A Poised Duchess of Cambridge Took Salute at Beating Retreat Ceremony

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Duchess of Cambridge at Beating the Retreat Ceremony
Kensington Palace Twitter

Tonight, The Duchess of Cambridge had an unannounced engagement. She stepped out to take a salute at the Beating Retreat Ceremony of Household division in London.

Duchess of Cambridge at Beating the Retreat Ceremony
Kensington Palace Twitter

The Household Division’s Beating Retreat is a spectacular evening pageant filled with music and military precision drill, including horses, cannon and fireworks.

Duchess of Cambridge at Beating the Retreat Ceremony
Kensington Palace Twitter

Military Beating Retreat concerts have a long tradition dating back to the 1690s. Originally the beating of the drum was used to order troops to break off fighting and withdraw to the safety of camp as darkness fell, later it signalled the closing of the camp gates at the end of the day and called troops back to base for the night.

Duchess of Cambridge at Beating the Retreat Ceremony
Kensington Palace Twitter

Beating Retreat is an evening military concert with a marching display and usually marks the lowering of the Regimental flag at sunset.

Duchess of Cambridge at Beating the Retreat Ceremony
The Household Division

Since its origin, it has evolved into a musical ceremonial event. These annual concerts are performed on Horse Guards Parade in front of the beautiful backdrop of St James’s Park each year on the Wednesday and Thursday evenings preceding the Queen’s Birthday Parade – “Trooping The Colour” as it is often called. It was the first time that The Duchess took part in the spectacular Musical military show.

 

A video of Duchess arriving at the Household Division.

Trooping the Colour Prade
The Royal Family

Household Division performs many ceremonial duties in the UK that includes events such as The Queen’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour), State Opening of Parliament, State Visit, the national act of remembrance at the Cenotaph and bespoke events of national importance. Public Duties include mounting the Queen’s Life Guards at Horse Guards, The Queen’s Guard at Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and at Windsor Castle along with Guards of Honour and ceremonial Guards.

 

The ceremony had 750 soldiers from the Household Division entertaining 13,000 spectators with military music, horsemanship, precision drill, pageantry and fireworks.

Duchess of Cambridge at Beating the Retreat Ceremony
Kensington Palace Twitter

From People’s report,

This year’s show is themed around “Icons of a Nation” and captures the varied roles of the Household Division’s soldiers. The servicemen and women, famous for guarding royal palaces and residences, helping to mark the State Opening of Parliament and parading for the Queen’s Birthday, wore their ceremonial uniforms as they created the show of music and displays of precise marching formations. The music program included the theme music from The Longest Day, a film about the Normandy Landings on June 6, 1944, while the finale included “The Earl of Mansfield,” “Theme from Henry V” and “The Lord’s My Shepherd/Amazing Grace.” The evening ended with the moving “Last Post” played.

As well as the bands of the Household Division, including the Household Cavalry and five Foot Guards regiments, Kate and the many spectators were entertained by The Band, Pipe and Drums of the Royal Guard of Oman; The Band and Pipes of the Royal Regiment of Scotland; The Band of the Honourable Artillery Company; London Scottish Regiment Pipes and Drums; National Cadet Force Pipes and Drums; The Royal British Legion Band and Corps of Drums Romford; and The Royal Choral Society.

A video of the event by the Royal Family Channel.

Duchess of Cambridge at Beating the Retreat Ceremony
Kensington Palace Twitter

For the event, Duchess chose a very familiar look. She was wearing a Catherine Walker coat that we first saw in September 2016 during Canada visit and then at the 2017 Easter Service.

Cassandra Goad Cavolfiore Pearl Studs
Cassandra Goad Cavolfiore Pearl Studs

Duchess paired the coat with her Cassandra Goad Cavolfiore Pearl Studs debuted at the christening of Prince Louis.

Mulberry Amberley Nude Blush Leather Clutch
Mulberry Amberley Nude Blush Leather Clutch

She was carrying Mulberry Amberley Nude Blush Leather Clutch debuted in 2018 during Imperial War Museum visit.

Gianvito Rossi’s ‘Gianvito 105’ pumps
Gianvito Rossi’s ‘Gianvito 105’ pumps

And once again chose her trusty Gianvito Rossi’s pumps.

Duchess of Cambridge wore Irish Guards Shamrock Brooch
Tim Rookie on Twitter

Duchess topped her outfit with Irish Guards’ Cartier Shamrock Brooch.

Prince Louis of Cambridge first birthday portrait

Next, we will see Duchess on Saturday at Trooping the Colour Parade where Prince Louis is also expected to make her debut balcony appearance.

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