Haven't we seen that somewhere before Kate? Newest Royal learns to recycle her style to celebrate Duke's 90th birthday

By Daily Mail Reporter


Happy couple: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were in good spirits as they spoke to the Dean of Windsor, Reverend David Conner, after a service to mark Prince Philip's 90th birthday at Windsor Castle


Her choice of clothes is already one of the most scrutinised in the world.

But the Duchess of Cambridge is also following a fine Royal tradition: to reuse favourite items as much as possible.

Yesterday at a church service to mark the 90th birthday of the Duke of Edinburgh, Kate wore the same periwinkle blue Jacquard coat dress that she sported to the 2009 wedding of her husband’s close friend, Nicholas van Cutsem.

Pristine: Catherine, pictured with Prince Harry looking on as she greets the clergy, wore a blue Jacquard coat with colour-matching hat and dress


On her feet were the nude £175 LK Bennett heels that both she and her sister, Pippa, have been seen wearing on several occasions recently – most notably on Derby Day.

By dusting down the old, she echoes the policy of the Queen and the Princess Royal - both of whom take great delight in getting the most out of their wardrobes.

Kate, Zara Phillips, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie all tottered into St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, braving whipping winds and driving rain, for a church service to mark the landmark occasion.

Re-run: The Duchess wore the same coat when she and attended the wedding of Nicholas Van Cutsem and Alice Haddon Patton before she was married, right, but teamed it with a different dress and hat


Zara arrived with her mother, Princess Anne but without fiancé Mike Tindall who is currently on his stag weekend in Miami.

Zara’s brother, Peter Phillips, did, however, fly back from the Tindall holiday for yesterday’s service, which he attended with his wife, Autumn Kelly.

His wife-to-be was wearing a pair of black stilettos with a hidden platform sole so high that she was barely able to make the short walk from her official car to the church.

Dazzling accessories: Catherine wore diamond and sapphire earrings which coordinated with her engagement ring, which first belonged to Prince William's mother Princess Diana

Room for one more: Prince Harry arrived and quickly ducked under the umbrella Prince William held aloft for his wife, who was wearing her family favourite LK Bennett heels


The group had been due to walk down to the chapel from the castle but the bad weather meant cars were called instead.

Beatrice and Eugenie looked pretty but frozen in chiffon summer dresses. Beatrice, 22, was forced to take refuge behind a police protection officer as she struggled to smooth down her dress which was whipped up by the wind.

Bride-to-be: Zara Phillips attended without fiancé Mike Tindall, who is currently on his stag weekend in Miami

Family affair: Princess Anne, left, arrived at the service with her Zara, while her son Peter attended with his wife Autumn who wore a blue suit with black high heels


Lord Freddie Windsor’s wife, the actress Sophie Winkleman, looked stunning in an oversized cream straw hat and nipped-in jacket.

Sophie, 30, whose husband wasn’t present, was accompanied by her in-laws, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.

She flashed a dazzling smile at the cameras rather than studiously ignoring them like the rest of the Royal pack.

The man of the hour, Prince Philip, arrived last with the Queen, who was dressed in sky blue and aquamarines, and looked remarkably cheerful given that he had insisted he didn’t want a fuss.

Stylish: Lady Frederick Windsor, the actress Sophie Winkleman, pictured left with her father-in-law, Prince Michael of Kent, didn't let the wet weather stop her wearing a summery cream dress

Smart: The Duchess of Cornwall, pictured with her husband Prince Charles, also opted for cream


In accordance with his wishes, the 50 minute service only saw the briefest of references to his birthday, which was actually on Friday.

The Dean of Windsor sparked laughs among the 750-strong congregation when he told them during his sermon that although the ‘modest and self-depreciating’ Duke had made clear he didn’t want to make a big deal of the event, it was important to pay tribute to his years of service to both his wife and the country.

Birthday boy: The Queen, Prince Philip and the Dean of Windsor David Conner look delighted after the religious service to mark the Duke of Edinburgh's 90th birthday

My husband and I: The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh looked happy and relaxed at the service

Rain, rain, go away: Meanwhile, Sophie, The Countess of Wessex, looked glum as she braved the conditions


Afterwards the entire gathering, which included family, friends, foreign royalty, estate and household staff, charity representatives and members of the polo, carriage driving and shooting fraternities, headed back up to Windsor Castle for a champagne reception.

After the 45 minute event, 100 close family members – including the Prince’s Mountbatten relatives – enjoyed a lavish private lunch.

All smiles: Lord Linley and Lady Sarah Chatto arrive




source:dailymail

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Prince William takes part in his first Trooping the Colour as The Duke of Cambridge... and Kate makes her debut too

By Daily Mail Reporter


For the first time: Prince William - The Duke of Cambridge - has made his first appearance at the Trooping of the Colour at Horse Guards Parade in Central London


The Duchess of Cambridge watched with pride today as her husband took part in one of the world's greatest spectacles of pageantry and pomp in honour of the Queen.

The Trooping the Colour ceremony is the monarch's official birthday parade but all eyes were on the new Duke and Duchess playing prominent roles in the event for the first time.

Amid the splendour of the military display William rode faultlessly on his grey charger while Kate took her place with other members of the Royal Family as a spectator.

Birthday couple: The event celebrates the Queen's official birthday, while Prince Philip celebrated his 90th birthday yesterday

Part of the family: Kate was once again centre of attention despite a glittering array of Royals

Stylish: Kate is finely turned out in a white jacket and black hat and following her first
official engagement since the wedding this week, is clearly enjoying her duties


For decades the Queen has been the focus of the ceremony staged every June in London's historic Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall.

This year the event marked the 85th birthday of the Sovereign who has reigned over the country since 1952.

The Duchess reprised her royal wedding carriage procession of less than six weeks ago riding in a horse drawn Barouche with Prince Harry - in his Blues and Royals uniform and Army Air Corps blue beret - Duchess of Cornwall and Duke of York.

The group were cheered loudly by thousands of well wishers as they travelled from Buckingham Palace along The Mall and into Horse Guards Parade.

Birthday girl: Queen Elizabeth leaves Buckingham Palace in a carriage ahead of the parade, which she has done every year of her reign except 1955

The Royal jester: Prince William shares a joke with Kate on the balcony of Buckingham Palace

All smiles: Kate can't hide her delight as she takes a carriage to Horse Guards Parade to watch Prince William on his first official duty at the event

On duty: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, wore a blue sash - the Order of the Garter - over his scarlet tunic

Royal riders: Prince William, Prince Charles, the Duke of Kent and Princess Anne riding Queen's Escort

Kate, who is fast becoming a fashion icon, was dressed in an ivory jacket and an elaborate black hat and as she travelled in the carriage. She had a tartan quilt over her knees as did Camilla.

Amongst the guests were the Earl and Countess of Wessex, their seven-year-old daughter Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor, Princess Eugenie and Prime Minister David Cameron.

The precision marching by hundreds of Guardsmen taking part was also enjoyed by their families and friends who watched from stands overlooking the parade ground.

William took part in the ceremony as he is now Colonel of the Irish Guards and wore the famous scarlet tunic of his new regiment and bearskin hat.

He rode the charger Wellesley aged only seven but mature enough to take centre stage with the other prominent Household Division horses.

The Queen arrived in an Ivory Mounted Phaeton with the Duke of Edinburgh, who celebrated his 90th birthday yesterday and was dressed in uniform as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards.

As she travelled in her carriage behind her on horseback and wearing ceremonial military uniform were the Prince of Wales, Colonel Welsh Guards, the Duke of Kent, Colonel Scots Guards, the

Princess Royal, Colonel of the Household Cavalry's Blues and Royals and William in his new role.

They were accompanied by a Sovereign's Escort formed of soldiers from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in their shining breastplates and plumed helmets and the Mounted Bands of the Household Cavalry.

The Monarch first took the royal salute in 1951, when she deputised for her ill father George VI, and has continued receiving the mark of respect every year except 1955 when there was a national rail strike.

Escort: The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are followed by Princess Anne and the Duke of Kent - she has taken a carriage to the ceremony since 1986

Things are looking up: The Royal family turn their eyes to the sky to watch the flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace

Flypast: The arrival of the classic aircraft, followed by fast jets proved a highlight of the day for the cheering crowds and the clearly delighted Royals


The Queen's first duty was to inspect the long line of troops - wearing their famous red tunics and bearskins - from four of the five Foot Guards regiments of the Household Division taking part - the Welsh, Grenadier, Scots and Coldstream Guards.

Kate and the other royals watched the historic ceremony from the former office of the Duke of Wellington in Horse Guards building, now used by the Major-General commanding the Household Division.

The four royal Colonels rode behind the Queen as she travelled alone in the phaeton past the long lines of servicemen who are fighting soldiers when not performing ceremonial duties.

William rode at the end of the line with his father Charles on his left and looked assured as he handled the large charger.

Father and son: Prince William and Prince Charles ride together to Horse Guards Parade

Debut: The Duchess of Cornwall (left) and the Duchess of Cambridge left Buckingham Palace by horse drawn carriage with Prince Harry and Prince Andrew

Crowd puller: Thousands of people walk towards Buckingham Palace after the ceremony at Horse Guards Parade


The Queen has more experience of Trooping the Colour than anyone else on the parade ground and inspected the guardsmen with a keen eye.

The ceremony is also an important social occasion for the Guardsmen taking part, and gives their wives, girlfriends, and relatives the chance to celebrate the achievements of the young men and enjoy the spectacle.

Some spectators in the stands which lined the parade ground were dressed in morning suits or smart suits, while many women wore summer dresses with wide brimmed hats.

The Colour being paraded on Horse Guards this year was the flag of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards.

Trooping the Colour originated from traditional preparations for battle.

Colours, or flags, were carried, or "trooped", down the ranks so that it could be seen and recognised by the soldiers as they were used as rallying points in the confusion of fighting.

In the 18th century, guards from the Royal palaces assembled daily on Horse Guards to 'troop the colours', and in 1748 it was announced that the parade would also mark the Sovereign's official birthday.

The Queen's actual birthday was on April 21, when she turned 85.

Ladies day: Sophie, the Countess of Wessex (third from left) tripped as she walked out onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace with Camilla

Patriotic family: These three - wearing two England shirts and a Union flag dress between them - stand on a railing to get a better view

Can you see anything? A tourist finds herself stood alongside three and Guardsmen on a park bench as they try to find a better vantage point for the ceremony

Snap happy: The ceremony has been a beacon for tourists who flocked to take photographs of the the Royals


So proud: The Duchess of Cambridge watches William carry out his ceremonial duties from a window balcony

Dressed in a pale blue coat and matching hat, she stood with Philip as the ceremonial flag was paraded past her followed by line after line of Guardsmen, first in slow time then quick as the Massed Bands played.

The duty of carrying the colour was given to Lieutenant Tom Ogilvy, 26, from Stirling who has been in the Scots Guards for two years.

During the ceremony Kate and Camilla could be seen in a window of Wellington's former office as they watched the ceremony.

Later the Mounted Bands of the Household Cavalry played as the Household Cavalry's Blues and Royals and Life Guards rode past the Queen first in quick time then in slow.

As they passed for the second time, the horses' hoofs kicked up the gravel that covered parade ground.

When the Queen and the Duke left in their carriage they were applauded and cheered by the spectators and those lining the Mall as they made their way back to Buckingham Palace for the traditional balcony appearance to watch a flypast of military aircraft.

The celebrations ended with the traditional fly-past over the Palace.

The aerial parade of more than 20 aircraft featured vintage machines and modern fighters.

The Queen watched the events from the royal residence's balcony with other senior royals including Charles and Camilla, Kate and William, Harry, Eugenie and Edward and Sophie.

Fantastic spectacle: The Queen, sat in open-topped carriage at the centre, takes in the wonderful display of pageantry

Centre of attention: The Queen returns to Buckingham Palace surrounded by the her family, soldiers and full band


Thousands of well-wishers lined up to watch the fly-past spectacle that roared overhead for a number of minutes.

The royal women impressed in their outfits with Kate dressed in a fitted double breasted white jacket while Camilla had a cream jacket with a matching wide brimmed hat and a large pearl choker.

Eugenie had a black jacket with white details and a matching hat with a white bow.

The display was led by a Chinook and two Puma helicopters and was soon followed by the Battle of Britain memorial flight's Lancaster in formation with a Spitfire and a Hurricane.

Other aircraft taking part included two Tornado GR4s, two Eurofighter Typhoons - the finale saw the Red Arrows display team fly overhead trailing red, white and blue smoke.

On the march: Guardsmen parade along the Mall before the ceremony in which more than 1,300 soldiers are taking part

Birds eye view: Late (top right) watches the ceremony from a balcony above the Queen and Prince Philip

Anticipation: The scene at Horse Guards Parade in Central London as the soldiers and crowd awaited the arrival of the Queen




source:dailymail

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The Prince and the President: William greets Obama and Michelle at the Palace as tanned Kate takes to Royal duties like a natural

By James White


-President and First Lady flew to London a day early due to ash cloud fears
-Just third state visit by U.S. President to Britain in 100 years
-Obama and Cameron vow to support 'Arab Spring' uprising

Newlyweds: Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, back from their honeymoon, meet with the First couple inside Buckingham Palace


Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge today welcomed the President of the United States to Buckingham Palace in their first big test as a Royal couple.

Fresh from their Seychelles honeymoon, a well-tanned Duchess of Cambridge performed her Royal duties with aplomb as she spoke to Mr and Mrs Obama in a 10-minute private meeting.

There were smiles all round moments earlier when the Obamas arrived at Buckingham Palace and were met by the Queen and Prince Philip.

Sorry we couldn't make the wedding: The couples chat and no doubt the recent Royal marriage ceremony was a topic of conversation

Friendly: The couples met before President Obama was the subject of a 41-gun salute


They arrived in the Presidential limousine known as The Beast, which pulled into the front of Buckingham Palace just before noon.

It is only the third state visit by a U.S. president to the UK in 100 years. Mr Obama came to London two years ago but it was for the G20 global summit meeting.

After the meeting of the heads of state, the Obamas spent about 10 minutes speaking with Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, before meeting more Royal figures.

Senior members of the Queen's household were introduced to the Obamas in the Bow room.

Among them were the Queen's private secretary Christopher Geidt, her treasurer Sir Alan Reed, master of the household Air Vice Marshall David Walker, and the Lord Chamberlain Earl Peel.

Others who met the president and his wife included Brigadier Archie Miller-Bakewell, Philip's private secretary, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Ford, comptroller of the Lord Chamberlain's Office, and a number of ladies-in-waiting to the Queen including Virginia Ogilvy, Countess of Airlie.

Having a giggle: The Duchess of Cambridge and Michelle Obama enjoy a brief moment of hilarity during their meeting

Meet and greet: The Queen welcomes Barack Obama to Buckingham Palace, watched by his wife Michelle and Prince Philip

Old friends reunited: Two years on from their last meeting, the Obamas and the Queen and Prince Philip look pleased to see one another


The Obamas were then taken to Buckingham Palace Gardens where they faced with a guard of honour, 101 soldiers from the 1st Battalion, Scots Guards, and three officers lined up in two rows. Behind them were the Band, Pipes and Drums of the Scots Guard.

The air was shattered by the noise of booming gunfire as a 41-gun salute was begun by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery in nearby Green Park while simultaneously at the Tower of London another was fired by the Honourable Artillery Company.

The guardsmen gave a royal salute and then the American national anthem was played in honour of the U.S. President.

Wild weather: The Queen is forced to clutch her hat as she speaks to President Obama, left, while the whole group are left windswept by the conditions, right

Hold on to your hats! The windy weather plays havoc with the Royal party

Ceremonial welcome: The Obamas are joined by members of the Royal Family to hear the U.S. national anthem


The British National Anthem was not performed as the Queen is in residence at the palace and so it was needed to mark her arrival at the historic building.

Major Rory Shannon, in command of the guard of honour, approached the heads of state and formally stated that the troops were ready for inspection. Mr Obama, with the Duke, then walked down the terrace steps to the waiting soldiers in their bearskins and scarlet tunics.

The major escorted the president along the two lines of guardsmen as Philip followed a pace behind.

The U.S. leader could be seen exchanging words with the senior officer as they passed the troops who, when not performing ceremonial duties, are fighting soldiers.

Guard of honour: Prince Philip accompanies Mr Obama as they inspect soldiers of the Household Cavalry in Buckingham Palace Gardens

Tell me more: The Queen shows the President an exhibition of American items from The Royal Collection in the Picture Gallery of Buckingham Palace


At the end of the inspection, Mr Obama took his place beside the Queen and watched as the guardsmen marched off before the party headed inside for lunch.

This afternoon, the group made their way around The Royal Collection where American items were on this display.

Earlier the President declared the UK-U.S. partnership 'an essential relationship for us and for the world'.

But he began his visit today by making a solemn statement about the loss of life in Joplin, Missouri, where a tornado claimed 116 lives on Sunday night.

Protection: The heavily-armoured Presidential limousine arrives at Buckingham Palace

Arrival: Crowds strain to take pictures of the Presidential limousine, accompanied by police outriders, as it arrives at Buckingham Palace

Blustery day: A Met Police spotter stationed on top of Buckingham Palace sees his hat fly away as he waits for the President's arrival


The U.S. president flew into Stansted airport ahead of schedule last night to avoid the possibility of disruption to air travel from the ash cloud from an erupting Icelandic volcano.

He had been due to fly from Ireland on board Air Force One this morning to be greeted at the Essex airport by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.

But the decision was taken to bring forward the visit after the announcement of cancellations to some UK commercial flights due to the ash billowing from the Grimsvotn volcano - with more disruption expected in the days to come.

Welcoming party: President Obama, left with Prince Charles, and First Lady Michelle, right with the Duchess of Cornwall, leave the U.S. Ambassador's residence Winfield House today headed for Buckingham Palace

Relaxed: The President enjoys a joke with Prince Charles, left, while Michelle Obama and the Duchess of Cornwall are deep in conversation


The state visit comes at a time of close co-operation between Britain and America on issues ranging from Libya to Afghanistan, counter-terrorism and the Middle East peace process.

This strong partnership was reflected in a joint article written by Mr Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron for The Times, in which they declare: 'Ours is not just a special relationship, it is an essential relationship - for us and for the world.'

After his early arrival, Mr Obama was spending the night in the US ambassador's residence in London, Winfield House in Regent's Park.

Solemn: Barack Obama began his British visit today by making a statement about the appalling loss of life in Joplin, Missouri, where a tornado left at least 116 people dead


Despite the hasty change to their planned schedule, Mr Obama and wife Michelle were still given the formal welcome expected of a state visit.

They were greeted by the Lord in Waiting Viscount Brookeborough, who met them on behalf of the Queen.

Instead of a traditional red carpet they left the plane on special red-carpeted stairs because of windy conditions at the airport.

Later today the Obamas will view the royal picture gallery before a wreath-laying visit to Westminster Abbey and a state banquet in the evening.

The couple will stay as guests of the Queen at Buckingham Palace tonight and tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be devoted to politics, with talks between Mr Obama and Mr Cameron at 10 Downing Street, followed by an address to both Houses of Parliament, in which the president is expected to say that the US has no closer ally in the world than Britain.

In their joint article, Mr Obama and Mr Cameron put the transatlantic partnership at the heart of the drive for global stability and prosperity.

Hello Britain: President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle step off Air Force One as they arrive at London Stansted Airport last night

Touchdown: Air Force One arrives at Stansted Airport, London ahead of schedule due to fears volcanic ash would spread over Britain today


'When the United States and Britain stand together, our people and people around the world can become more secure and more prosperous,' they wrote.

'And that is the key to our relationship. Yes, it is founded on a deep emotional connection, by sentiment and ties of people and culture.

'But the reason it thrives, the reason why this is such a natural partnership, is because it advances our common interests and shared values.

'It is a perfect alignment of what we both need and what we both believe. And the reason it remains strong is because it delivers time and again.

'Ours is not just a special relationship, it is an essential relationship - for us and for the world.'

They also promised not to abandon the protesters fighting for democracy in the 'Arab Spring'.

Flying the flag: British and American colours stand along The Mall leading to Buckingham Palace in preparation for the visit


'We will not stand by as their aspirations get crushed in a hail of bombs, bullets and mortar fire,' said the two leaders.

'We are reluctant to use force, but when our interests and values come together, we know we have a responsibility to act...

'We will stand with those who want to bring light into dark, support those who seek freedom in place of repression, aid those laying the building blocks of democracy.'

It comes after Foreign Secretary William Hague and US secretary of state Hillary Clinton sent out a message to Syria's President Bashar Assad to halt his regime's repression of pro-democracy activists.

Speaking to American reporters shortly before Mr Obama's arrival, Mr Cameron said there was 'an incredible alignment of views' between his administration and the White House on key global issues, including the military mission in Libya, the uprisings of the Arab Spring, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

'Smile, honey. We'll be meeting the Queen and that hat cost a lot of money.'


And he paid lavish tribute to Mr Obama's style, saying that as well as being 'courageous' over issues such as Osama bin Laden, he was also 'thoughtful, measured and serious'.

The current closeness of the UK-U.S. relationship was remarked upon at a joint press conference following talks between Mr Hague and Mrs Clinton at the Foreign Office.

Mrs Clinton joked: 'If there were any closer alignment, we would worry about each other.'

The two leaders are expected to drop in on a barbecue being hosted by their wives Michelle and Samantha for families of military personnel involved in joint UK-U.S. missions overseas.

Mr Obama is due to travel on to France on Thursday morning for the G8 summit of leading industrialised nations in Deauville, also being attended by Mr Cameron.









source:dailymail

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