Monday Memory: February 27, 2017

A sparkling Buckingham Palace reception.

Today’s Monday Memory is a look-back to February 27, 2017. William and Kate joined the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip to attend a reception marking the launch of the UK-India Year of Culture. The Year of Culture was a celebratory year focused on the 70th anniversary of India’s independence. Isn’t it extraordinary that Elizabeth would have had clear memories of India’s independence. She was 21 in 1947.

The reception was quite lavish. There were more than 5,000 canapés expertly prepared by the Buckingham Palace kitchen, both Indian and English, including “Raj Puri and Soya Gujjia [and] Salmon Blinis and Crème Brûlée.” The Palace had musicians and dancers greeting guests as they arrived.

Below, William and Kate examined a shawl from yarn woven by Gandhi and presented to Princess Elizabeth as a wedding gift.

Kate wore a metallic lace dress by Erdem. It featured sheer sleeves with metallic threading in a floral design, pink silk lining, and a pleated skirt. Kate paired the dress with sparkling Oscar de la Renta heels. At the time, Kate had yet to wear a primary ensemble (a coat or dress) from Oscar de la Renta, and these shoes gave me hope!

Kate paid tribute to India by wearing earrings from Anita Dongre.

I thought this ensemble was a hit at the time, but it didn’t stick in my memory. When I came across it today to write this look-back, I was delighted but it anew.

Tomorrow is Meghan’s big day as her Netflix show releases at Midnight tonight. She is in New York right now surprising “longtime followers of the Tig,” who, I assume, are at a viewing event. I know not all of you will be watching, but I intend to tune in. Keep an eye out for my thoughts on Wednesday!