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Discover Latest #Belt News, Articles and Videos with Contenting
Below are a few of the recent articles and videos about seatbelt use. 1. Seat Belt Use Reaches Highest Level Ever in the US (ABC News, May 23, 2017): This article discusses the recent government report that showed that seat belt use in the United States reached its highest level ever in 2016. The report found that 90 percent of drivers and passengers in the front seat were buckled up, while 86 percent of those in the rear seat were buckled up. 2. 5 Reasons Why You Should Always Wear a Seat Belt (Car and Driver, July 5, 2017): This article discusses the five main reasons why everyone should always wear a seat belt when driving. The reasons include reducing the risk of injury, preventing ejection from the vehicle, improving airbag effectiveness, providing a “safe cocoon” in the event of an accident, and meeting state laws. 3. Why Seat Belts Save Lives (AAA, October 5, 2017): This video from AAA discusses why it is important to wear a seat belt whenever riding in a car. The video explains that seat belts are the most effective way to reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a crash. It also provides some statistics about how seat belts
News Updates and Polarizing Looks Part 1 – What Kate Wore
Hello and happy almost-September to everyone embracing the change in seasons. Today, we quickly cover what the Princess of Wales wore to attend church this weekend and then look at a group of some of the most polarizing ensembles worn by the Princess. The Prince and Princess of Wales joined other royal family members at church this past Sunday. William and Kate among senior royals enjoying first summer break at Balmoral since Queen's deathhttps://t.co/zZNzBKDYqe pic.twitter.com/8R6UxRWUby — OK! Magazine (@OK_Magazine) August 27, 2023 The King, Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke of York, Princess Anne, and Sir Tim Laurence also attended services. King Charles, William and Kate joined by controversial royal on first Balmoral trip https://t.co/FHgChWsCry pic.twitter.com/WpueLTUBvE — Mirror Royal (@MirrorRoyal) August 27, 2023 The family is spending time together at Balmoral, the royal family's estate in the Scottish Highlands. They attended services at Crathie Kirk, the local parish church. The Duchess wore a hat by Hicks and Brown, the Suffolk Fedora ($130) in dark brown wool felt. Thank you to Middleton Maven for this ID; she confirmed with the brand this was the hat worn on Sunday. The Princess has worn the style before. Below, you see her in the navy version when attending church at Sandringham in January 2020. The lack of photos makes it difficult to tell what coat the Princess was wearing, but Regal Fille suggested the Holland Cooper Full Length Marlborough Trench Coat (£849, roughly $1075 at today's exchange rates), and I think she is correct. Middleton Maven believes it was the 'Tawny' colorway, as shown below. The double-breasted design is made in the UK in 100% wool with a fitted silhouette. Design elements include a self-belt, deep back yoke, shoulder epaulets, adjustable buckles at the wrists, front pockets with piped trim, and the shiny hardware that is a Holland Cooper signature. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ As we approach the first anniversary of the death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, media reports say the King and Queen are expected to mark the day privately. The Mirror reports the Prince and Princess of Wales will visit a cathedral in Wales on the 8th—more from this Russell Myers Mirror article. The Prince and Princess of Wales will on Friday, September 8, visit St David’s Cathedral, on the day they will lead tributes to the late Queen. A year to the day of her passing, William and Kate - who became Prince and Princess of Wales on King Charles’ accession to the throne - will visit communities in south Wales to kick start their autumn plans after the summer break. Prince William is on the day expected to lead tributes from the royal family, paying homage to the life and legacy of Elizabeth II, but any message will strongly “look to the future”, sources have said. William is not expected to speak at the cathedral but the couple will be shown around the ancient church in St David's, the UK’s smallest city. I have not put the event on the calendar because Kensington Palace has not confirmed the engagement. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Now for our look at some of the ensembles the Princess wore that spurred discussion and debate. I have broken them into two groups to avoid an overly long post. A refresher on how the outfits were selected, as written in last week's post. I looked at the number of comments on posts, the content of those comments, people's reactions when commenting on the outfits a second time in year-end polls, and how people reacted on the WKW Facebook page and other media. A couple of notes to keep in mind: These are not the most disliked outfits worn by the Princess. In many cases, comments were divided fairly evenly between those fond of specific styles and those not fond of a look. The items are listed chronologically. The underlined dates link to the original post for each ensemble. If items worn by the Princess are still available to purchase, I have included links to retailers offering the items. I'm sure there are ensembles I missed in compiling the lists. Please leave a comment or send an email to Susan@WhatKateWore.com. OCTOBER 2015: Our first look is the lace dress worn for an engagement during the China state visit to London. The Duke and Duchess hosted President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan at London's Lancaster House. The event celebrated cultural collaboration between the UK and China. The Duchess's dress was a design by Dolce and Gabbana, the Italian brand's Lace Guipure Dress. The knee-length dress is a classic sheath with an internal slip dress with spaghetti straps. It also featured a high neck, long sleeves, and a concealed back zipper. The Duchess accessorized with Gianvito Rossi heels, her Bayswater clutch by Mulberry, and her Empress earrings by Mappin and Webb. The dress itself was not unpopular; most readers thought it was a lovely dress and an elegant look for the Duchess. The issue for many readers was the choice of a lace dress for a daytime event. Fashiophile wrote, The Duchess looks lovely – except wrong dress for the occasion as it is really a cocktail/evening dress. Jessica noted, I agree that this dress may have been a bit too formal for business meetings with a charity, but this function sounds like it was, in essence, a performance. It was a cultural experience, not a business meeting. Seen in that context, I believe that this look was much more appropriate than other commenters seem to believe. Bunny's comment summed up the situation very well. OCTOBER 2015: Less than a week after the China state visit, the Duchess prompted more discussion when she chose a diaphanous Jenny Packham gown for the world premiere of Spectre, a James Bond film. The event was a benefit for the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund. The Duchess chose the Casa clutch by Jenny Packham and her 'Vamp' platform sandals from Jimmy Choo for accessories. She also wore a glittering pair of blue topaz and diamond earrings by Robinson Pelham, the jeweler's Pagoda style. Her gown was based on a design from the Spring 2011 collection. The loosely draped bodice featured a sheer overlay with a neck-to-waist slit on the back, a full-flowing skirt, and a shimmering diamanté waistband. A closer look at the waistline and the crystal buttons at the sleeve. Fans of the look wrote about it in many ways, with Jordan saying, She looks gorgeous and the dress has a very 1930s old Hollywood feel to it. Others mentioned specific design elements. Kate Fanatic said, LOVE this look—more figure flattering than the red gown worn to the state dinner...I like the juxtaposition of the long sleeves and the sexy slit at the back—I feel like that kept it from looking matronly and that if the shoulders had remained bare with that back, it would have been too sexy for someone in her role. Some negative comments referenced the color, with Brooke writing, If the dress would have been black or a gold, It would have been PERFECTION. However, this pale blue color makes it look dowdy. Others were not fond of the design, with Suzanne writing, But overall it looks matronly (as my mother would say) and just swallows up her small frame. Just too much dress. OCTOBER 2015: The very next night, we saw the Duchess in another evening gown that sparked conversation when she wore the Erdem Alouette Tiered Silk Gown for a 100 Women in Hedge Funds gala dinner. (The organization is now called 100 Women in Finance.) The event was at the V&A, and the Duchess accessorized with her Anya Hindmarch Maud clutch (£485), Cosmic pumps by Jimmy Choo, the diamond bracelet believed to be a gift from Prince Charles, and the Queen Mother's sapphire and diamond fringe earrings. The silk-gazar gown was from the Pre-Fall 2015 collection and features a vivid print called 'Ohani Tulip' in a rich crimson hue with creamy ivory orchids and blue irises. The designer says 1960s-era Japanese graphics inspired the print. Design elements include a bateau neckline on the front and deep vee on the back, a tiered and gathered skirt, with the upper skirt tier having box pleats and a concealed zipper. Those complimenting the look included Laurie, who noted, While this dress is never what I would have chosen, I absolutely love it because it's SUCH a departure from what the Duchess normally wears! I like to see her branching out and trying new things. Emily Rose Reeder pointed out the gown's references to the V&A's collections and exhibition, It was also a perfect selection for the Gala event as taking place in the Victoria and Albert Museum. They have hosted numerous exhibits celebrating Asian art and I think people did not consider that Catherine considered she would be showing up and giving a nod as an 'ambassador' for art within the British museum. And Sherrie wrote, The fabric is gorgeous and that is what makes it an evening gown and not just another maxi dress. Yes it could be chintz you might find on the veranda cushions but that is the fun of it. Readers who were not fond of the look had varying reasons, including this point by Reneé, I don't like the Erdem dress because the fabric is too heavy for ruffles and pleats and the print and its colours are too loud. Adrienne wrote, I think the dress would have been a home run without the ruffle. Katie wrote, But when I saw the whole thing I thought, 'Oh no.' I just cannot get on board with that final tier, 80's prom style, prairie style, what-have-you bottom of her skirt. It is just too much billowing fabric for such a bold print. I think if this was a skirt or a pencil or shift dress it would be amazingly stunning. But as a dress with such a billowing bottom, the heavy fabric and large/loud pattern is too much. MARCH 2016: Our next look is also by Erdem, but it was a coat, not an evening gown, that prompted debate. The event was the annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey. The Duchess paired the coat with a hat by John Boyd, Winona pumps by Rupert Sanderson, an Emmy London clutch ($425), and her UFO diamond and aquamarine drop earrings. The Erdem coat was similar to a Pre-Fall 2015 style by the designer in a material that looked like it was needle-punched with a scalloped lace overlay. The fitted silhouette featured a high neckline and collar, slightly puffed shoulders, on-seam pockets, and concealed front closure. A sampling of comments includes this one from Sara, who wrote, I genuinely love this outfit. I think the hat really suits her and is a welcome change from her usual smaller ones. Many concurred on the hat, with Jennifer noting, Agree 100% with another poster who already said it, she can pull off larger hats and I hope she will more often. Those who didn't care for the overall look cited things like a feeling the ensemble was too busy with too much going on. Many did not care for the high neckline on the coat, especially when paired with the hat and what some described as mismatched grey shades. Elizabeth summed up many comments when saying, While I think that the coat is lovely, between it and the larger heavy hat, she looks 'swamped.' It seems like it should have worked, but somehow just didn't. JUNE 2016: Our next item is also a coat, this one by Missoni. It was worn by the Duchess for an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. The event was at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing in northern France, the largest Commonwealth war memorial in the world. The Duchess wore Missoni's Long Snake Stitch Coat, in the brand's signature snake stitch (also known as a Bargello stitch, or zig-zag) in a fabric with black, grey, and white fibers; metallic threads used in the textile created a soft shimmer effect. The Duchess also wore a Lock & Co. pillbox hat, her Gianvito Rossi 105 black suede pumps ($795), and her Eugenia faux pearl earrings by Balenciaga. She carried her black Bayswater clutch by Mulberry. The Duchess brought back the coat for an April 2017 Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey following a terrorist attack. On that occasion, she accessorized with a handbag from a collaboration between Beulah London and Aspinal of London, a Sylvia Fletcher for Lock & Co. hat, and her Gianvito Rossi 105 black suede pumps. The single-breasted coat featured an A-line silhouette with oversized patch pockets and a back vent. Becky, a fan of the ensemble, wrote, She looks chic and stylish but still understated and respectful. Another reader with a positive reaction, Suzy, said, I like the greys and pattern of her coat and whilst I often think she looks too 'buttoned-up', on this occasion it's appropriate and gives a clean elegant look. Overall a good look in terms of suitability and elegance. Those with negative sentiments included Claire, who wrote, I'm not a huge fan of this outfit. The individual elements are fine, but overall it looks very severe, which isn't something I've ever felt about Kate's look previously. Several readers commented on what they felt was subpar tailoring. Most importantly, Mel encapsulated feelings many of us had about the occasion, saying, I find myself distracted from Kate's fashion by the enormous sadness of the occasion (as it should be). NOTE: I have updated the post to include information from the second time the Duchess wore the coat. The comments reacting to the look are all from the first time the coat was worn; there were very limited comments on the second wearing with even fewer covering fashion. OCTOBER 2016: Yet another coat that generated debate: an Erdem design chosen for a day of engagements with Prince William in Manchester. The coat was from the designer's 2016 Resort collection. The Duchess accessorized with her navy Frome Clutch by LK Bennett, her Rupert Sanderson Malory Pumps (£345), and earrings by Oscar de la Renta. The knee-length coat was done in a bold print and featured a fitted bodice, wide, round lapels, an inset waistband, a concealed placket with snap closures, lightly padded shoulders, and two flap pockets on each side that hit near the upper hip. We had several comments celebrating the navy shoes, as opposed to the neutral shades the Duchess had been wearing. The earrings also generated quite a few comments. Larissa, who appreciated the look, wrote, I like the coat... It fits very well, it's not too short, and I love the attention to detail with the fabric on the pocket flaps lining up with the rest of the coat. Another fan of the ensemble, Mocro, said, A bold plaid like this works best on someone as tall as Kate and agree this is one of the many times the outfit looked better on Kate than on the professional model! Negative reactions included a sense that the combination of the coat's many design elements and fabric combined for a busy look. Others felt the waistline was too high, and some commented the black lace camisole or top looked fussy. In her comment, S. Brown wrote, The coat is a bit busy in my opinion, and the bit of lace showing at the neckline adds to the busy-ness. JULY 2017: The final look in this group is the Marchesa evening gown worn for the Spain state dinner. This is a tough one to cover because of the lack of clear photos. Her bespoke lace guipure gown featured a deep scalloped vee neckline front and back, sheer, belled sleeves, and a full skirt with a demi-train. The Duchess's jewelry was a significant part of her ensemble, and it included the Lover's Knot Tiara, the Collingwood Pearl and Diamond Earrings, and a necklace reportedly not worn since the 1980s, the Queen's Ruby and Diamond Floral Bandeau Necklace. Here is a glimpse of the Duchess as she arrived for the event with Prince William. Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'iTuY97zdTuVqBubZYQIm6w',sig:'aFJzBIY6sbusCW8er7GNw02Kt4iC2MCAym9XUK5i0y4=',w:'561px',h:'594px',items:'813475848',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })}); The ensemble generated a broad and varied mix of opinions. Margaret wrote, This is a fabulous look in my opinion. Love the dress, amazing jewellery, and her hair and makeup. Of course the jewellery is a little OTT. She is a duchess at an important occasion – she needs to stand out a little! Melanie said, Take off a piece before leaving the house? No way! I would say, 'thank you ma'am, may I have another?' Another fan of the ensemble, SM, noted, This is a gorgeous dress that is referential to past fashion at court while also incorporating current trends. Does she look over the top? Yes. Is one supposed to look over the top when they're attending a state banquet with two European royals and are also themselves a future Queen? Um yes. ElizaMo referenced the gown's sleeves in part of her comment: The current craze for gathered bell sleeves is one I view as something of a curse. They are frequently ugly and border on disastrous when coupled with further ruffles such as at the hem. Kate's natural restraint has kept hers in proportion and produced something that complements a grandiose setting while balanced by extra fullness in the skirt. Those less fond of the look included Helen, who wrote, This combination just isn't working for me. That necklace is a stunner but it begs for different tiara and earrings – demure pearls seem like the wrong stone, and the overall jewelry effect is very heavy. Lulu concurred, commenting, The lace, exposed back, exposed front, bell sleeves, full skirt, and all that jewellery – there is far too much going on. Apologies for this not being published the first of the week, as promised. We were without electricity from Thursday night until Monday and without internet until Tuesday. Barring thunderstorms and tornadoes, I will have the second part published early next week.
Brown chalkstripe suit from Fred Nieddu/Taillour: Review – Permanent Style
There are two parts to this piece: one, Fred; two, chalkstripes. Given it's a review, let's do the first one first. This is the first piece of tailoring Fred Nieddu has made for me, having previously made a more unusual piece, a belted suede jacket, in 2023. I was keen...
A New Engagement for the Princess and Polarizing Looks Part 2 – What Kate Wore
Welcome to our final post on ensembles worn by the Princess of Wales that I describe as polarizing. But before we get started on our primary topic, a quick update to the calendar: This Saturday (the 9th), the Princess, in her role as royal patron of the Rugby Football Union will attend the Rugby World Cup 2023 match between England and Argentina at the Stade de Marseille in France. Saturday's match begins at 3pm EDT/8pm in London/9pm in France. The match will be aired on ITV1 in the UK and Peacock in the US. On Sunday, the Prince of Wales, patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, will watch Wales take on Fiji in another opening-round match at the Stade de Bordeaux. I also think we will see the Prince and Princess of Wales on Friday, the one-year anniversary of the Queen's death. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Now for our final group of looks worn by the Princess that stirred debate and discussion. One final refresher on how the styles were selected, as written in my initial post on the topic. I looked at the number of comments on posts, the content of those comments, people’s reactions when commenting on the outfits a second time in year-end polls, and how people reacted on the WKW Facebook page and other media. A couple of notes to keep in mind: These are not the most disliked outfits worn by the Princess. In most cases, comments were divided fairly evenly between those fond of specific styles and those not fond of a look. The items are listed chronologically. The underlined dates link to the original post for each ensemble. If items worn by the Princess are still available to purchase, I have included links to retailers offering the items. I’m sure there are ensembles I missed in compiling the lists. Please leave a comment or send an email to Susan@WhatKateWore.com. July 2017: We begin with a look worn during the 2017 visit to Poland when the Duchess chose a dress by Gosia Baczyńska, a Polish designer. The event was a party hosted by Jonathan Knott, the British Ambassador to Poland at the time. The Duchess accessorized with her black Prada clutch, her Gianvito Rossi Ankle Strap d’Orsay heels, her Balenciaga ‘Eugenia’ faux pearl and silvertone clips, and her asymmetric pearl necklace. Ms. Baczyńska is one of Poland's most notable designers, and she was also at the event where the Duchess wore her dress. As noted by Bethan Holt in her Telegraph piece, The jagged, black-edge pleats on the bottom part of the dress offer a playful contrast to the delicate floral black applique at the waist while the deep v-neckline framed her pearl necklace - debuted during a visit to Paris in March - elegantly. Below, a closer look at some of the dress details. As I said at the time, this was a dress with an edgier design (no pun intended) than what we normally saw the Duchess wearing. In the Telegraph story, the designer is quoted as saying, I would like women who wear my outfits to feel special and modern. Classy and a little bit rebellious... and I thought this dress fit that description. A fan of the look, Fashionista wrote, This is an edgy, avant-garde piece, and the Duchess “balanced” that edginess for this official event with safe, conservative accessories and hair…and she pulled it off! Ulku also appreciated the ensemble, writing, The more I look at this look, the more I like it. Sophisticated, with a little edge. Everything about this dress is thought and planned, the fabric, the jagged pleats with black details, and the pointy darts at the bodice. She is wearing a piece of art, and it looks divine. And JR wrote, This dress is so cool – to me it’s beyond edgy and straight into avant-garde territory. I almost called it an Eastern European influence, but it’s even more specific than that – it communicates an absolutely Polish vibe, so striking, and certainly not conservative, despite the demure length. The primary quibble for those who didn't care for the look: the darts on the bodice, with Sara writing, Oh, those bust darts. As a sewist, I understand the demands of the design and fabric, but it looks like the darts are purposefully exaggerated and I just can’t be a fan of the torpedo-bra look. This issue was followed by the choice of jewelry to go with the dress. Rachel wrote, At first, I liked the necklace but after reading some responses I changed my mind. It’s too costume-y for this look. Another commenter, Mocro said, Love the dress, but not as Kate styled it. Her hair down, a la Wimbledon, would have been better but I think this architectural dress was a miss with an updo and a clutch. It felt to me like she just couldn’t commit to the dress. JANUARY 2018: Now for a design many think of immediately when raising the topic of polarizing choices worn by the Princess, the Erdem floor-length style worn during the Sweden tour. The event was a black-tie dinner at the British Ambassador’s residence. Before the dinner, the Duke and Duchess had a private meeting with Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and his wife Ulla. The Duchess carried a clutch by Jimmy Choo and appeared to be wearing Gianvito Rossi heels. Her jewelry included the Collingwood diamond and pearl earrings, as well as a pearl bracelet that belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales. The dress was the designer's Stephanie style from the Autumn/Winter 2017 collection in a print called Winterbourne. Made from 100% silk satin, it showcased an Edwardian-influenced high neck with a ruffled placket and collar, gathers at the shoulder, a tiered skirt, belled sleeves, and a self-bow or sash. The yellow-gold background color (described as 'mustard' by many) and blue flowers would have been a nod to Sweden's flag. No one will be surprised to read there were more than 200 comments on this post. Ellen H. summed up her thoughts this way: I have no idea how I feel about this haha. Part of me hates it…if I saw this in a store, I wouldn’t have touched it with a ten-foot pole. After going through the pictures, however, I find myself liking it more and more on her. Traveling Blush wrote, A stunning look, very opulent without being stuffy! Such a treat and refreshing choice in a sea of boring black, while Maryam said, This dress has everything I would normally love to HATE, but for some reason, it actually seems to work! I think somehow it just looks flattering ...it’s amazing that she can pull off that color, but it works…. Another commenter appreciative of the ensemble, Fliss, wrote, I love this look. This dress is pure ‘English eccentric’ just the thing a duchess should wear to dinner then eventually in the garden to feed the chickens with a pair of welly boots – v Mitford sisters. Below you see the Duchess with the British Ambassador to Sweden, David Cairns. Among those not fond of the ensemble was Celeste, who commented, The Duchess of Cambridge is unfailingly lovely and in good form so my comments apply only to the Erdem dress. It is hideous. I can see from the photographs that the fabric and the design on the fabric are luxe and gorgeous. The problems stem from the darting, the belting, and the ruffling in various locations which all serve to chop the design of the fabric into quarreling quadrants. Hannah articulated what several others said in their comments, writing The dress is fabulous, it is the styling that lets the look down. Alyssa noted, This is my least favorite thing she’s ever worn and I have TRIED to like this dress for hours today (I know that sounds excessive, and I’m okay with that). Emily K. summed up the thoughts of those who went back and forth on the look, trying to determine if they liked it or not; she said, I really can’t decide how I feel. On one hand, I love that she chose such a different dress than what many would probably expect. The colors look good on her and it looks comfortable. I agree with a few who said unbuttoning the top would make it look like a dressing gown – that was my first thought when I saw the model wearing it that way. Something about it though is just not doing it for me. FEBRUARY 2018: Two days later, another gown prompted discussion, this one a blush Alexander McQueen design worn at a black-tie dinner in Norway. The event was hosted by King Harald and Queen Sonja at the Royal Palace in Oslo, and attended by other members of Norway's royal family. Below you see (l to r): Princess Martha Louise of Norway, King Harald, Queen Sonja, the Duke and Duchess, Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and Princess Astrid of Norway. Martha Louise is the older sister of Crown Prince Haakon and fourth in line to the throne. Princess Astrid is King Harald’s older sister. The Duchess accessorized with a Celeste handbag from Jimmy Choo, her Cabrina lamé heels by Oscar de la Renta, the Queen's diamond drop earrings, and the Queen's Wedding Gift Bracelet, so called because it was a gift from Prince Philip to HM when they were married in 1947. The blush pink gown by Alexander McQueen looked like it was made from lightweight silk embellished with a hand-sewn floral motif at the round neckline, a sleeveless bodice, and a sheer overlay that transformed into a cape covering the sides and back of the dress. Those who liked the ensemble included Jenn, who said, Now, THAT is an evening gown. Simple and elegant, and somehow daring and unquestionably classic at the same time. Tracy B. wrote, It is – by far – my favorite formal dress on her of all time! And, absolutely perfect for when pregnant. The sheer cape feature is NOT aging at all…IMO. If anything, it adds to the “floating” statement of the dress. Sara commented, Such a beautiful, ethereal, queenly gown, she looks absolutely gorgeous. This is perfect from head to toe, I love the sparkle of the cape, jewels, and shoes along with the floaty lightness of the fabric. Dislike of the cape was top of mind for several, including SG, who said, I may be the only one, but I am not into this dress. It is SO matronly to me…it is very mother of the bride. I really want to like it too, because I am very into capes/cape dresses at the moment. But I just think it is very aging on her, particularly when combined with the stiff updo. JK wrote, For a woman under 40, who is fortunate to have a lovely maternity figure, direct access to designers and bespoke clothing, this gown while beautiful, is to me very matronly. I actually think a shorter hem, like the similar gown shown, might have helped along with a more vibrant color but even then don’t think I’m sold on it. Casey noted, As to this particular gown, the cape effect ruins it for me. I find that feature in combination with the hairstyle to be aging the lovely Duchess. Some readers of the Erdem Stephanie post expressed curiosity about how the Erdem gown would fare in our year-end evening gown oll. Here are the results of that vote with the blush McQueen at the top and the Erdem Stephanie at the bottom. OCTOBER 2018: Another Alexander McQueen prompting debate was the icy blue design worn for the Netherlands state dinner in October 2018. The function was in honor of King Willem-Alexander and his wife Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, held during their two-day state visit. This was the first time we saw the Duchess of Cambridge wearing the Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II. (The order was first worn to the 2017 diplomatic reception, but we do not have photos from that event.) Jewelry worn by the Duchess included the Lover's Knot tiara, the Collingwood pearl and diamond earrings, and the showstopping necklace from Queen Alexandra’s Wedding Gift Parure. The necklace was described by Her Majesty's Jewel Vault as featuring 8 pearls surrounded by diamonds, each connected with festoons of diamonds, and three detachable diamond and pearl drop pendants. The Duchess also carried Jenny Packham's Belle clutch. The figure-skimming gown was crafted with layers of ruched and pleated silk on the upper portion of the dress, a soft rosette at the right shoulder, and a dropped waist flaring into a dramatic trumpet-style skirt. (I say 'trumpet' because the flare starts above Kate's knee). Opinions were really divided on this one, as noted by Brandi, who wrote, Wow, I don't recall a dress Kate has worn recently that has had such a split reaction! Haha... at first I wasn't blown away. Another blue dress. But I looked again and thought it had sort of a vintage feel to it? Stephanie, a fan of the look, commented, I love state dinners, go big or go home! The jewels are Royally Fabulous. The dress is unique and difficult to pull off, which she does flawlessly. JuLee commented, I think the dress is right for the occasion, and jewels like these require a dress with substance and “presence”. Something with fullness or weight. Many commenters said they loved one half of the dress; MickyO noted, I am in line with the camp that loves the dress from the skirt up. The fit is perfect and I love the color. And the jewels - stunning. LeeLee commented, I really like the top half of this dress. I think it suits her and I like the color. Sue D. wrote, I love the top of the dress but cannot stand the shape of the skirt bottom. LOVE the jewelry, hair, giant necklace. MARCH 2022: Our next look is the Alessandra Rich design worn as the Cambridges departed the Bahamas at the end of their Caribbean tour. The couple boarded an evening flight after departure ceremonies at Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau. The Belted Floral Silk Jacquard Peplum Dress was an 80s-inspired design in a finely woven polka dot silk jacquard with a roses motif. The product description at one retailer noted the dress had a bow-detailed ruffled collar, puffed sleeves, and a pleated peplum at the waist. The crystal-embellished buckle and faux pearl buttons are a nod to the decade’s glamorous excess. The Duchess accessorized with a Ferragamo clutch, white Gianvito Rossi pumps, and her Patrick Mavros Ocean Tide Milky Quartz earrings. Below, a closer look at some of the dress details. There were more than 250 comments on the post and while some related to the tour wardrobe as a whole, that volume also speaks to the divided opinions on this look. Sam liked the ensemble, writing, Quirky indeed, fun, reminiscent of 80s styles, pleasant color combination, fitting for the tropical theme and let’s be honest, it looks amazing on her! Larissa noted the mixed opinions, writing, This is certainly an interesting dress, and I can see how it would divide people. I actually don’t mind it. Yellow can be a hard colour to wear on light skin tones, so I think the floral pattern making an almost creamy mixture of yellow and white is a great way to wear it. Another fan of the look, Ye, commented, This dress is so out there that I actually love it. I doubt that the DOC would wear anything like this in normal life outside of the context of an official tour. I have a feeling the dress actually felt very much in place where it was worn. For some, the 1980s inspiration was not a plus, including Kiki in Vancouver, who said, It has absolutely every terrible feature of 80s dressing all in one garment – puffy sleeves, deep frill, bow, large peplum, jeweled belt buckle, pearl buttons and a shiny printed fabric – good grief. Laura even referenced the Erdem Stephanie dress seen earlier in today's post in her comment, Okay, first, Kate wears the heck out of this dress. She looks confident, poised and relaxed. Her hair, smile, makeup, shoes, and accessories are perfect. This is…. quite a dress. It reminds me intensely of the mustard floral Erdem dress Kate wore when pregnant and on her Scandinavian tour. I think if the designer had subtracted about three or four elements, I would have liked it. FEBRUARY 2023: We conclude our look at the more polarizing designs worn by the Princess of Wales with the Alexander McQueen gown worn to the 2023 BAFTA awards. The gown was very much a favorite look for many readers when it was first worn to the 2019 BAFTA Awards, but it received a different reception when paired with black opera-length gloves this February. Another view of the Prince and Princess as they arrived at the awards in February. The dress was updated with alterations to the left shoulder: the floral petals were removed, and additional fabric was added and anchored to the shoulder. The Princess accessorized with her Aquazzura Fenix pumps and Celeste clutch by Jimmy Choo. Her statement earrings were by Zara, the brand's Cascading Flower style. This engagement generated more than 300 comments. Fans of the look included Izzy, who wrote, I love the black gloves! White ones would have looked too wedding-dressy and none would have looked, well, repetitive. I thought it was glamorous. Sue V commented, For myself, the more I look at photos and clips the more I like/appreciate the ensemble in general. The bit I like the most is that so many of us (me included) often bemoan that Catherine plays it too safe (more in the UK than abroad, perhaps) that this ‘risky look’ dressing was such a jaw-dropping sight to us all. And she carried it off with aplomb. Berenike noted, I absolutely loved Catherine’s whole outfit. The white dress is impeccable and changing the shoulder embellishment was a great idea. It gave the dress a more modern look. Those long opera-style gloves are fashion right now, and gave her look the edge that is so often missing, as she usually dresses quite conservatively. Annie wrote, Love the update – much less bridal. I actually like the graphic mixing of black and white – somehow long black gloves always read “super hero” to me, and also edgy. The ensemble grew on several readers, including Sophie, who wrote, The gloves are a really bold contrast, that I didn’t like initially, but I’ve changed my mind! K van Voorhees was not fond of the updated look, writing Sadly, the longer I look at this ensemble the less I find it works and the problems become more glaring. As many others have noted the too-long black suede gloves are bulky with the white floaty delicate Grecian style Alexander McQueen gown. DuchFan commented, I loved the 2019 version of this gorgeous frock, and while I’m also enthusiastic about experimenting and having fun, this particular mix didn’t do it for me. The two looks are worlds different…apples and oranges. Kate-in-Canada commented, While I love the gloves by themselves, to me they don’t belong with a floaty gown. Had she been wearing a structured white satin gown yes. Our final comment by a reader who didn't care for the ensemble is from Bonnie, who wrote, The dress is light, flowing, frothy and so very delicate. The black gloves add such a heavy touch, in their exaggerated length, velvet texture, and dark colour.
The Prince and Princess of Wales Honor the Queen During Wales Engagements – What Kate Wore
The Prince and Princess of Wales marked the first anniversary of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's death today with a visit to Wales. They were in St. Davids, where they attended a small private service at St. Davids Cathedral. Earlier in the day, King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a private service commemorating the late Queen's life at Crathie Kirk, the parish church near Balmoral. They were joined by two of Princess Margaret’s grandsons, Arthur and Samuel Chatto. More from The Mirror's coverage. King Charles and Queen Camilla were spotted receiving a card and flowers from schoolchildren as they left the church service near Balmoral. They later went on a walkabout and smiled and shared jokes with Balmoral Estate staff, members of the royal household, Crathie Primary pupils and residents from the nearby town of Ballater, who treated the Queen as one of their own. The Royal Family posted a message on social media after the service. Thank you for all your kind words of condolence as we remember Queen Elizabeth II together. pic.twitter.com/pXg5DPTUey — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2023 There was also a message from the Princess and Princess of Wales this morning. The letters W & C indicate it was a post the couple personally wrote. Today we remember the extraordinary life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We all miss you. W & C pic.twitter.com/SkmGtmpNEE — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 8, 2023 Last night a statement from the King was released, for whom this was also the first anniversary of his Accession. In marking the first anniversary of Her late Majesty’s death and my Accession, we recall with great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us. I am deeply grateful, too, for the love and support that has been shown to my wife and myself during this year as we do our utmost to be of service to you all. There were gun salutes fired today to mark the anniversary of Her Late Majesty's death as well as the Accession of King Charles. We now return to the Prince and Princess of Wales and their visit to St. Davids Cathedral. The royals were greeted by clergy as they arrived at the historic structure. More about the Cathedral from this story in today's Telegraph. St Davids has been a site of pilgrimage and worship for more than 1,400 years, since St David - the patron saint of Wales - settled there with his monastic community in the sixth century. Since the Reformation, one of the quire stalls has been in possession of the Crown and is known as the Sovereign’s Stall. This makes St Davids the only UK cathedral where the sovereign has a special stall in the quire among members of the chapter, the governing body of the cathedral. The couple as they were shown to their seats. The Order of Service for today's commemoration. Rebecca English reports, that during the service, ...The Very Revd. Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, Dean of St. Davids, acknowledged the service of the late Queen: ‘It is particularly poignant to welcome you here, Your Royal Highnesses, on Accession Day, the first anniversary of the death of Her Late Majesty QEII. She came here four times: the only monarch to sit in the Sovereign’s stall, the seat of a Chapter member, which came into the possession of the Crown at the Reformation. Today countless numbers will be remembering her, with both sadness and with great affection; giving thanks again for her long life of dedicated service – as we do here.’' The couple laid flowers by a photo of Her Late Majesty. A quick video via The Daily Mail's Rebecca English. The Prince and Princess of Wales lay a floral tribute of white roses in front of a photograph of #QueenElizabeth at St David’s Cathedral in Wales. An incredibly poignant moment for all present. pic.twitter.com/a45Ly8NYgp — Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) September 8, 2023 After the service, the Princess signed a book of condolence. More from Danielle Stacey's Hello coverage. Speaking to media after the service, the Very Rev. Dr. Sarah Rowland Jones, spoke movingly about the emotions that the Prince and Princess displayed when they paid tribute to the late Queen. I was struck that they spent quite a time as they laid the flowers, she shared. In many ways our job is to give them the space for their remembering, because even if we had fleeting encounters with Her Late Majesty, none of us are part of that immediate family. It's not for us to really question what they were going through, but to give them the space to do whatever they needed to do. The royals also met with local community members after the service. The guests included local residents who met Her Late Majesty during her visits to the city. A small reception was held outside. The Daily Mail reports on a conversation the Princess of Wales had. Outside the cathedral, she then met local flying instructor Patricia Mawuli Porter OBE who spoke of the Queen's warmth. And the Princess told her: 'We all have wonderful memories of her, we have to hold on to them, cherish them.' When the couple left the church, a group of children was waiting to greet them, and the Princess was given some lovely flowers. Prince William chatting with one of the youngsters. A video from People's Simon Perry, via Anna on Twitter. The Prince and Princess of Wales greeting well-wishers today 😍 🎥 Simon Perry pic.twitter.com/keyGNBJr3U — anna (@tokkianami) September 8, 2023 The royals did a walkabout. And the Princess posed for a few selfies. And a wave goodbye. A social media post from Kensington Palace after the St. Davids service. A moment of reflection at St Davids Cathedral honouring Her Late Majesty and all that she did for communities like this around the UK, the Commonwealth and the world. pic.twitter.com/44JXfwCc4S — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 8, 2023 This was not the Prince and Princess's only engagement of the day. They then traveled to Câr-Y-Môr Seaweed Farm – the first ‘regenerative ocean farm’ in Wales. Câr-Y-Môr translates to ‘For the Love of the Sea.’ The organization aims to improve the coastal environment through regenerative ocean farming. More from the Western Telegraph's coverage. In 2022 Câr-Y-Môr raised £50,000 through a community share offer. This and other funding has allowed a three-hectare ocean farm to be established, growing various species of seaweed, mussels, native oysters, and scallops. The business supports the local community through job creation, supply of fresh local seafood and environmental restoration. This is not the first Royal visitor to Câr-Y-Môr , Princess Eugenie visited the seaweed farm in June last year. Câr-Y-Môr is considered a key partner of a company called Notpla, a sustainable packaging start-up and winner of the 2022 Earthshot Prize for ‘Build a Waste-Free World.’ Prince William visited Notpla this May. Below, you see the Prince with co-founders Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez, (L), and Pierre Paslier (R). The couple met staff and volunteers at Câr-Y-Môr and learned about the impact the farm’s work is having on the ocean environment. More from The Independent's story: Dressed in casual clothes the Prince and Princess of Wales were taken on a tour of the three-hectare seaweed farm in Ramsey Sound on a barge. They were shown the seaweed lines where various species of seaweed, mussels, native oysters, and scallops were grown. More from this Daily Mail piece. The Prince quipped that seaweed produced at a seaweed farm off the Welsh coast tasted salty when asked what it was like to eat. William made the comment to veteran royal photographer Arthur Edwards, saying: 'What did the seaweed taste like?' He replied: 'Salty.' A video. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Voyages Of Discovery (@voyages.of.discovery) As you can just see in the video, the Prince and Princess then transferred from the barge to a lifeboat from RNLI St. Davids. The St. Davids lifeboat station has been launching lifeboats since 1867.Below, a social media post from the RNLI. We were honoured to welcome Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales to @StDavidsRNLI today as part of the Royal couple’s visit to Wales to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/zTDsdczEQO — RNLI (@RNLI) September 8, 2023 Her Late Majesty was Patron of the RNLI from 1952 until her death last year. Below, the Princess speaking with personnel at the station. The couple met Isla Evans-Kohler, who is four, and her younger brother, Albie Evans-Kohler, age two. Their parents are deputy coxswain Judd Kohler and crew member Ellen Evans. Isla gave the Princess a posy and Albie had a jar of honey for Prince William. We return to The Independent article. Kate asked Isla: “Have you been on the lifeboat?” The little girl shook her head and her mother explained she had been on the boat but not out on the water while Albie interjected and said: “Me.” Kate asked the toddler: “Have you been on the boat? It goes very fast, and your daddy has got a very cool job.” Albie then started mimicking the boat’s siren and the princess said: “I didn’t hear the siren, but it was a lovely day on the water. Thank you very much for coming to see us.” One more photo from this engagement. Now, a look back at the events that started a year ago today. If more interested in today's fashion information, you can just scroll past this section. It's hard to believe it was a year ago we saw this message from Buckingham Palace on a Thursday morning. Followed by this. Just two days before, on September 6, the Palace released a photo of Her Late Majesty as she greeted the new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, at Balmoral. The situation brought to mind the quote from Mary Renault's The Charioteer, There is only one kind of shock worse than the totally unexpected: the expected for which one has refused to prepare. So many of us knew the day was coming, but we found ways to avoid contemplating what that would be like. Below, the Daily Mail's front page. For its special cover, The Telegraph used a quote from the Queen's message of support to families of the British victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks. It's odd what one remembers and what one doesn't. I had forgotten the rainbows at Buckingham Palace that afternoon. And at Windsor. I did remember specific photos, like this one of Sophie, then the Countess of Wessex, now the Duchess of Edinburgh, as she looked at floral tributes outside Balmoral Castle. And Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie as they viewed the tributes at Balmoral. The references to Paddington, including this one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, were a constant throughout the days following the Queen's death. The Queen's children and grandchildren released statements as the week went on; this was Prince William's message. I distinctly remembered the face of Frank Groves in Ballater, the village closest to Balmoral. He arrived early on September 11 so he would have a good view of the cortége as it left Balmoral Castle and started the trip to Edinburgh. The scene in Edinburgh that day as the seven-car procession arrived remained top-of-mind for me. As did the faces of the Bearer Party from the Royal Regiment of Scotland as they carried the coffin into the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where it remained until the service at St Giles’ Cathedral the next day. And Princess Anne's curtsy at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. King Charles and Princess Anne the next day as the Queen's coffin was taken to the Cathedral for a Service of Thanksgiving. I remember deciding I would stop trying to write and I would simply sit and watch the remarkable scene on September 13th as the Queen's coffin traveled through London on its way to Buckingham Palace. 'These pictures are astonishing' remarks @nightingaleitv as the Queen's coffin makes its way through the streets of London travelling to Buckingham Palace.https://t.co/Orxz65sc6I pic.twitter.com/B16XNlw56n — ITV News (@itvnews) September 13, 2022 The outriders bowed their heads as the cortége arrived at the gates of Buckingham Palace. All of this on a chilly, rainy evening. I had forgotten the special signs that went up for the queue to see HM lying in state. I also remember the King's salute the next day, the 14th, as his mother's coffin arrived at Westminster Hall. And the Wessex children as they left Westminster Hall following the service. Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and Prince Michael of Kent at Westminster. All are cousins of the Queen. The Prince and Princess of Wales as they left Westminster Hall. And on social media that day, a post from the Prince and Princes of Wales. Also on the 14th, this view of mourners lined up their respects. The next day, the Prince and Princess of Wales traveled to Sandringham to view tributes honoring the Queen. I recall writing, It is an awful lot to absorb, especially in public settings and circumstances are such that you become the repository for others’ grief. Eight-year-old Elizabeth Sulkovska brought flowers and a Corgi to Sandringham for the Queen. I remembered the Wessexes viewing some of the cards and flowers left at Windsor. And this image of the couple as they headed back inside. I think we all remember the long lines to see Her Late Majesty Lying-In-State at Westminster Hall. The wait reached 24 hours during that long week. At times, the queue was more than five miles long. But I had forgotten all about the Lying-In-State Queue Tracker. The scene at Tower Bridge on the 17th as people waited in the queue to see the late Queen. There are many memories of the Queen's children standing vigil in Edinburgh and at Westminster. Her grandchildren also stood watch on the 17th. And overnight rehearsals were underway for the funeral. I vividly recall the photos of people bundled up against the cold while waiting in the queue to pay their respects. And the way the crowds just kept coming. As well as the faces of these Scouts as they viewed the coffin the night before the State Funeral. On the 19th I wrote, The world said goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II today, in scenes unlike any we have seen for more than seventy years. Scenes most of us will not experience again in our lifetimes. And I remembered Mike Tindall with James, Viscount Severn, as they arrived at Westminster Abbey. Along with this image of King Charles and the Prince of Wales during the procession. And this photo of Princess Charlotte entering the Abbey. Mourners in London along the Mall. The Queen’s Piper, Warrant Officer Paul Burns, playing “Sleep, dearie, sleep,” a traditional lament. Her Majesty’s coffin as the procession left the Abbey. The Princess of Wales, Countess of Wessex, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte outside the Abbey as they watched the procession to Windsor get underway. Many will remember what has become an iconic photo of the Princess of Wales. The crowds along the Mall were enormous. As were the crowds along Windsor’s Long Walk. As the procession drew near Windsor, marchers saw a horse off to the side - that was Emma, Her Majesty’s Fell Pony. Also there, her two Corgis, Sandy and Muick. Along with members of the household staff greeting the procession. Who can forget this image as the Bearer Party carried the coffin into St. George's Chapel for the committal service? Or King Charles, as he placed the flag of the Grenadier Guards on his mother's coffin. And that evening, the Royal Family released a new photo of the Queen. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Now for our look at what the Princess wore for today's engagements, beginning with her Eponine London coatdress. The design is midi-length and features a vee-neckline, a ‘wrap-style’ front, padding at the shoulder, a fitted waist with side belting and decorative buttons, and a softly curved hem. The design was first worn last December for the taping of the Royal Carols: Together At Christmas concert. A look at the two different engagements where this style was worn. The Princess's hat is by a brand we've not seen her wear before, Sahar Millinery. The label is by Sahar Freemantle, an award-winning milliner based in London. She is a Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust winner; the Trust supports the training and education of talented and aspiring craftspeople through traditional college courses, vocational training, apprenticeships, and one-to-one training with a master craftsperson.... Below, the Sahar Freemantle home page. The Princess's design looks similar to this teardrop-shaped style shown on the Sahar Millinery Instagram page. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sahar Millinery and UglyLovely (@saharmillinery) The British Hat Guild writes, Sahar’s work has been exhibited at the V&A, featured in The Guardian, The Independent and Evening Standards list of best Ascot Hats, on Screen in Downton Abbey, and on celebrities such as Ellie Goulding, Paloma Faith, Katy Perry and Celeste. The hats are available via the website; a selection is also offered on etsy and at Not on the High Street. You may have recognized the earrings, a sentimental touch for today's events, the late Queen's Silver Jubilee Diamond and Pearl Earrings. A closer look. Here you see Her Late Majesty wearing them after the Silver Jubilee Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul's Cathedral. Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'n3J8SuKkROJSaqJFrA5SXQ',sig:'lTqs7i-qp07cVa5sgcx3U8igzgDvFe_W99hPoBFlw5c=',w:'594px',h:'400px',items:'839143156',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })}); More from Bethan Holt's column in The Telegraph. In choosing the diamond and pearl earrings, which were first seen on her husband’s grandmother during the celebrations for her Silver Jubilee in 1977, the Princess is continuing a longstanding royal tradition of wearing diamonds and pearls during a time of mourning. Today's other accessories were understated pieces we have seen on multiple occasions, including the Bayswater Clutch by Mulberry. And the Gianvito Rossi 105 suede pumps. As seen in the photos, the Princess changed into a more casual look for the engagements at Câr-Y-Môr Seaweed Farm and St. Davids Lifeboat Station. For the other two engagements, it looked like the Princess brought back her Troy London Parka in khaki ($408), a lightweight design with a cinched waist and drawstring hood, described as offering fully waterproof protection. It was first noted when worn in Canada during the 2016 tour. The trousers appeared to be the G-STAR RAW Kafey Cargo Ultra-High Skinny Jeans first noted during the Big Help Out in May. After taking a closer look, I think the trousers could be the G-Star Raw High G-Shape Skinny Cargo Pant worn to the Maya archaeological site during the 2022 Caribbean tour. She also wore her Veja Net Sustain Esplar Metallic-trimmed Sneakers ($150). Above, you see the shoe as offered at Net-a-Porter; it is also in stock at Zappos ($140) and Tower London ($125). I believe she also had on her Medium Twist Hoops (£60, about $80 at today’s exchange rates) by Spells of Love, a Wales-based brand. The earrings are crafted of sterling silver with 18k recycled gold vermeil. Here you see them as worn on a previous occasion. I'll see you tomorrow when the Princess of Wales attends the World Rugby Cup in France. VIDEOS: Sky News offers more than an hour's coverage from today's engagement. This link takes you to an ITV story about the Queen's death and funeral with a 5-minute video off the top (that I can't embed for you to view here). An ITV documentary, A Kingdom Says Goodbye. This two-minute piece from the Royal Parks looks at the incredible floral tributes at Green Park. The Telegraph offers almost nine hours of coverage in Queen Elizabeth II's funeral procession, service and committal The documentary, Elizabeth at 90 - A Family Tribute.
The Princess Wears Holland Cooper for Royal Navy Air Station Visit – What Kate Wore
The Princess of Wales wore Holland Cooper for her visit to RNAS Yeovilton today. The Royal Naval Air Station is in Somerset, and this was the Princess's first engagement in her role as Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm. More from this BBC story. The Princess of Wales has visited one of the busiest military airfields in the UK, just weeks after after the King appointed her Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm. Catherine was shown around Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset - where King Charles had his helicopter flying training in 1974. The Royal Navy notes ...4,300 personnel, Service and civilian, including MOD employees and permanent contractors are employed on the site. The air station also hosts a large support staff from the Defence Equipment and Support organisation, and the world famous Fleet Air Arm Museum. The Princess started her visit in the Air Traffic Control Tower. While there she donned a headset and spoke to an airborne Wildcat helicopter crew. More from a Royal Navy story about the visit. Her Royal Highness’ introduction to naval aviation began with a roar as an F-35B Lightning ‘buzzed’ Yeovilton’s control tower; the stealth fighters are the most advanced aircraft in the UK’s military arsenal and are currently operating aboard the nation’s flagship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, on her autumn deployment. The Princess then visited a hangar and spoke with personnel. Here you see her looking at a Banshee drone used by the Royal Navy. We return to the Royal Navy story. Personnel from 700X Naval Air Squadron, normally based at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall, showed the princess their Banshee drone – used for developing tactics to defend the nation’s aircraft carriers against air attacks. “She was fantastic, genuinely interested, really personable and for me it was a great opportunity and a privilege to meet her,” said Lieutenant Commander Marcus Pennant, the squadron’s Commanding Officer. Here you see her getting out of a Merlin helicopter. And a final portion from the Royal Navy post. Able Seaman Danielle Beckinsale, who maintains Merlin helicopters which support Royal Marines operations, explained how busy her squadron was – currently deployed in the Middle East, gearing up for a winter in Norway. “I’ve never met royalty before and wasn’t sure what to expect, but she was very down to earth,” she said. “She was really, really nice, really genuine and interested in the role of a female engineer.” Her last stop at the base was the Wildcat Training Centre. The Princess learned about safety equipment used by Royal Navy personnel. She tried on one of the inflatable life jackets. More from the Daily Mail's coverage. As she pulled on the toggle, she closed her eyes and winced as the device inflated quickly and with force, just as it would in an emergency situation. Appearing a little taken aback by the fast inflation, Princess Kate burst into a fit of giggles, before staff aided her in removing the lifejacket. More from the Daily Mail article. After the exercise, Louise Evans-Hughes, a leading survival equipment technician, revealed she knew exactly what was going to happen the moment the lifejacket inflated. She said: 'I told the princess there might be a bit of a bang because sometimes when the Velcro rips open there is a bit of a noise. 'I think that was why she was a bit apprehensive to pull it. As soon as she pulled it, it inflated. 'I gave the princess the option whether she wanted to put it on or whether one of my colleagues would put it on. 'I didn't know if she would or not, but it was really nice that she got hands-on and got really engaged in what we do and making the kit work.' Captain Duncan Thomas, RNAS Yeovilton’s Commanding Officer, said “I am delighted and privileged to have welcomed Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales to the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, at the start of what I am sure will be a long and rewarding relationship in her capacity as Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm.” Kensington Palace posted a video featuring today's visit. Visiting RNAS Yeovilton for the first time as Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm. Thank you to all the brave men and women who serve in the Royal Navy and across the Armed Forces. pic.twitter.com/fbLyvSgJ9r — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 18, 2023 Now for our look at what Kate wore for today's engagement. The Princess brought back her Holland Cooper Double-Breasted Twill Blazer (£549) for today's engagement. The jacket has a slim silhouette; it is made in England of 100% UK-woven fabric. It was first worn in May 2021 in Scotland. I don't know the designer of her trousers or her top. She also brought back her Gianvito Rossi Piper 85 Pumps ($675). The black suede pumps feature a pointed toe and 3 block heel. The style is widely available, including at Farfetch ($675), at Matches Fashion ($680), and at Gianvito Rossi ($795). It looked like the Princess wore the Anderson Croc-Effect Leather Belt we have seen several times. The Princess wore her Kiki McDonough Cushion Citrine Detachable Drops (£900) suspended from plain hoops. I am not convinced they are the plain Kiki McDonough Hoops (£500) she has previously worn, shown below right. She also had on a Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm pin.