On Tuesday morning, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had an unannounced but exciting engagement. The royal couple visited Cutty Sark to launch the inaugural regatta The King’s Cup that will take place this summer on August 8. Cutty Sark, the celebrated historic sailing ship and fastest of its time is now an award-winning visitor attraction in Greenwich, London.
The King’s Cup supported and presented by the Land Rover will have eight boats, each represents one of the charities that are being supported this year by William and Catherine. These include Child Bereavement UK, Centrepoint, the London Air Ambulance Charity 30th Anniversary Campaign, and Tusk – four causes of which The Duke is Patron. The Duchess will support four of her patronages; Action on Addiction, Place2Be, the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, and The Royal Foundation in connection with her work on Early Years.
The Duke and Duchess are strong advocates for sport and have undertaken work both in the UK and overseas to highlight the positive impact that sport can have on the individual and within local communities. Catherine in particular champions how the benefits of sport, nature and the outdoors can impact childhood development, and lead to improved physical and mental wellbeing for all.
The palace said, “William and Catherine hope that The King’s Cup will become an annual event, bringing greater awareness to the wider benefits of sport, whilst also raising support and funds for the causes that the Duke and Duchess support“.
The racing will take place in the Solent and on the ‘Fast40+ Class’ race boats that will be run by a sailing crew of 12 people from the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, Isle of Wight. The winning team will take home a historic The King’s Cup, first presented by King George V at Cowes’ Royal Yacht Squadron in 1920.
The King’s Cup will see The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge go head to head as skippers of individual sailing boats, in an eight boat regatta race on the Isle of Wight. The public will be able to enjoy the race from SailGP Race Village along Cowes Green and towards Egypt point where there will be a grandstand and open viewing access, as well as family-friendly activities and exhibits.
Duke and Duchess greeting the members of the public gathered in the area to meet them.
On Cutty Sark, The Duke and Duchess joined children and young people from a number of their chosen charities as they take part in a simulated sailing race.
The couple then joined guests to unveil The King’s Cup.
Duchess took a moment to admire the historic cup.
Catherine met two kids from her charity Place2Be.
For the day, Duchess chose a stylishly chic nautical look. Catherine chose her favourite style a Breton top. It is believed to be from Swedish label Arket.
Duchess paired the top with LK Bennett £150 Navy Parker Trouser. Thanks to Laura on twitter for the id.
The trouser is described on the label’s website as, “Inspired by vintage design, the Parker high-waisted trousers are a modern take on 70s tailoring. Detailed with four buttons across the high waist, let the wide-leg pair elegantly with boots on chilly days”.
A closer look at the button detailing on the trouser.
Catherine paired the outfit with Emmy London Josie Block Heel Pointed Shoe. MiddletonMaven’s sharp eye noted this id on twitter.
Sapphire and Diamond Diana Earrings finished the look of the day.