2013 was the year that was going to change The Duchess of Cambridge’s life forever. After being a wonderful wife, a dutiful daughter-in-law, and a royal, She was heading towards motherhood. The first pregnancy that always put new mothers-to-be under lots of pressure, came with another concern for Catherine – Media and Public attention. Her every move was being scrutinized. Her every outfit and action was going through the microscope. But with a loving and caring husband by her side and the constant support from Royal Family and Middleton Family Catherine showed the world that going through pregnancy is a beautiful phase of life and it can be equally fashionable and elegant.
On January 14, 2013, St. James Palace announced that the child is due to be born in July 2013. Catherine was seen first time in public at the Cirque Du Soleil, which they attended with the Middleton Family and friends to mark Catherine’s 31st birthday.
The Duchess of Cambridge’s first engagement of the year was a visit to the National Portrait Gallery, where she and Prince William viewed Catherine’s first official portrait, by artist Paul Emsley. She was wearing Whistles Sofie Rae Dress accessorized with a black belt with Asprey Pendant and Kiki Classic Green Amethyst Diamond Earrings and Emmy London Natasha Carbon Grey Clutch. After a few days, Catherine was seen out and about in London doing some shopping.
That year Catherine returned to the Cheltenham Festival with Prince William after five years on March 15. Before that, the couple was there in 2007, seen quite stressed shortly before their famous breakup. Catherine was wearing Joseph Camel-Blush Double Breasted Coat with Stuart Weitzman ‘Zipkin’ Boots, Lock & Co Betty Boop hat, Kiki McDonough Eternal Citrine Cushion & Diamond Earrings, Emmy Natasha Clutch, and Cornelia James bow gloves.
In April 2013, The Duchess undertook her first official visit to Scotland with Prince William where she is known as The Countess of Strathearn. It was two days visit to Scotland on April 4 and 5. On the First day, She was wearing Moloh Tartan Coat, Aquatalia ‘Rhumba’ Boots, Sapphire, and Diamond Diana Earrings with the UFO Black Clutch.
For day 2 in Scotland, The Duchess chose a red Armani Coat with Strathearn tartan scarf, Cornelia James Pure Wool Side bow gloves, Kiki McDonough green amethyst drop earrings, and Aquatalia ‘Rhumba’ Boots.
The Duchess of Cambridge attended the National Review of Queen’s Scouts at Windsor Castle on April 21, 2011. Catherine has privately volunteered with the Scouts Association since January 2012. For the event, she was wearing an elegant Mulberry Mint Cotton Tweed Frayed Coat, Whiteley Cappuccino hat, L.K. Bennett Sledge Pumps and L.K. Bennett Avona Clutch and Kiki Green Amethyst earrings.
That year we saw Catherine undertaking an engagement on her wedding anniversary for the first time. Catherine spent April 29 at Naomi House supporting Children’s Hospice Week. She was wearing a beautiful Tara Jarman Peach Coat, a UFO peach dress with Annoushka pearls, L.K. Bennett sledge pumps and carried L.K. Bennett Avona Clutch.
The Duchess of Cambridge undertook her last solo engagement before going on Maternity Leave in June 2013. She christened the Royal Princess boat that was also her first. The Duchess wore Hobbs Dalmatian Print Coat, white UFO dress, black fascinator by Lock & Co. Salsa Fascinator, Episode ‘Angel’ pumps, and Annoushka pearl earrings. She was carrying a customized version of Alexander McQueen Wicca Mini Satchel.
Her final engagement before Maternity leave was the Trooping the Colour parade in 2013. Going with a pink coat dress, She once again chose her trusty label Alexander McQueen, for the big appearance paired with Jane Corbett Pink Hat, Alexander McQueen Stone Suede Clutch, and Annoushka Pearl earrings.
We all would never be able to forget the ‘Great-Kate-wait’ of 2013. On July 22, 2013, Catherine was admitted to the St. Mary Hospital in Paddington in the early stages of the labour – the famous Lindo Wing where Princess Diana gave birth to her both sons. Interestingly the same media who called her “Waity-Kaity” for years was sitting outside the Lindo wing waiting for her to come out.
After a wait of hours finally, the news came. The Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to her first child – a healthy baby boy weighing 8 lb 6 oz. I would always remember the media frenzy outside the Lindo Wing and my anticipation while being glued to the television and waiting for her to step out with her son.
On July 23 2013, another Prince came out of the Lindo Wing doors in the arms of his mother. Catherine and William proudly introduced their first child ‘His Royal Highness Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge‘ to the world before leaving for the Kensington Palace.
‘The Duchess said: “It’s been very emotional. It’s very special. Any parent will know what this feeling is like.” While Prince William revealed: “He’s a big boy, quite heavy. We’re still working on a name. He has a pair of lungs on him that’s for sure.”
Confirming the Prince was overdue William said: “I will remind him of his tardiness when he’s older. He’s got her looks thankfully” to which the Duchess replied, “No, no, no, I’m not sure about that.” The Prince also jokingly said, “He has more hair than me.”
Catherine stepped out in a bespoke cornflower blue crépe de chine polka dot dress from one of her go-to labels Jenny Packham to introduce her first child to the world. She paired the dress with Pied A Terre Imperia Wedges and Kiki McDonough Citrine Pear Drop Earrings.
The new mother needed all the attention and care from her family, so after meeting The Queen and her new uncle Prince Harry, Catherine moved to her parent’s home for a few weeks before leaving for her then home in Angelsey with Prince William.
On August 22nd, 2013 the first family portrait of Cambridges was released. The picture was clicked by Catherine’s father Michael Middleton at their home in Berkshire. Catherine chose Jolene Dress by Séraphine paired with her Annoushka pearl earrings.
Catherine’s first public appearance after pregnancy was the Ring O’ Fire Marathon. Catherine was looking effortlessly chic in her Ralph Lauren Estate Custom Riding Jacket, Zara top, black skinny jeans, and Pied A Terre Wedges. She finished her simple look with Kiki Mc Donough ‘Grace’ earrings, Gucci watch.
In September 2013, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge moved to their new official residence Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace and The Duchess made her first official appearance at the Tusk Trust Awards on September 12, 2013. Catherine returned to royal duties in glittering €2389 Jenny Packham Pale Gold Sequin Gown, Jimmy Choo vamp sandals paired with Diamond Deco Earrings and Bracelet.
The Duchess of Cambridge’s first solo appearance since becoming a mother was on October 18, 2013, when she visited SportsAid Athlete Workshop at Olympic Park. Duchess was wearing her Smythe Navy One-Button Blazer, Ralph Lauren ‘Tori’ Breton Striped Tee, J Brand Skinny Jeans, Stuart Weitzman Corkswoon Wedges, Kiki McDonough ‘Grace’ earrings, and Gucci Stainless Steel gold plated watch.
The Christening of Prince George took place on October 23, 2013. Catherine chose an extremely elegant Alexander McQueen ivory coat dress paired with Jane Taylor Georgie Hat, Kiki McDonough Citrine Drop earrings, Russell and Bromley Park Ave pumps and Gucci watch.
December 03, 2013, marked another first for Catherine. She attended the annual Diplomatic reception at the Buckingham Palace – her first white-tie event as a royal. It was the first time after her wedding we saw her wearing a tiara. Catherine debuted The Queen Mother’s Papyrus tiara that night paired with an Alexander McQueen gown and Queen’s diamond chandelier earrings.
On December 05, The Duchess of Cambridge joined Prince William at the premiere of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. Catherine wore a creamy white Roland Mouret ‘Lombard’ gown, Zara statement necklace, Mulberry Bayswater suede clutch, and Prada suede pumps. During the premiere, the couple got news of Nelson Mandela passing away. The movie’s star Idris Elba later spoke about hearing the sad news:
“The Duchess, Kate sort of turned to me and looked at me as she had her phone and I wondered what was wrong with her because she looked quite emotional. And my girlfriend looked at me and handed the phone and I looked down and there it was, Mandela had passed. I looked back at Prince William and Kate and they were just in tears with me.”
The Christmas that year was Catherine’s first as a mother. She celebrated Christmas at Sandringham with Royal Family. For the morning service Catherine was wearing a UFO Cream Coat, Really Wild Clothing Cashmere Mix Tartan Wrap in Claret.
For the main service of the day, Catherine chose Alexander McQueen Tartan Coat Dress, Gina Foster hat, Aquatalia Rhumba Boots, Kiki McDonough green amethyst drop earrings.
Chapter Four: Duchess Catherine – The Next Generation of Royal →
