Friday, 10 April 2015

Kate Sightings and Royal Baby Updates...

Today we will start off with a couple of Kate sightings that have been made recently. On the 2nd April, Kate was spotted shopping in Norfolk. (with thanks to Royal Baby Watch for the picture)
photo via Royal Baby Watch Twitter

She wore her Seraphina Marina Coat which we first saw her wear upon the couple's arrival in New York.
photo via The Daily Mail

She teamed the coat with black tights and her Stuart Weitzman Zipkin Boots - which I am a big fan of!

***

Our next point of interest is the heightened excitement around Kate expecting a baby girl. Kate has reportedly ordered 3 paint samples from Annie Sloan in feminine shades. These include; Henriette - "a beautiful rich complex pink with a hint of lilac", Antoinette - "soft pale pink with a hint of brown" and Emile - "warm soft aubergine colour with pink-red undertones". It costs £18.95 for a 1litre pot or £6.45 a 100ml sample pot.

The report says that these samples have been sent to Amner Hall for Kate to choose from, however, it has not been confirmed and she may well have ordered samples in pink because she already has blue samples from Prince George and wanted to be prepared and have chosen a colour for either gender depending on whether they have a baby girl or a baby boy!

***

Yesterday the Royal Press Briefing about the second royal birth took place. The Palace revealed a lot more details than I had anticipated, so I have tried to break it down!

The Duchess is expected to give birth at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, like she did with Prince George. She is also using the same doctors who were there for Prince George's arrival including Alan Farthing and Guy Thorpe-Beeston.

However, if the Duchess is not in London and is at her parent's house in Berkshire than they have set up a contingency plan at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, where Kate was born. Addenbrooke Hospital in Cambridge have also been prepped as a contingency plan.

When Prince George was born there were hundred of reporters and photographers set up for days before Kate gave birth. It was dubbed the 'Great Kate Wait'. However, this time around the reporters and photographers will not be allowed to wait outside the hospital until AFTER the Duchess has gone into labour. The Palace has said that this to give the family more privacy.
photo via The Telegraph

When the Duchess is admitted to hospital the Palace will announce to the media via a press release, followed two minutes later by posts on Kensington Palace's Twitter and Instagram.

They will then release a second statement to confirm the arrival of a Prince of Princess and include details on the baby's gender, time of birth and weight - just like they did with Prince George.


They also revealed that the Duke and Duchess do NOT know the sex of the baby, despite the media reports. Like with Prince George, they have decided to keep it a surprise.

Also, If the baby arrives after 10pm then the press will not be notified until after 8am the following morning. Members of the Duke and Duchess's families, which includes their parents and siblings, will be notified of the birth before the public. 

After that the traditional notice of birth will be placed on an easel outside of Buckingham Palace for well-wishers to see. A Palace footman will take the notice from the hospital to Buckingham Palace.
photo via The Mirror

When Prince Harry was born Prince William accompanied his father, Prince Charles, to go and see him in the hospital. Many had thought that Prince George would do the same. However, Kate and William will decide whether George will visit his new sister or brother in the hospital on the day. I do hope we get to see the adorable George, but we will have to wait and see! Although the couple have said that Prince George is "excited" about having a little brother or sister - which just increases his cute factor for everyone!

Once they have left Kensington Palace, the family-of-four, will then stay at Kensington Palace for a few days so that senior members of the Royal Family, including the Queen, can meet the new addition to the family. After that they are expected to travel to Norfolk and stay at Amner Hall whilst they recuperate and bond with their new baby. It is thought that Kate's parents will be staying with them to help.

The couple will no doubt appreciate the help from Carole and Michael Middleton, as they have said that they will not take any more help. Prince George's nanny - Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo - will, instead, look after both children. 

It is unlikely that we will see and sightings of Kate again until after the baby is born - which is expected to be the 20th or the 25th April. However, I have an upcoming post on Kate's maternity style to fill the gap between now and the birth, which I hope you will all enjoy!

Friday, 27 March 2015

Kate in Mulberry for Final Engagement and Kate Sightings...

Today the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spent the day in South Kensington with their first visit being to the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust.
photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess of Cambridge greeted Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon on the couple's arrival.
photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess was then given a posy of flowers by 10-year-old Mia, who is the niece of Stephen Lawrence.
photo via The Daily Mail

Kate chatted to students who were taking part in a role playing lesson about the workings of a British court.
photo via The Daily Mail

The couple met with staff and volunteers in the reception before seeing the Harris Academy Law Workshop in the Stephen Lawrence Centre's lecture room. The couple also saw some of Stephen Lawrence's architectural work.
photo via The Daily Mail

The couple then visited Christ Church where they watched an Arts Showcase programme by XLP.
photo via The Daily Mail

The couple then visited Hazel Grove Estate where they will view an XLP-r8 Community Bus and the XLP Mobile Recording Studio. 
photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess repeated her Mulberry Cerise Coat that she wore last year in New York.
photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess of Cambridge wore the coat without the tights and gloves this time. It is not much of a surprise considering the weather contrasts!
photo via The Daily Mail

The Mulberry Double-Breasted Coat originally retailed for £1,500 before selling out.

The Duchess wore her Stuart Weitzman Power Pumps and carried her Mulberry Bayswater Clutch.

She also wore her new Kiki McDonough Classic Morganite and Diamond Cushion Drop Earrings which are now back in stock for £3,400.

Copy Kate
If you want to copy the Duchess in a hot pink coat then why not opt for the Ted Baker Belted Wrap Coat which is available for £299. It is a nice option for cold Spring days, when the weather is cool but want to start wearing brighter colours! Team the coat with contrasting black heels such as the Aldo Lindsay Heels which are available for £65 and the Kurt Geiger Daphne Clutch which is on sale for £49. Add a splash of glamour with Thomas Sabo earrings.

The Duchess looked lovely today - I especially thought her hair was looking very glossy and nice today too!
photo via The Daily Mail

***

Last Thursday the Duchess of Cambridge took Prince George to the London Science Museum. They spent most of their time at the Pattern Pod which is a 'multi-sensory' gallery.

A source told People magazine: "They seemed to enjoy themselves. It's lovely that she feels she can bring George here." 

Last Saturday the Duchess went shopping at Zara. 
With thanks to Kate & Pippa Style for the photographs...

She was spotted purchasing the Leather Bulchers which are described are a unisex shoe for newborns and retail for £17.99.

Not wanting to leave Prince George out, Kate was also spotted shopping at Trotters where she purchased the Start-Rite Flexy Soft Milan Leather Casual Shoes which have sold out!

Kate wore her Zara Straight-Cut Coat in dusty pink, which originally retailed for £79.99 but went into the sale and sold out at £29.99. The coat is oversized so ideal for concealing a bump.

The Duchess also wore a dress underneath the coat with black tights and her Russell and Bromley Charge It Boots which are now sold out.

With Easter approaching the Duchess of Cambridge has reportedly being Easter egg shopping at The Conran Shop

They have a selection of Easter eggs including: Rococo Chocolates Set of Six Praline-Filled Hen's Eggs, Prestat Sea Salt Caramel & Dark Chocolate Easter Egg and the Prestat Red Velvet Truffle Easter Egg.

Yesterday the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry attended the Memorial Service for Richard Meade at Bath Cathedral. Thanks again to Kate & Pippa Style for the photograph...

The Duchess of Cambridge re-wore her Beulah London Chiara Coat from last weeks Afghanistan service at St Paul's Cathedral.
photo via The Daily Mail

***

Also today, Prince Charles released a video of him talking about Earth Hour. In the background a photo of Prince Charles and Prince George could be clearly seen.
photo via The Daily Mail

This comes a few weeks after it was revealed that Prince Charles doesn't get to see his grandson very often, because it is thought that the Middleton's spend a lot of time with him. However, it is only a rumour and has not been officially confirmed!

Prince George looks incredibly cute in blue dungarees and a white sun hat!
photo via The Daily Mail

We are not expecting to see the Duchess again now until the royal baby is born - however I will keep you all updated if anything happens or Kate is spotted out and about!

Wednesday, 18 March 2015

Kate Wears Spots for a Day in Woolwich..

The Duchess of Cambridge fulfilled another engagement today and it was thought to be her last one before going on maternity leave, however, it has now been said that the Duchess may have one more engagement to fulfil before going on maternity leave.
photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess was visiting Brookhill Children's Centre in Woolwich where she met with families who are being helped by Home-Start. Home-Start is a charity that supports troubled or vulnerable parents.
photo via The Daily Mail

Kate seemed to enjoy her visit where she met children and parents and enjoyed biscuits and coffee, whilst she talked to them.
photo via The Daily Mail

Kate seemed particularly taken by a 3-month old baby called Francesca.
photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess of Cambridge removed her coat inside and did not wear it when she left.
photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess of Cambridge arrived looking fresh-faced and wearing a black coat we have seen on previous occasions, most notable in October 2012 when she went to Loulou's with Prince William. The coat features jet pockets, single buttoning and has a fringed edge. It has been revealed today that the coat was created for Kate by her private dress maker.
photos via The Daily Mail

Underneath the Duchess wore a new maternity dress by ASOS. The Wrap Skater Dress in Spot Print with 3/4 Sleeve is still available for £35.

The Duchess teamed the dress with her Mulberry Bayswater Clutch and Stuart Weitzman Power Pumps.

She also wore her Kiki McDonough Morganite & Diamond Cushion Drop Earrings and Cartier Ballon Bleu Watch.
The Duchess also wore her Mappin & Webb Fortune White Gold Pendant which is available for £3,950. The Duchess hasn't worn this pendant in a while and so it was nice to see it make an appearance again.

The Duchess chose to wait her hair in her classic Chelsea Blow Dry style. 
photo via The Daily Mail

It was a lovely look for the Duchess and very much reminded me of a winter version of her Topshop/Ralph Lauren outfit she wore in May 2013, when she was pregnant with Prince George.

Copy Kate
If you want to get dotty in a dress like Kate then why not try Dorothy Perkins Long Sleeve Print Dress which is currently on sale for £20. Team the dress with Aldo's Lindsay Court Shoes will take the look from day to evening. Choose an elegant black clutch like Kate too with Aldo's Whitebread Clutch. Add a touch of colour to your monochrome ensemble with pink earrings by Thomas Sabo, not as incredible as Kate's but a good replica for a much for affordable price of £55.85.
***

The Duchess of Cambridge also finally asked the question we discussed the other day - when is she due? The Duchess told mother's today that she is due "late next month", so it looks like it will be a while before we all start baby watching!

Another three engagements have been announced for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge too on Friday 27th March. This supports the idea that Kate isn't due till the end of April.

They will both be in South Kensington today with the first visit being to the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust where they will meet board members and tour the facility. The second visit will be to  Christ Church where they will watch an Arts Showcase programme by XLP. The final visit of the day will be to the Hazel Grove Estate where they will view an XLP-r8 Community Bus and the XLP Mobile Recording Studio.

It is nice to see Kate keeping a busy calendar in her second pregnancy and hopefully it will keep the negative comments away from people who claimed Kate didn't pull her weight during her first pregnancy!