33 Comments
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Valerie's avatar

ooh that jewelry set! When I was in England a couple of years ago I went to the Buckingham Palace gift shop and bought a replica of that set! Everything was so lovely this morning, I was humbled to see the vets who must be in their late 90s into 100s.

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Marjorie N Grayson's avatar

What a treat to see the family out in full force today! And all looking great! And super special that Prince George attended the reception; he is getting some very special training.

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Marjorie N Grayson's avatar

Also I just looked at the earrings and today's have 3 diamonds above the ruby drop; I think the prior ones appear to be a stud with a drop.

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Tess's avatar

Kate always treats elderly people with warmth and deep respect. This is a standout aspect of her personality that I just love.

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Annie M's avatar

I love that about her too! ❤️

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Kristen's avatar

Me too!

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Alexandra's avatar

Me too!

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Debra's avatar

The entire Wales family looks amazing. I love that picture where they're all (except Charlotte) leaning to the side to see the flyover. It's hilarious and almost looks choreographed. I'm so glad to see Kate dipping into the royal jewelry vaults. She doesn't seem to wear rubies often. These are beautiful. I wonder about the significance of her brooch. I'm sure it has some connection to the event. I think that one of her great? grandmothers worked at Bletchley Park during the war. That's very special.

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Emily's avatar

pretty sure her brooch has something to do with her titles "Royal Honorary Air Commodore of the Royal Air Force (RAF) Coningsby and Honorary Air Commandant of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets"

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Julie's avatar

I read that the RAF wings the PoW wore were worn, in part, to honor her grandfather, Ronald Goldsmith, who served in the RAF.

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Katie's avatar

The weathers been unseasonably warm and sunny in the UK for the past few weeks, I wouldn’t be surprised if Princess Charlotte’s coat was a fairly last minute outfit addition when it got chilly again.

They all look wonderful, so exciting for Prince George to have an engagement with his parents. It feels like he was only born a moment ago!

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Valerie's avatar

And didn't he look pleased to be there! I'll bet Louis and Charlotte were off somewhere near having their own special tea. I know Louis would have wanted that chocolate cake!

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Anne HH's avatar

Thank you for this very quick post, Jane, and for providing the excellent analysis, descriptions and photographs on the Duchess of Wales and her family in your blog. This is such a special place on the Internet and I am very, very grateful for you and the blog and the exceptional quality of the comments on your posts. Truly, thank you very much for the time and attention you put into "From Berkshire to Buckingham." I am so pleased that you are not yet done with H's BBC interview and I look very much forward to your additional posts on that and on the HRH issue. Best wishes!

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elizabeth's avatar

Catherine’s grandmother was at Bletchley. The published pictures of the children shaking hands with the veterans around them at the parade are really lovely. It’s incredible that they get to meet such special members of the UK community. I’m sure it will be very memorable. That continuity is invaluable. I wonder if their great grandparents spoke with them at all about their memories of the war era. That would have been just unforgettable.

Louis was also pictured holding a hot water bottle in his arms.

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Joanna's avatar

Seeing the photos and video from this incredibly moving, very special event was for me such a stark reminder that the Wales children have a literal front row seat for history, which is such an incredible gift. I was also reminded that that this is a seat and gift -- not to mention heritage -- that Harry and Meghan are denying their children.

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OJ's avatar

This is so, so true. I can't tell if the full weight of his irreversible decision is only now hitting Harry or he's vocalizing it now in hopes of coming back, but either way, even with all his chafing against the institution, his new life has a gaping hole from the one he left behind.

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Hils's avatar

Events such as these confirm, to me, why Queen Elizabeth was right to deny Harry a half in, half out role. The purpose of the Royal family is to represent the country. As individuals, it’s not about them, it’s about everyone. Sadly, I don’t think Harry understood that and poor Meghan would have absolutely no idea. Jetting in as global superstars would be completely inappropriate, insulting even.

Catherine looked perfect and the balcony group was spot on. Hard working, quite get on with the job type people which is why we like. A bit of glamour is fun but ultimately, it’s not the frocks which make the glamour, its personalities.

Lovely to see the Duke of Kent who is a real trouper and whose wife stepped back to support from the quiet sidelines.

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Valerie's avatar

With Catherine's history of both her grandparents participating in WW2, she can share very special memories with the children. And then they have William's. And I love how Catherine dressed very simply, but beautifully, today. She knew that even if all eyes are on her it isn't because she's wooing them.

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Susan's avatar

Is it just me or does Kate look especially glowy today (and lately, really)? She always looks great don’t get me wrong, but the smiles are bigger today than typical serious events. She looks very happy and content and it’s wonderful to see. Someone had pointed out that in fall 2023 she was looking a little..tired and stressed and while I didn’t see it at the time (and armchair quarterbacking is real!) I kinda see it now. long story short I’m glad she seems to be back and better than ever.

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Julie, Books for Kids's avatar

I have thought she looks especially glowy lately. She’s always been beautiful, but the last bit has been an extra shine.

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JoGar's avatar

They all looked great !!!! Love that color on Kate

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NL's avatar

Wow! George has grown so much over the last year. I looked back at photos of last year's Trooping the Color and he's just at Kate's shoulder,with her in heels. Today he's past her chin, again with her in heels. They all look so happy and content. I love Louis' gap toothed smile.

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Julie, Books for Kids's avatar

What a remarkable contrast to the whining BBC interview on Friday with H.

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Carmela's avatar

Harry cornered himself with the “UK is too dangerous to visit.”

If he showed up there would be another tantrum about not allowed to be wearing a uniform.

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Marjorie N Grayson's avatar

Interestingly, someone on The Court Jeweler closely examined the necklace worn by the PofW and figured out that it is a different one from the one worn in Poland. Fewer diamonds today and a different piece hanging the pendant. Maybe this one is from the vaults?

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Julie's avatar

The piece of the neckalce you mention is the bail. It is a different shape than the bail in the necklace worn in Poland.

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Stephanie C's avatar

What a beautiful way to honor the brave souls who helped secure victory in Europe. I was over the moon to see the children with them. And wow to George at the tea- such a fantastic way to bring him along slowly to help develop into his future role!

I heard someone say that the wings Catherine was wearing were her grandfathers, but I am not certain so please know that is speculation on my part. Regardless, she was perfection today from top to toe!

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Lauren's avatar

I was wondering about the wings too!

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