14 Comments
User's avatar
~Sarah~'s avatar

I agree- the coat has always been ‘old-fashioned’ to me, but I can see, at this event especially, how when you dress for attending a massive space and crowds outdoors, the heavy hitting pieces like a prominent pearl choker, bright hat and the bold color makes a regal signal. There isn’t much room for subtlety, or following high fashion, though she always looks very appropriate. You can’t really be too proud in dress if you’re a Royal- just go with what the event needs! I think of Queen Elizabeth.

I think Catherine is really stepping into this now, as she would probably never pick this for a wedding or such at age 43 if she had remained a ‘commoner’ (God forbid!) and her outfits are increasingly mature, but I think it’s part of the progression of the role.

Expand full comment
Elizabeth Davies's avatar

You are right, you can’t think of this in terms of what’s fashionable - just as gowns worn for the Met Ball or similar aren’t what real people would ever wear!

Expand full comment
Julie's avatar

I was afraid from her expression exiting the car that she wasn’t feeling well. I don’t care for pillbox hats. I think they look frumpy. Her coat and jewelry were lovely.

Expand full comment
JoGar's avatar

I thought she looked beautiful. Loved the whole look Jackie O vibe. Beautiful jewellery I love that pearl necklace !! I didn’t know about the protestors and to be honest it annoyed me to hear it.

Expand full comment
Donna Sakabu's avatar

If anyone is interested, there is a replay of today’s event on BBC’s YouTube channel, including the arrival of the dignitaries and the Royal Family. Currently watching, it’s delightful (the dancing and the musical performances). My husband and I visited London and Windsor for the first time last September (from Texas). The day after we arrived we took a 3 hour tour of Westminster Abbey w/a Walks Tour guide. There were about 8 in our group. The guide was so informative, worth the additional cost. We even saw the Jubilee galleries (upper level). Seeing the BBC recording tonight has that much more meaning, now having visited the Abbey. ❤️

Expand full comment
LilMacWhy's avatar

Anyone else but me wondering about the hair length? Gorgeous as always, but we haven't seen this length in years. Even with all the recent medical issues in mind, I wonder - is she growing her hair longer to donate it?

Expand full comment
Charlene Meek's avatar

She’s such a natural beauty, but I thought she looked especially lovely today. The crimson shade really is flattering. I adore the whole look. The hat is the best! I hate that they were booed. But it’s hard to say how I would feel if I was British and a subject of the crown.

Expand full comment
Ethel's avatar

It must have been very unnerving to step out into that hostile atmosphere she seems to have made a quick recovery

There doesn’t seem to be anything in the polls to suggest a ground swell of anti monarchy in the UK here in Australia it is probly more of a potential issue but no one is protesting like this

Methinks the protesters are an empty vessel

Expand full comment
EKB's avatar

It’s wonderful to see Kate out and about, but my first thought was she looks a tad unwell.

Expand full comment
E.B.'s avatar

Yes, I thought so too. She has always been very slender but it seemed even more pronounced today. Could have just been the camera angles but the coat looked too big for her this time around.

Expand full comment
Ethel's avatar

Morning sickness? Just joking 😊

Expand full comment
Elizabeth Davies's avatar

I’ve always loved this coat, so was delighted she wore it. Kate suits red and as others have said, the pearls elevate the look. Pill boxes aren’t my favourite hats, but again, this is improved by the felt flowers at the back. Lovely appearance all round!

Expand full comment
Viola's avatar

Love it all except for that tracheotomy tool clasp on her necklace. It was fun to see how well the coat moved in the photo of her descending the stairs. For once the wind was not an enemy!

Expand full comment
Sierra Delta's avatar

The clasp on Catherine's choker is too anatomical for me -- I always see lady bits, which is not the look I want from the royal jewelry vault! I'd make an emergency visit with the royal jewelry fixer for a tasteful redesign of that clasp before I wore the choker out in public again.

Expand full comment