When I used my random number generator to determine what post to do today, it directed me back to November of 2016. Well, one event in November of 2016 was the memorial service for the life of the late Duke of Westminster. Because this past weekend saw the wedding of his son—at the same Chester Cathedral, no less—I decided to look at that event. It might seem a little dark, but…here we go.
The 6th Duke of Westminster, Gerald Grosvenor, died on August 9, 2016. His title passed immediately to his then 25-year old son Hugh, the present duke who just married. The 6th Duke was buried in a small private funeral, but the family held a large memorial service some months later at Chester Cathedral on November 28th. The Duke of Westminster (past and present) is a billionaire and one of the top five wealthiest men in England. The Waleses have borrowed his private jet to take under-the-radar vacations in years gone by.
Given his position, wealth, and the friendship with the family, the royals turned out in force. Then-Prince Charles, Camilla, William, and Kate all attended as well as other royals. This ensemble Kate wore remains one of my favorites. It was recycle of sorts. Kate had worn the coat to Remembrance Sunday in 2015, but as you know, we never get a full look at Remembrance coats unless Kate repeats them elsewhere when photographers can get a full-length shot. The coat was a bespoke piece by McQueen, and I love the velvet blocking and feminine silhouette. It is such a sophisticated and interesting piece.
Kate also repeated a John Boyd hat that she had just worn at Remembrance Sunday that year—2016. As I mentioned in last week’s Monday Memory, I don’t love the smaller hats on Kate, especially as she gets older, and this broader brimmed hat was just the right look to complement the coat.
Kate was wearing Gianvito Rossi heels and carrying her Pretty Ballerinas clutch. She chose pearl earrings on loan from the royal vault as the right touch of understated elegance for a memorial service.
This look was so lovely, tip to toe. 2016 is not all that long ago, but Kate could rewear this entire look today and it would be perfect. What did you think?
Loved it then and still do. Thank you sharing!
What a timely post and remembrance. Love this look and completely agree about the bigger hats on Kate, she looks very elegant. Both the hat and the coat with their color blocked velvet are timeless as well as nicely tailored, striking the right note for the occasion. I'm always pleased to see a full visual when Kate rewears her 'balcony only' looks. All of her 'remembrance' and 'mourning' looks have been very elegant and she has an affinity for looking so poised and put together, which in turn make most of her looks timeless. They certainly do hold up over the years from a photography perspective.