a much cheaper price and I have also chosen the Diamond Essentials Pave Earrings because although they are not like Kate's they add real sparkle, and I love a matching jewellery set!

As the Duchess left today's event she looked physically moved by the stories that mothers, who had lost their children, had shared with her.

photo via the Daily Mail

Duchess of Cambridge Attends First Ever 'Place2Be Wellbeing in Schools Awards'

This evening the Duchess attended the first ever Place2Be Wellbeing in Schools Awards. The Duchess of Cambridge had been patron of Place2Be since 2013. 

photo via Victory Murphy's Twitter

Place2Be is the leading UK provider of school-based mental health services, providing early therapeutic intervention to help children and young people cope with issues such as bullying, bereavement, domestic violence, family breakdown, neglect and trauma.

The Duchess met the 20 finalists, as well as other guests, before the award ceremony began and the winner was announced.

photo via Clarence House's Twitter

The award ceremony i supported by the Garfield Weston Foundation. Guests tonight did not get to see the royal couples private home as the event took place in the State Apartments, which are used for public events and entertaining. Tonight, the event was hosted by the Duchess of Cambridge in the Queen's Gallery.

Victoria Murphy, royal reporter for The Mirror, shared this pictures from the venue. 

photo via Victoria Murphy's Twitter

The Place2Be Wellbeing in Schools Awards celebrate "unsung heroes who make a real difference to the life of their school community through their commitment to children's emotional wellbeing".

The winners were chosen by a judging panel which included people with backgrounds in health, justice, academia and child welfare including the Children's Commissioner for England Dr Maggie Atkinson, journalist and broadcaster Professor Tanya Byron, OFSTED lead inspector Wendy Simmons and Bedford Police's Deputy Chief Commissioner Jon Boutcher.

Place2Be released a statement about the award ceremony saying:

"We are greatly honoured that HRH The Duchess of Cambridge will be attending the first-ever Place2Be Wellbeing in Schools Awards," says the charity's Chief Executive Catherine Roche. "The Duchess is committed to improving the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children in the UK. Her support for Place2Be has helped to shine a spotlight on the need to tackle children's mental health at the earliest possible stage. These Awards give us the chance to thank and celebrate the achievements of our volunteers, our staff, head teachers, parents, school colleagues and, of course, most importantly, the children and young people themselves."

The Duchess arrived at the Queen's Gallery shortly before 6:30pm for the reception and award ceremony.

photo via Clarence House's Twitter

The Duchess mingled with guests before the awards ceremony started at 7pm. According to The Mirror, Kate was being praised for her interest and hands-on approach to her patronage.

photo via Vitoria Murphy's Twitter

Place2Be Chief Executive Benita Refson said: 

"This is a wonderful, exciting opportunity to honour our young people and schools in such a wonderful setting. The Duchess' total and utter belief in what we do and her commitment to children's mental health is incredible."

The Duchess met Ashantae Ahmet, aged 12, who is a Child Champion Place2Be Awards finalist.

photo via Clarence House's Twitter

The Duchess released a foreword before tonights event. You can see that here. Within it she writes:

"It is wonderful that this important area of children's emotional health is being recognised with these inaugural awards. The commitment, dedication and hard work that is going on across the schools involved with Place2Be is truly humbling."

The Duchess presented the awards to the finalists.

photo via Victoria Murphy's Twitter

Last November, Kate attended a schools forum on behalf of Place2Be in London. She was a vision in navy. Her outfit actually received some criticism, as some people thought that the outfit was too matchy-matchy.

photo from the Daily Mail

However, for tonights appearance the Duchess chose to wear a top and skirt combination.

photo via the Daily Mail

The top was from Invitation by Hobbs. The Invitation Emilia Top is now sold out but originally retailed for £89 before being reduced to £60 in the sale. Hobbs describe the top as "sheer elegance sums up the stunning Emilia top from our Invitation range. Black textured crepe forms a figure-flattering shape and the embroidered polka dot design lends this a little alluring appeal, making it perfect for that special occasion".

Although the top isn't available anymore, Invitation by Hobbs have the Marigold Dress which is very similar to the top style. It is described on the website as "Marigold is a sleeveless dress for more formal occasions, yet the pretty, fit-and-flare silhouette and sheer polka-dot panel soften the overall look." It is available for £149.

The Duchess's skirt is by Jenny Packham, a go-to designer for the Duchess, and is from the Fall 2013 Collection.

The Duchess also wore her Alexander McQueen Glossed Leather Belt which retailed for £450 and is unfortunately now sold out. Personally, I would have preferred to see the outfit without the belt as I don't think a belt was necessary with the peplum on the top.

She also wore her Jimmy Choo Vikki Suede Pumps which retailed for £375.

Kate also carried a black suede clutch.

photo via the Daily Mail

Kate wore her hair in a half-up half-down style which suits her very well. It is becoming a signature hairstyle for the Duchess, much like the Chelsea blow dry. She also had her usual smokey eye make-up and blushed cheeks.

photo via the Daily Mail

This hairstyle also allowed us to get a better view of Kate's earrings. She appears to be wearing her Cassandra Goad 'Temple of Heaven' Earrings in Yellow Gold.

Copy Kate
A simple top and a full skirt is a timelessly elegant look. It is an ideal substitute for a dress at your Christmas work party. Coast Vara Lace Top is similar, although not exactly the same, as Kate's. It has sheer panels and would look lovely tucked into a full skirt. It is currently available for £45. Coast Evaline Skirt is a beautifully colourful skirt which will make your outfit stand out in the dreary winter nights. It is currently available for £125. Kate teamed the outfit with black suede pumps, these ones from Dune, Head over Heels BamBam Stiletto Heel Platform Court Shoes, are a good substitute at the much more affordable price of £55. The Duchess also carried a black suede clutch. Miss KG Tess Clutch Bag is a cheaper replica at £40. The sparkly bow adds a touch of glamour to your evening outfit. For a pair of yellow gold drop earrings the Accessorize Deco Fan Cut Out Earrings are good substitute, especially at only £6.