Monday Memory: August 30, 2013
In today’s Monday Memory, we are looking back to August 30, 2013. William and Kate attended the start of the Ring O’ Fire ultra marathon (135 miles around the coast of Anglesey!) in Holyhead, Anglesey, relatively close to their first marital home. George had been born earlier that summer, and William’s time with the RAF was ending. The little royal trio was moving back to England, and they came to this event as a public farewell to the community and island that had acted as a sanctuary for them in the early years of their marriage.
Kate was wearing a printed Zara blouse she had been pictured wearing while pregnant with George when she visited the Arosa ski resort, paired with her mint-green Ralph Lauren blazer and maternity jeans. She finished the look with her Pied-a-Terre wedges and Kiki McDonough Grace stud earrings.
The couple mingled with the racers and attendees. At the time, outlets reported that Kate told onlookers that baby Prince George was home with his grandmother Carole Middleton.
This event took attendees and fans by surprise. It felt very relaxed and casual. It was truly a personal goodbye from the couple who had been able to live as close to normal as possible on the quiet Welsh island.
I loved this event because it felt so personal and real. I imagined they just popped in the car and came over with very little preparation. Like last week’s Monday Memory, this was another ensemble where Kate just opened her closet and chose pieces she liked to wear in private. She even left her hair in its natural, air-dried state (which is so pretty!).
Because this also marked a very big shift in the couple’s lives and in the public’s access to the most popular royal of her generation, it is also a very memorable event despite the low-key vibe. I always smile when I see pictures from this engagement, and it takes me back immediately to that time of royal watching.
I always love seeing Kate dressed as we imagine she would on her own time, away from the spotlight. Skinny jeans, Breton tops, her Penelope Chilvers boots or Superga sneakers. I don't think this outfit really works - the proportions of the jacket and top are off. The jacket should be longer. But she still looks gorgeous. Her smile is so genuine and infectious. And that hair. Absolutely glorious! She truly has some of the best hair on the planet.
Kate looked so beautiful and comfortable in her own skin. Dealing with a post pregnancy body is not always easy but she made it look effortless, as usual. I can remember how lovely it was to see these pictures of them in such an informal setting.