Duchess Catherine in 2011- Beginning of a New Royal Era

After coming back from her honeymoon, The Duchess of Cambridge slowly started learning the royal ropes. Prince William made it clear from the beginning that he is not going to follow the royal rule-book of weddings and will not rush his wife into royal life. He is fiercely protective of Catherine and is determined not to let history repeat itself with an unhappy married life. Queen supported their decision and let the new couple settle into a stable married life that she always wanted for her children and allowed Catherine to adjust to the royal life on her own terms.

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The Duchess’s first official engagement after the wedding was on May 24, 2011, when she joined Prince William to meet Barack Obama, the then President of the United States, and First Lady Michelle Obama at Buckingham Palace. Once again proving that royal fashion does not have to be expensive, the less than a month old bride chose £175 Reiss Shola Bandage Camel Dress pairing it with Prada Black Satin Pumps and Anya Hindmarch Maud Clutch. The belated wedding gifts from Obamas consisted of Laptops donated to Peace Players International as part of the Royal Wedding charitable gift fund; seeds and plants, packed in a beautifully handcrafted box made from the wood of a magnolia tree taken down in 2009 from White House garden, from the gardens at Monticello and the South Lawn White House garden and a jar of honey from the official White House beehive as personal gifts to the couple.

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Catherine attended the first family event with the royal family at the Epsom Derby race on June 06, 2011. She wore Nessie Tweed Jacket by Joseph with Reiss Peacock dress and paired the outfit with L.K. Bennett Sledge2 Pumps and L.K. Bennett Natalie Clutch.

The Duchess of Cambridge in dazzling Jenny Packham Gown for ARK Gala (Photo PA)
PA

The Duchess of Cambridge made her social debut on June 09, 2011, when she attended the star-studded ARK (Absolute Returns for Kids) gala dinner with Prince William. The Duchess looked every inch royal in a stunning floor-length pearlescent rose sequin-embellished $5015 gown with Swarovski crystal and bead detailing fromJenny Packham Pearlescent Pink Sequin Gown from Spring Ready-to-Wear Collection. She was wearing L.K. Bennett rose Agata sandals, Prada Box satin clutch, and Link of London Effervescence Bubble Sterling Silver Drop Earrings. Watch Duchess at the ARK gala here.

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Catherine’s first Trooping the Colour Parade was on June 11, 2011. On her first royal event as a royal, Duchess chose the $3845 Alexander McQueen Cotton and Wool Blend Piqué Coat. She teamed up the coat with Lock & Co Lion Tamer Percher Hat.

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Catherine debuted her Order of the Garter Service appearance at Windsor on June 13, 2011, wearing Christopher Kane Buxton Coat and Rachel Trevor-Morgan Hat. She paired the outfit with Rupert Sanderson’s‘ Malone’ Pumps and UFO Suede Gray Handbag.

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The Duchess’s first royal family event was the church service held on the occasion of Prince Philip’s 90th birthday on June 12, 2011. Once again bringing her commoner thrifty side out, Duchess chose to recycle her pre-wedding outfit for the occasion. She wore periwinkle blue Jane Troughton brocade coat that she last wore in 2009 for a society wedding, paired it with a blue Zara Pleated dress, L.K. Bennett Sledge2 Pumps and Jane Corbett Cornflower Hat. She teamed up the look with her L.K. Bennett Sledge2 Pumps, Stuart Weitzman ‘Muse’ Clutch and Sapphire and Diamond Diana Earrings.

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The Duchess of Cambridge made her first military appearance on June 25 2011. She joined Prince William for the Irish Guards Medal parade. It was an important event for the couple as the Irish Guards is a battalion close to William’s heart- He was appointed Colonel of the Irish Guards ahead of his wedding. She wore a bespoke military navy coat with golden button detailing from her trusty designer Alexander McQueen and paired it with Rachel Trevor-Morgan Hat, Anya Hindmarch Marano Clutch,  Kiki McDonough Citrine Drop earrings, and her old suede navy Prada Pumps.

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Catherine’s love for tennis was always a matter of public knowledge. The couple was seen playing tennis a few weeks before their wedding. Duke and Duchess made their first Wimbledon appearance as a married couple on June 27, 2011. Catherine chose a very chic white Temperley London Moriah dress with Camilla Bracelet, L.K. Bennett Sledge Pumps and brown UFO Jacket with Stuart Weitzman ‘Muse’ Clutch.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge undertook their first royal tour in 2011
Canadian Heritage

On 16 February 2011, Clarence House announced the couple’s first royal tour. They were announced to visit Canada in July 2011. The couple released their first official portrait since their marriage before Royal Tour. Duchess brought back her Amanda Wakeley Suit that she wore during Darwen Aldridge Community Academy visit in March before her wedding with Sapphire and Diamond Diana Earrings.

William and Duchess of cambridge leaving for Canada (Photo PAP
William and Duchess of Cambridge leaving for Canada (Photo PA)

In May 2011, shortly after the wedding, Clarence House announced the Duke and Duchess would extend their tour to visit California. This was the Duchess’s first visit to the United States. The tour went underway from June 30, 2011, to July 08, 2011. Catherine boarded the flight for Canada in Roland Mouret Manon navy dress and Smythe navy blazer with Manolo Blahnik Pumps and a Mulberry Polly push-lock midnight handbag.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge undertook their first royal tour in 2011
Canadian Heritage

The Duchess stepped out of the plane wearing Erdem Moralioglu Cecile dress from label’s Resort 2012 paired with her trusty L.K. Bennett Sledge Pumps and Stuart Weitzman ‘Muse’ Clutch that she was seen carrying during Prince Philip’s Birthday church service.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge undertook their first royal tour in 2011
Canadian Heritage

The tour marked the first-ever Canadian Citizenship ceremony attended by any member of the British Royal Family.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge undertook their first royal tour in 2011
Canadian Heritage

During the Canada tour alone Catherine changed into almost 20 outfits. Her wardrobe consisted of chic sheath and summer dresses to casual jeans and jackets paired with jewels from the royal vault opened to her by Queen. Ready about the tour here.

The Duchess of Cambridge's wardrobe during Canada tour (Photo: Canadian Heritage)
Canadian Heritage
The Duchess of Cambridge's wardrobe during Canada tour (Photo: Canadian Heritage)
Canadian Heritage
The Duchess of Cambridge's wardrobe during Canada tour (Photo: Canadian Heritage)
Canadian Heritage
The Duchess of Cambridge's wardrobe during Canada tour (Photo: Canadian Heritage)
Canadian Heritage

The royal tour of California marked another first. Catherine and William were seen together at Polo matches during the dating years many times. After the wedding, the couple’s first polo appearance was at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club charity event where Duchess wore a beautiful Jenny Packham floral dress.

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The Duchess was seen wearing a gown for the first time during the North America tour. She wore a lavender Alexander McQueen gown to the BAFTA dinner in Los Angeles. Read the full tour detail here.

Catherine’s wardrobe during the tour was something world media was consistently talking about. It was feminine, it was regal and moreover, it was personal. She was seen wearing dresses and outfit that a common girl wear regularly.

Dcuhess Kate wardrobe during California tour (Photo: The British Monarchy)
Duchess Kate wardrobe during California tour (Photo: The British Monarchy)

 

As per Vogue magazine -Catherine’s the rare creature whose look appeals to men, women and the fashion industry alike.

The Duchess of Cambridge with Her Majesty The Queen at her wedding dress Exhibition at Buckingham Palace (Photo: The British Monarchy)
he British Monarchy
The Duchess of Cambridge with Her Majesty The Queen at her wedding dress Exhibition at Buckingham Palace (Photo: The British Monarchy)
The British Monarchy
The Duchess of Cambridge with Her Majesty The Queen at her wedding dress Exhibition at Buckingham Palace (Photo: The British Monarchy)
The British Monarchy
The Duchess of Cambridge with Her Majesty The Queen at her wedding dress Exhibition at Buckingham Palace (Photo: The British Monarchy)
The British Monarchy
The Duchess of Cambridge with Her Majesty The Queen at her wedding dress Exhibition at Buckingham Palace (Photo: The British Monarchy)
The British Monarchy
The Duchess of Cambridge with Her Majesty The Queen at her wedding dress Exhibition at Buckingham Palace (Photo: The British Monarchy)
The British Monarchy
The Duchess of Cambridge with Her Majesty The Queen at her wedding dress Exhibition at Buckingham Palace (Photo: The British Monarchy)
The British Monarchy
The Duchess of Cambridge with Her Majesty The Queen at her wedding dress Exhibition at Buckingham Palace (Photo: The British Monarchy)
The British Monarchy
The Duchess of Cambridge with Her Majesty The Queen at her wedding dress Exhibition at Buckingham Palace (Photo: The British Monarchy)
The British Monarchy
The Duchess of Cambridge with Her Majesty The Queen at her wedding dress Exhibition at Buckingham Palace (Photo: The British Monarchy)
The British Monarchy
The Duchess of Cambridge with Her Majesty The Queen at her wedding dress Exhibition at Buckingham Palace (Photo: The British Monarchy)
The British Monarchy
The Duchess of Cambridge with Her Majesty The Queen at her wedding dress Exhibition at Buckingham Palace (Photo: The British Monarchy)
The British Monarchy
The Duchess of Cambridge with Her Majesty The Queen at her wedding dress Exhibition at Buckingham Palace (Photo: The British Monarchy)
The British Monarchy
The Duchess of Cambridge with Her Majesty The Queen at her wedding dress Exhibition at Buckingham Palace (Photo: The British Monarchy)
The British Monarchy
The Duchess of Cambridge with Her Majesty The Queen at her wedding dress Exhibition at Buckingham Palace (Photo: The British Monarchy)
The British Monarchy
The Duchess of Cambridge with Her Majesty The Queen at her wedding dress Exhibition at Buckingham Palace (Photo: The British Monarchy)
The British Monarchy

 

On 22 July Catherine joined Her Majesty to open the annual summer exhibition at Buckingham Palace. The exhibition featured her wedding dress, tiara, and wedding cake along with other wedding pieces. Catherine wore a soft pink dress from British label Joseph and paired it with Jimmy Choo Lovely pumps. The exhibition was a big hit. Almost 3,50,000 visitors visited Buckingham Palace to see her dress.  As per the CNN report,

A Royal Collection spokesman says, “We’re thrilled that so many people have visited Buckingham Palace this summer in what looks to be a record year. The Royal Wedding attracted worldwide interest, so it’s only natural that many people want to come to see the State Rooms, some of which were used for the wedding reception, and take a closer look at The Duchess of Cambridge’s dress — which celebrates great British design.”
Adult admission is $28.50, and remaining tickets are available at the Royal Collection website. A part of the proceeds goes to the Royal Wedding Charitable Gift Fund, benefiting charities chosen by Prince William and Kate.
In related news, on Monday it was announced on Twitter, “The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge donate a vehicle given to them as a wedding present by Land Rover to Mountain Rescue.”
Kate at Zara and Mike's pre-wedding cocktail party
The British Monarchy and PA

On July 30, 2011, Catherine attended the first royal wedding after her marriage. She was present at the wedding of Zara Philips to Mike Tindall at Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh.

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She decided to recycle her cream jacquard Day Birger et Mikkelsen Coat that she had in her wardrobe since 2006 for Zara and  Mike’s wedding. She paired the coat with Gina Foster Launceston Place hat from the label’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection, L.K. Bennett Sledge2 Pumps and L.K. Bennett Natalie Clutch. Catherine chose to wear a DVF Maja dress for a cocktail party at the royal yacht Britannia in Edinburgh for the pre-wedding Cocktail party.

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William and Catherine spent their first September summer break at Balmoral as a married couple. They visited the Queen at Balmoral Castle.

Birkhall residence at Balmoral
Birkhall residence at Balmoral

The couple also attended the first society wedding since their own marriage in April on September 25 2011. They were present at the wedding of friends Tom Sutton and Harriet Colthurst at St Mary and St Nicholas Church in Wilton, Wiltshire.

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The Duchess of Cambridge’s first solo appearance was an event for In Kind Direct. She filled up for her Father-in-Law Prince of Wales Charles who was in Saudi Arabia at that time in October 2011. She wore an aqua Amanda Wakeley gown, Jimmy Choo vamp sandals, and Diamond Deco Earrings and Bracelet.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Remeberance Day 2011 (Photo The British Monarchy)
British Monarchy Flickr

On November 13, 2011, The Duchess of Cambridge joined the royal family for her first Remembrance Sunday. She wore Diane von Furstenberg Lio Coat and a Jane Corbett hat.

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended Gary Barlow Concert in Albert Hall with Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall, marking their first engagement together Charles and Camilla. Catherine wore Zara Lace Tulip Dress with Ralph Lauren Jacket paired with Kiki Mcdonough earrings, UFO Black Clutch, and Episode ‘Angel’ Black Suede Platform Court Shoes.

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The Duchess attended Sun Military Awards with Prince William and Prince Harry on December 19, 2011. It was the first time since her wedding reception dress, we saw The Duchess wearing a strapless gown. She wore a black Alexander McQueen Velvet Gown with Prada satin pumps, Pretty Ballerina clutch by Jaime Mascarà and Mouawad Diamond, and Ruby Necklace with Diamond Deco Earrings and Bracelet.

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Catherine joined the royal family for the traditional Christmas Service at Sandringham. It was Duchess’ first Christmas with the royal family. For the early morning service, Catherine wore Reiss Angel Fit and Flare Coat and her Aquatalia boots. And for the main service, she wore a burgundy coat by an independent designer with Mascaro Black Suede Pumps, Jane Corbett hat, Mulberry Bayswater clutch, and Kiki Classic Green Amethyst Diamond Earrings.

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Chapter Two: Duchess Catherine – A Wife, Daughter-in-Law, and Princess →

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