The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Royal Tour of Scotland ended at the same location where it started last week – The General Assembly of The Church of Scotland. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who are styled as The Earl and Countess of Strathearn, in Scotland attended the closing session of the General Assembly of the Church.
Ahead of the ceremony, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge hosted former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah Brown at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Prince William addressed the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and shared many stories he and Catherine heard during their week-long tour of the nation.
Thanking the Church and assembly he said, “Catherine and I came here to listen, so we might learn more about your challenges. But also, to learn of your hopes and aspirations, so that we may serve alongside you with the combination of humility and conviction that speaks so powerfully to us.…… Thank you for the work you have done and the witness you have offered and the service you have given during this pandemic’ and says church offers a model of ‘respectful dialogue’“
Last Friday, Prince William arrived in Scotland as the Lord High Commissioner of the General Assembly and gave a heartwarming speech on Sunday at the opening of the General Assembly.
The Earl and Countess of Strathearn’s last engagement in Scotland was Beating the Retreat ceremony at the Palace of Holyrood House by The Massed Pipes and Drums of the Combined Cadet Force. Beating Retreat is an evening military concert with a marching display and usually marks the lowering of the Regimental flag at sunset. The Royal couple watched a performance by Scottish dancers. They were also joined by Mila Sneddon and her family who met The Duchess earlier today.
From Robert Gordon’s College, “Beating the Retreat is a ceremony based upon the end of day parade during times of war; beating drums and Post Guards would signal the end of the fighting day, and for soldiers to retreat, when the flags were lowered. An order from William III, dating back to 1694 stated that the Drum Major and Drummers were to ‘Beat the Retreat’ through the large street, and they were to be answered by the Drummers of the guards in their respective Quarters.”
“At the end of the day’s work, the ‘Retreat’ was beaten. The term, which comes from the French ‘retraite’ [retire] was used by all the European armies and has no connection with the tactical manoeuvre of the same name. After the daily drill or training, the troops dispersed to look after their own administration, which often included cooking their own meals, foraging for supplies, collecting food and water, and other domestic tasks.”
Today the Beating Retreat is a major event in the Armed Forces and Royal British Legion Scotland calendar. The Royal British Legion Scotland, which has 170 branches across Scotland, hopes the Beating Retreat will showcase the breadth of talent, diversity and commitment of its bands and members.
This was the second time when the Duchess of Cambridge has attended a Beating the Retreat ceremony. She first attended in June 2019 alone and took the salute.
The Duchess of Cambridge brought the Royal Fashion of the tour to its full circle with a blue outfit. She began with a blue on Monday too.
Catherine was wearing a blue bespoke Catherine Walker coat dress.
The Duchess of Cambridge paired the outfit with Emmy London Rebecca Riviera Pumps debuted in September 2018 at the wedding of her close friend Sophie Carter.
Catherine was carrying Strathberry Multrees Chain Wallet. Thanks to UfoNoMore for the id. The croc-embossed bag is available for pre-order.
The Duchess of Cambridge topped the outfit with UFO floral earrings that she debuted in February 2018 at the Royal Forum and a matching brooch that was premiered at the 2018 Commonwealth service.
“Both Earrings and brooch are set with stones that provide pink/purple and blue sparkle. I think it’s possible that the pieces form a coordinating set” – Ella from The Court Jeweller. Another new element of the look was Kiki McDonough Apollo Blue Topaz Pendant.
With this, the first in-person tour of the nation comes to an end. I personally really enjoyed the tour.
It was full of various activities and engagements, highlighting many important causes while charming Scotland with Royal magic.
The Royal Fashion was on dot – While we might not have that many gorgeous outfits, The Duchess of Cambridge’s style was defining the turn her royal life is ready to have. It was a perfect combination of chic, casual, formal – in short Classic Kate.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge thanked Scotland in a beautiful way. The couple shared a beautiful sketch of St Andrews University that Catherine drew in 2002 when she was a student there with William.
Sharing the pictures of the sketch and a card, Kensington Palace said,
To the people, communities and organisations we visited and heard from; and those who stopped to wave and make our return to Scotland so special – thank you! Sketch of St Andrew’s by Duchess of Cambridge, 2002.
