NOTE JAN 17, 2024: The Princess of Wales was recently admitted to a London hospital for abdominal surgery. For more details, check out the latest blog post. Here’s what was posted yesterday.
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Welcome back! After a brief hiatus, I’m here with some updates and our first “2023 Favorites” poll.
We kick off with a story from the Daily Mirror by Russell Myers about the Prince and Princess of Wales planning a trip early this year to visit British troops stationed abroad. The exact location remains undisclosed for security reasons.
William and Kate are preparing for their first official trip of 2024 to a country hosting British military personnel. Royal insiders have confirmed that the visit is a gesture of gratitude to the troops from the nation.
Recall the Christmas story about their trip to Italy? The Daily Mail article by Rebecca English mentioned a brief visit to Rome planned for the spring.
The royal couple is expected to visit Rome as part of a diplomatic tour across Europe.
It’s unclear if the Rome visit and the military appreciation trip are linked, but they are currently planned as separate events.
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Also, we’ve finally identified two mysterious coats from past events. Remember the soft blue coat from a day in Cambridgeshire in 2022? Or the white coat from a visit to Wales last February? Both were crafted by Savile Row tailor Chris Kerr, confirmed by the Royal Fashion Police.
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Let’s start our poll with the eight evening gowns from 2023, beginning with the Alexander McQueen gown worn at the BAFTA Film Awards last February. This one-shouldered gown featured a draped bodice and a flowing skirt, accessorized with opera-length gloves, Aquazzura pumps, a Jimmy Choo clutch, and Zara earrings.
Here’s the gown as worn on both occasions. The update included modifications to the shoulder, enhancing its elegance.
The Coronation in May showcased another stunning Alexander McQueen gown, this one adorned with motifs representing the UK’s national symbols, complemented by a royal blue mantle.
During the Eurovision Song Contest, the Princess surprised us with a performance in a Jenny Packham gown, and at a Jordanian royal wedding, she appeared in an Elie Saab gown for the ceremony and a Jenny Packham gown for the reception.
Recently, at a state dinner, she dazzled in a custom Jenny Packham gown, and at the Royal Variety Performance, she wore a Safiyaa gown, both reflecting her elegant style.
For those having trouble viewing the poll on Firefox, switching to Safari might help.
Lastly, don’t miss the year-end video from Kensington Palace, wrapping up a year of memorable royal engagements.
