Events

The Princess of Wales wore a stylish blazer by LK Bennett during an event to observe World Mental Health Day alongside the Prince of Wales.

A video captured the couple’s arrival.

The Prince and Princess led ‘Exploring our Emotional Worlds,’ a gathering for 100 young individuals in Birmingham. This marks the beginning of a three-day series of events focused on mental health.

Charities dedicated to mental health and youth engagement nominated the 100 young delegates. The event emphasized the significance of understanding emotions and fostering positive relationships.

The royals participated in workshops with the youth. According to a report by Victoria Murphy for Town and Country, Kate engaged in a workshop titled ‘Understanding Our Emotions,’ where attendees shared and discussed their feelings.

A video by Richard Palmer of The Express captured more moments from the event.

Today’s update includes a variety of topics, starting with the latest news. We’ll briefly discuss recent developments concerning the King and Princess of Wales to keep our records up to date. The news begins with the recent revelation on Monday about the King’s health condition.

The King has informed Prince William, Prince Harry, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York, and the Duke of Edinburgh about his health status. More insights can be found in an editorial from The Telegraph.

The King plans to continue his duties, managing state affairs with the Prime Minister and the Privy Council, ensuring a smooth operation of government functions.

The prognosis is optimistic, with early detection playing a crucial role, according to the Palace. The King is eager to resume his full public responsibilities soon.

After a visit from Prince Harry on Tuesday, the King and Queen traveled to Sandringham. Here they are en route to their helicopter flight from London to Norfolk.

According to Russell Myers from Mirror, the King is scheduled to receive advanced outpatient treatment in London, returning to Sandringham to rest for the rest of the week. His public engagements have been postponed to reduce health risks during his treatment period, which is noted to be innovative and minimally invasive.

The King is expected to make a full recovery and return to his duties, with the Palace providing regular updates on his progress.

Last night, the Queen attended an event at Salisbury Cathedral, speaking about the King’s condition and expressing gratitude for the public’s support.

Prince William has also been active, expressing his appreciation for the supportive messages for both his father and the Princess of Wales, who recently underwent surgery but is recovering well.

At a recent gala for the London Air Ambulance Charity, Prince William shared his gratitude and managed to bring some humor to the event, despite the recent focus on medical issues within the family.

“Thank you for the kind messages of support for Catherine and my father,” William said, adding a light-hearted comment about the medical-themed recent weeks.

Actor and pilot Tom Cruise, who attended the gala, received a playful warning from Prince William about not using the new helicopters for stunts, referencing Cruise’s well-known film roles.

Updates will continue as more information becomes available.

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Switching gears, we now turn to fashion, starting with a poll on the new coats worn by the Princess of Wales in 2023. First up is an Alexander McQueen design seen during a visit to Leeds in late January.

This tailored, double-breasted coat features padded shoulders, peak lapels, button cuffs, front pocket flaps, and a defined waistline, showcasing a classic yet modern style.

Next, we consider the Hobbs London ‘Celeste’ style, first worn during a visit to Cornwall. This coat includes wide notched lapels, an asymmetrical front closure, leather stud fastening cuff straps, and a matching belt, offering a sophisticated and stylish look.

Stay tuned for more updates and results from our fashion poll!

Today, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, accompanied by Princess Charlotte, graced the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, with their presence, adding a touch of royal charm to the event.

The festivities, which began on July 28 and will continue until August 8, saw the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at the opening ceremony. They arrived in a 1970 Aston Martin, notable for its eco-friendly adaptation to run on E85 bioethanol, a fuel derived from the byproducts of English wine and cheese production.

Discover more about the Games from People’s coverage by Monique Jessen.

The Commonwealth Games, a quadrennial event, invites athletes from 72 member states to compete in a variety of sports. Originally known as the British Empire Games, the event has been a staple since 1930, with the exception of interruptions in 1942 and 1946. The royal family frequently attends, underscoring their support and patronage.

And from an Express article.

Representing the Queen, Prince Charles engaged with volunteers and athletes at the University of Birmingham prior to the opening ceremony, emphasizing the Games as a moment of unity and friendly competition within the Commonwealth.

Other senior royals, including the Earl and Countess of Wessex, have also been active participants, with the Queen serving as the royal patron and Prince Edward as Vice Patron.

The opening ceremony dazzled attendees with a spectacular fireworks display.

England has hosted the Commonwealth Games three times, with previous events in London in 1934 and Manchester in 2002. Learn more about the Games from the Royal Family’s official site.

The Games are celebrated for their spirit of camaraderie and fair play, often referred to as the ‘Friendly Games’. They aim to foster a sense of community and shared destiny among the diverse nations of the Commonwealth.

The Wessex family has been a constant presence at the Games, with Princess Anne and her husband, Sir Tim Laurence, joining them to watch rugby last Friday.

Today, Princess Charlotte had the opportunity to meet Perry the bull, the official mascot of the Games, marking a memorable moment during her first solo royal engagement with her parents.

More insights into Princess Charlotte’s participation from Simon Perry’s People article.

This marks a significant first for Charlotte, attending a royal event without her brothers. She has previously been seen at events with her older brother, Prince George, and younger brother, Prince Louis, who have also had their moments in the spotlight.

The Prince and Princess of Wales embarked on a two-day visit to Wales, initiating their journey with a stop at the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team.

This team, composed of dedicated volunteers, has been safeguarding the communities of Mid and South Wales since 1963.

Equipped with specialized gear, the royals participated in abseiling activities.

According to The Daily Mail, William and Kate engaged in various training exercises including abseiling, medical support, and a search dog rescue demonstration. William humorously remarked on his previous abseiling experience, and Kate playfully cautioned him against turning their activity into a competition.

Kate also simulated a casualty rescue, swiftly assisted by William in assembling the necessary equipment to transport the injured dummy to safety.

The couple also interacted with current and former volunteers, learning about their experiences and the critical roles they play in rescue operations. They met with Bob Thomas and Nick Richards, former team members who participated in the rescue efforts during the tragic Aberfan disaster in 1966.

Following their engaging day, the royals treated their hosts to dinner from the Little Dragon Pizza Van, enjoying a variety of pizzas at the nearby Dowlais Rugby Club.

The visit concluded with the royals spending time with club members and rescue workers, sharing laughs and participating in a casual photo session.

Prince William and Princess Kate also took the time to engage with well-wishers gathered outside, despite the rainy weather, capturing moments with fans and enjoying the warm reception from the community.

The day was documented with several photographs and social media posts, highlighting the royal couple’s active participation and their approachable demeanor.

At the prestigious Royal Ascot, the Princess of Wales was seen in elegant ensembles designed by Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy. For more details on the event, visit Royal Ascot.

The fourth day of this iconic racing event was marked by the arrival of the King and Queen in their grand carriage.

The event was graced by the full presence of the royal family, adding to the day’s splendor.

Notable attendees included Princess Michael of Kent and the Duchess of Edinburgh, enhancing the royal gathering.

Dame Judi Dench alongside her partner, David Mills, also made a notable appearance.

A glimpse into the royal carriage revealed the Prince and Princess of Wales with Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi enjoying the event.

A broader view of the festivities was captured, showcasing the scale of the event.

The Princess of Wales was seen engaging with the crowd, her gestures warm and welcoming.

She was also spotted in a delightful interaction with Melissa Baker, highlighting the close-knit nature of their circle.

The Princess and Queen Camilla were photographed in mid-conversation, a testament to their cordial relations.

Aside from the thrilling races, the King and Queen took time to visit an exhibit dedicated to the late Queen Elizabeth II’s history at the Royal Ascot.

The main attraction, however, remained the horse racing, with Princess Beatrice and her husband among the enthusiastic spectators.

Prince Michael of Kent and his wife also joined, adding to the royal presence.

The camaraderie between the Princess of Wales and Dame Judi Dench was evident as they watched the races together.

The Duchess of Edinburgh and the Princess of Wales shared a moment of joy as they engaged in the day’s events.

The official duties of the Prince and Princess of Wales included presenting the Commonwealth Cup trophy to this year’s winner, Shaquille, ridden by Oisin Murphy.

The Princess’s interaction with the winning jockey was a highlight, showcasing her role in the day’s ceremonies.

The royal fashion was on full display, with the Queen donning an Anna Valentine outfit topped with a Philip Treacy hat.

The Duchess of Edinburgh appeared in a chic ‘Fontaine’ Silk Crepe Dress by Suzannah London, accessorized perfectly for the occasion.

Princess Beatrice opted for a stylish ensemble from Monique Lhuillier, complemented by a hat from Justine Bradley-Hill.

The Princess of Wales chose a striking red dress by Alexander McQueen, which was both stylish and fitting for her role at the event.

Her choice of accessories included red suede heels by Jennifer Chamandi and a vintage Hermès clutch, adding a touch of elegance to her outfit.

The day was filled with fashion, friendship, and the traditional excitement of horse racing, making it a memorable event for all attendees.

The Princess of Wales revisited a ME + EM dress for her appearance at the Chelsea Flower Show today.

The Chelsea Flower Show opened its gates for a preview today, hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society.

The King and Queen also attended the preview, seen here with Keith Weed, the President of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Other members of the royal family, including the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, and Princess Alexandra, were present as well. Richard Palmer of The Express captured their arrival on video.

NOTE: An earlier version of the second video from Richard Palmer incorrectly identified some individuals. Corrections have been made thanks to community feedback.

The Princess arrived at the show well before other royals to participate in the first Children’s Picnic, a new initiative of the RHS Campaign for School Gardening.

One hundred children from ten London schools participated in the picnic, exploring the joys of gardening and connecting with nature.

During the picnic, the Princess engaged with the children, discussing the pleasures of gardening and the excitement of watching plants grow. She emphasized the educational and rewarding aspects of gardening, particularly the direct experience of planting and harvesting.

Simon Perry provides additional insights into the Princess’s interactions with the children, highlighting a particularly memorable conversation about the growth and care of strawberries.

The event also included a tour of several gardens, where the Princess and the children admired the diverse plant life and discussed various gardening techniques.

Clare Matterson, RHS Director General, spoke about the significance of the picnic, expressing hope that it would inspire a lifelong passion for gardening among the children and foster a deeper connection to the natural world.

The Princess also spent time with Chelsea Pensioners, sharing moments with the veterans and enjoying their company in a specially designed garden area.

Lastly, a look at the Princess’s attire for the day: she wore a color block silk shirt dress by ME + EM, accessorized with Castañer ‘Carina’ espadrille wedges and Catherine Zoraida fern earrings.

Greetings as we near September, welcoming the shift in seasons. This update briefly touches on the Princess of Wales’s recent appearance at a church service and delves into some of her most debated fashion choices.

Last Sunday, the Prince and Princess of Wales were seen attending church with other members of the royal family.

The royal family is currently at Balmoral, their estate in the Scottish Highlands. They attended services at Crathie Kirk, the local parish church. The Duchess opted for a dark brown wool felt Suffolk Fedora by Hicks and Brown, a choice confirmed by Middleton Maven, who verified this with the brand.

Previously, the Princess has been spotted in a navy version of this hat during a church service at Sandringham in January 2020.

It’s unclear which coat the Princess wore, but Regal Fille suggests it might have been the Holland Cooper Full Length Marlborough Trench Coat in ‘Tawny,’ a detail also supported by Middleton Maven.

The trench coat, crafted in the UK from 100% wool, features a double-breasted design with a self-belt, deep back yoke, shoulder epaulets, adjustable buckles at the wrists, front pockets with piped trim, and distinctive shiny hardware.

As we approach the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing on September 8, it’s reported that the King and Queen will observe this day privately. The Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to visit St David’s Cathedral in Wales to lead tributes, although this has not been officially confirmed by Kensington Palace.

Now, let’s explore some of the Princess’s outfits that have sparked discussions. These selections are not necessarily the most disliked but have certainly been conversation starters. They are listed chronologically, with links to the original posts where available.

**OCTOBER 2015**: The Princess wore a lace dress during the China state visit, which was well-received, though some thought it too formal for the daytime. She also wore a Jenny Packham gown to the world premiere of Spectre, which was praised for its old Hollywood glamour, though some criticized the color. The following night, she appeared in an Erdem gown at a gala, noted for its bold print and heavy fabric, which received mixed reviews.

**MARCH 2016**: At the Commonwealth Service, the Princess wore an Erdem coat that was both praised and criticized for its busy design and high neckline.

**JUNE 2016**: For the Somme centenary, she chose a Missoni coat known for its zig-zag pattern, which was generally well-received, though some found it too severe.

**OCTOBER 2016**: Another Erdem coat worn in Manchester sparked debate due to its bold print and design.

**JULY 2017**: The Marchesa gown worn at the Spain state dinner was notable for its lavish design and extensive use of jewelry, receiving mixed feedback.

Thank you for your patience during our recent service interruptions. We aim to continue providing these updates promptly.

Today marks the sixth birthday of Prince Louis, celebrated with a newly released photograph capturing the young prince’s charm. Kensington Palace shared this delightful image to mark the occasion. Here’s a look back to April 23, 2018, when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge first introduced their newborn to the world on the steps of the Lindo Wing.

The photograph unveiled today was snapped last week in Windsor by the Princess of Wales herself. The royal family expressed their gratitude for the warm birthday wishes through today’s social media posts.

Over the past year, we’ve had numerous glimpses of Prince Louis, including his appearances at the coronation events last May. In these images, he is seen at Westminster Abbey alongside his elder sister, Princess Charlotte.

Following the service, the young prince was captured in the Australian State Coach, making one of his memorable faces on the iconic balcony of Buckingham Palace.

Prince Louis also participated in the Big Help Out event, a community volunteer initiative linked to the coronation. This marked his first official engagement, although he has been seen at other high-profile events like Trooping the Colour and the Platinum Jubilee Concert.

In one of the images, Prince Louis is seen contributing to a community mural, adding his handprint alongside those of other volunteers.

In June, the prince was spotted with his family at Trooping the Colour, enjoying the ceremonial festivities and the aerial flypast from the Buckingham Palace balcony.

This series of photographs includes a touching moment captured on Father’s Day, showing Prince Louis with his father and siblings near their home at Windsor.

As the year progressed, Prince Louis made his first appearance at the taping of “Royal Carols: Together at Christmas,” a significant event where he was seen carrying a candle to the family’s seating area.

The Wales family was also featured in a festive photograph used for their holiday greeting card, showcasing a candid moment of the family together.

In December, Prince Louis joined his family at a military air show and volunteered at a local baby bank, demonstrating his growing involvement in royal duties and family activities.

On Christmas Day, the young prince was seen participating in holiday celebrations, a fitting end to a year filled with public appearances and new experiences.

Today’s release also included a snapshot of Prince Louis in a stylish Thomas Brown Oliver Shirt, identified thanks to a fashion enthusiast. The shirt, made from 100% cotton, is available in various colors and adds a touch of elegance to his birthday ensemble.

Additionally, today brought news of a new honor for the Princess of Wales, who has been appointed to the Order of the Companions of Honour for her outstanding public service, joining an elite group of individuals recognized for their significant contributions.

As we continue to follow the royal family’s engagements and fashion choices, we appreciate the insights and suggestions from our readers about which outfits deserve another spotlight. Your feedback is invaluable as we explore the styles that have made a lasting impression.

The Princess of Wales captivated both royal enthusiasts and style aficionados with her unexpected tiara selection at tonight’s formal banquet. Pictured below, the Princess makes her grand entrance at Buckingham Palace alongside the Prince of Wales.

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were also seen arriving at the event.

A video shared by the Royal Collection Trust offers a glimpse into the extensive preparations for a state dinner.

According to The Telegraph, “The floral arrangements included ferns that were carefully dug up and replanted, aligning with the King’s commitment to sustainability.”

The King and Queen were seen overseeing the final touches this afternoon.

The dinner paid tribute to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee, shown here with the King and Queen.

More insights into the dinner can be found in a BBC article.

These lavish events are characterized by diplomatic exchanges over exquisite meals, served on a 19th-century dinner service comprising over 4,000 pieces.

The table settings were meticulously arranged, mirroring the precision of a military parade, with each guest provided a 46cm-wide place setting.

Interestingly, some guests managed to sneak out their nameplates as souvenirs, despite the presence of high-profile figures like the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Queen and First Lady are pictured below.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were seen with the Duchess of Edinburgh.

The President and King walked to the Buckingham Palace Ballroom, the venue for the dinner, which is the largest of the state rooms at the palace.

The First Lady and Queen are also featured in another moment captured during the event.

The Prince of Wales was photographed with an unidentified guest.

The Princess of Wales was seen with South Korea’s Deputy Prime Minister Choo Kyung-ho.

The Duchess of Edinburgh and South Korea’s Deputy National Security Advisor Cho Taeyong were also present.

Princess Anne was photographed with Bang Moon-kyu, South Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, alongside her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.

The Duchess of Gloucester was seen with Ambassador Yoon Yeocheol.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, was also in attendance.

Members of the popular South Korean band Blackpink were present, marking a K-pop first at a white-tie palace dinner.

The Times of London noted the transition of reign, with new cyphers on the glassware at the top table, while other guests used glassware bearing the late Queen’s cypher.

The Princess, President, King, and Queen stood for the national anthems, showcasing the grandeur of the event.

Speeches were a highlight of the dinner, with the King’s speech available for reading online.

King Charles began his speech by greeting in Korean, which was warmly received, and he highlighted the strong ties between South Korea and Great Britain, praising their environmental sustainability efforts and acknowledging BLACKPINK’s contributions to global sustainability awareness.

Toasts were made, adding to the ceremonial nature of the evening.

A review of the royal attire revealed the Queen in a velvet gown adorned with rubies and diamonds, while the Princess of Wales surprised many with the Strathmore Rose Tiara, a piece not seen in nearly a century.

The Duchess of Edinburgh chose a gown previously worn at the coronation, complemented by her aquamarine tiara and accessories.

The Princess Royal opted for a white ensemble, highlighted by her Diamond Festoon tiara and necklace.

The Duchess of Gloucester wore jewels from her late mother-in-law’s collection, featuring diamonds and emeralds.

The Princess of Wales was in a bespoke gown from Jenny Packham, paired with the Strathmore Rose Tiara, adding a touch of historical elegance to her look.

Further details on the Princess’s attire and the significance of her tiara choice were discussed, highlighting her intention to mirror the supportive role once held by the Queen Mother.

The evening concluded with further discussions on the royal family’s fashion choices and their symbolic meanings, reflecting the blend of tradition and contemporary influences at such state events.

Today, we delve into a selection of evening dresses recommended by our readers for our One-Hit Wonder feature, alongside a review of three unique coats that have captured the attention of many for their standout reappearances.

Our journey starts with the Duchess of Cambridge’s choice of an Amanda Wakeley gown from the designer’s Autumn/Winter 2006 collection, which she wore in October 2011 at a quaint dinner hosted at Clarence House. This event, organized by In Kind Direct, aimed to redistribute surplus goods to charities, was a fill-in appearance for Prince Charles, who was away in Saudi Arabia due to the passing of the Crown Prince there.

The gown, a draped creation in soft aqua, featured a sparkling trim at the waist and shoulder straps, subtly modified from its runway version to elevate the waistline for a more flattering fit.

Accessorizing her look, the Duchess opted for a diamond bracelet and earrings set, thought to be a wedding gift, and paired these with her elegant ‘Vamp’ heels from Jimmy Choo.

Another gown that has been frequently mentioned is the silver-grey, one-shoulder dress by Jenny Packham, worn during a fundraiser in November 2011. This Grecian-style dress, crafted from silvery chiffon and satin, was showcased at an event hosted by the Duke and Duchess at St. James’s Palace.

Our third highlight is a Gucci gown worn by the Duchess at a 100 Women in Finance gala dinner in February 2019. This exquisite piece featured a crisscrossed deep V-neck bodice in shades of pale pink and mauve, complemented by a flowing skirt made of pleated tulle with a chiffon overlay, all cinched at the waist with a velvet band.

Additionally, we explore three remarkable coats, starting with the Holland Cooper trench coat worn by the Duchess during an outdoor movie screening at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This event, held in May 2021, was a special thank-you to NHS staff for their relentless efforts during the pandemic. The coat, crafted in Heather Tartan, stood out magnificently against the vibrant backdrop.

Another notable mention is the Christopher Kane ensemble worn during a visit to Dundee in October 2015. This outfit featured a knee-length coat and skirt in a striking blue houndstooth pattern, paired with a black turtleneck sweater.

Lastly, we revisit the vibrant red and coral Jonathan Saunders coat worn during a May 2014 visit to Scotland. This coat, from the designer’s Autumn/Winter 2013 collection, was made from a jacquard weave of wool and mohair, featuring a notch collar and a single breast pocket.

These pieces not only highlight the Duchess’s impeccable style but also her ability to gracefully carry both contemporary and classic designs, making each appearance uniquely memorable.