Monday Memory: July 10, 2018
RAF 100 in Bespoke McQueen
Today’s Monday Memory is a look-back to July 10, 2018, a day celebrating the 100th anniversary of the RAF, which included a service at Westminster Abbey and a parade and flyover at Buckingham Palace.
Kate wore a coat she really loves; she has this coat in three colors! This is a bespoke piece by Alexander McQueen. You probably recognize it, because she wore this style for some big ticket events. She wore it in a cream for Princess Charlotte’s christening.
She wore it again in palest primrose for Harry and Meghan’s wedding.
And she wore this ice blue iteration for the RAF 100.
Kate paired the coat with a hat by Sean Barrett—a milliner she has turned to a number of times. She wore Gianvito Rossi heels in Praline and carried a clutch that fashion sleuths believe is custom McQueen.
Kate was wearing diamond drop earrings she had loaned from the Queen and a large RAF brooch/pin.
Obviously, because this was 2018, Harry and Meghan were also at this event. In light of the Sussex drama over the last few years, it is interesting to review these pictures. There are a number of pictures of William, Kate, and Meghan smiling, but Harry only ever is smiling at Meghan.
I also saw quite a few pictures of Meghan looking at Kate. I don’t read anything nefarious into her looks, but it is interesting given the current narrative. Kate is and was a mega star, so despite Meghan’s brash confidence, you know she was a little wowed at proximity to one of the most photographed women in the world.
I think it also underscores that Meghan wanted to connect with Kate, but their radically different personalities made that impossible from the get-go, which we know turned to resentment for Meghan.
There is almost a sense of doom looking through these pictures of the Sussexes. When considered seven years out, you realize what a short time they were a couple in the family before flaming out. They really made some massive and life-altering decisions without the benefit of time. Anyway, Kate looked fabulous in this cool summer ensemble. :)
Kate looks stunning in that color. Harry's body language is interesting. It's like you are seeing the shift in him in real time. I think Harry also has some resentment towards Kate. I got the impression from Spare that he felt Kate should have done more for Meghan. Either way I don't think we will ever see William and Kate looking so cheerful in Harry's presence ever again. He betrayed their trust so badly.
This is my least favorite of the 3 colors of this coat/dress. I think the creamier, warmer shades look better on her. I wonder if Meghan ever intended or tried to adjust her life to Harry's, or if she knew from the outset she wasn't staying in the royal family. If it's the latter, maybe Kate sensed that and never trusted Meghan enough to try to be her friend. As a more reserved person myself, if I encounter someone very outgoing or brash, it makes me pull into my shell more. Maybe Kate is the same. At any rate, Meghan hardly gave it enough time for a friendship to develop between her and Kate before they left England.