By the time 2016 ended, Duchess Catherine was evolving day by day. Whether it was her family or royal role or fashion front, Catherine was moving forward with strong and steady steps. In 2011 we saw a young girl in love with a Prince, looking forward to a life that will never be normal. In 2017, we were looking at the most popular Royal Lady with a confident persona.
2017 started with an announcement from Kensington Palace stating that The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be increasing their official work on behalf of The Queen as Prince William will be leaving his role with East Angelia Air Ambulance in the summer. William and Catherine were living in Norfolk as much as they can trying to give Prince George and Princess Charlotte normal childhood away from media and public scrutiny. But it was coming to the end as Prince George was going to start his school in September 2017.
On January 08, 2017, William and Catherine joined Her Majesty and Prince Philip with the Middleton family for Sunday church service in Norfolk. The Duchess of Cambridge wore Sportmax Long Belted Coat with L.K. Bennett Sammi Blue Silk Scarf, Sumac Luxury Alpaca Fur hat, Emmy London Valerie carbon pumps.
The Duchess of Cambridge was steadily working for the cause close to her heart – Mental health. In January she undertook a series of engagements to promote the cause.
The Duchess, whose voice was unheard until her engagement interview and was being criticized as only seen not heard, was actually putting her words where they were more needed. During engagements, she was connecting to the parents on a personal level sharing her own experiences of parenthood. While visiting Ronald McDonald House Evelina London The Duchess said, “Having a baby is a life-changing moment“.
On February 22, 2017, Catherine made one of the most awaited debuts. She joined William for BAFTA – the British Academy of Film and Television Awards. Duchess wore the bespoke version of Alexander Mcqueen Long Tier Violet Jacquard Gown with large statement pink diamond earrings, Queen’s diamond bracelet, Prada wavy-cut Suede Nero Pumps, and Alexander McQueen Heart-Clasp Satin Box Clutch.
On February 27, 2017, The Duchess of Cambridge joined William and members of the royal family for a reception – ‘UK-India Year of Culture’ hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace. The Duchess wore Erdem Rhona pleated dress with Oscar de la Renta Platinum Lamé Cabrina pumps, Anite Dongre pink city earrings.
In March 2017, The Duke and Duchess marked another first, The couple officially visited the city of Love – Paris for the first time. They have been to France before on official engagements but never been to Paris. The Duchess was looking elegant for two days visit to the fashion city. Upon arrival Duchess, who just came from St. Patrick’s day parade with William, was wearing Catherine Walker Coat, Monica Vinader Siren earrings, Gianvito Rossi Suede green pumps, Etui green croc-embossed clutch bag, and her Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.
Later on, The Duchess of Cambridge joined William for an event hosted by the British Ambassador at his residence. Catherine wore a bespoke piece is by Alexander McQueen Black Frayed Dress paired with Gianvito Rossi Ankle Strap Suede D’orsay Pumps, Large pearl Balenciaga earrings, necklace and ring, and Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.
In the evening, Catherine attended a gala dinner wearing Ice blue gown with intricate embellishment and sheer detail from Jenny Packham with Oscar de la Renta Platinum Lamé Cabrina pumps, Jenny Packham Casa clutch, Queen’s chandelier diamond earrings, and diamond bracelet.
On Day 2, Catherine chose to debut the most awaited fashion label- Chanel. She wore Chanel Tweed Coat Dress paired with Chanel black belt, Chanel Calfskin Bag, Tod’s Fringed leather pumps with Cartier’s Trinity Earrings and Cartier Trinity Tri-Ring Necklace and her Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.
The Duke and Duchess along with Prince Harry gave a royal send-off to the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon runners on April 23, 2017, as the patron of the Heads Together Campaign that was selected as the charity of the year. Catherine was wearing Regatta Professional Perfect Softshell Jacket, Superga Cotu Trainers, Ray-Ban Wayfarers, and Kiki McDonough Lauren earrings.
On May 11, 2017, Catherine marked another first, She made a solo visit to Luxembourg for the first time. The Duchess of Cambridge wore Emilia Wickstead Coatdress with L.K. Bennett fern pumps, Etui bags, Mappin & Webb Empress pendant, and Kiki McDonough Blue Topaz and Diamond Drop Earrings in White Gold.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge threw a special party along with Prince Harry at Buckingham Palace. The royals welcomed the children of army men and women who died serving in the armed forces. The Duchess wore Chloe See long sleeve jersey dress with Acne Studios Leather Waist Belt, Monsoon Fleur Wedges and Annoushka pearls, and Kiki McDonough hoops.
On May 20, 2017, The Duchess of Cambridge marked another personal milestone. Her younger sister Pippa Middleton married James Matthews. Prince George and Princess Charlotte stole the day with their cuteness as pageboy and flower girl. The Duchess chose a very understated yet sophisticated Alexander McQueen dress with Jane Taylor hat, Kiki McDonough Morganite, and Diamond earrings with Gianvito Rossi suede praline pink pumps.
In May 2017, William was interviewed by Alastair Campbell for British GQ as part of the Heads Together Campaign where he talked about his family and mother. William was photographed with his family giving a glimpse behind the closed doors of the palace. The pictures of George, Charlotte, and Lupo playing while William and Catherine looking were taken in April by Norman Jean Roy.
The Duchess chose a very relaxed and casual look for the photograph. she was wearing J Crew Italian Cashmere Long T-Shirt with Mappin & Webb Empress Pendant with earrings, Superga Cotu Trainers.
In June, The Duchess of Cambridge visited London Attack victims, then attended a Sailing Road Show. The Duchess of Cambridge next joined the Royal Family at the Trooping the Colour parade and Royal Ascot. The last event of June was Victoria and Albert Museum Art Gallery Inauguration.
July began with a Wimbledon visit and was followed by a Spanish Royal Banquet hosted by The Queen. Next, The Duchess of Cambridge visited the Natural History Museum. Prince William joined The Duchess of Cambridge for the Wimbledon finale before heading for another Royal tour.
July 2017 had another series of first. Duchess attended her first royal state banquet. She joined Her Majesty and members of the Royal family to welcome King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain for their first state visit. Duchess wore dusty pink Marchesa evening gown with Cambridge Lovers Knot tiara, Princess Diana’s diamond, and pearl earrings with Ruby and Diamond Floral Bandeau Necklace on loan from Queen.
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge undertook another royal tour in July. They visited Poland Germany with Prince George and Princess Charlotte. The 5-days visit to both countries was at the request of the Foreign Office and was considered a Soft BREXIT visit. After a busy first day of the tour, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a Reception in the evening. On day 2 in Poland Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had a moving visit to Stutthof.
During the Poland visit, the couple met the survivors of the Nazi camp in a moving visit to Stutthof.
The royal tour was also Princess Charlotte’s first tour. Next, the family arrived in Germany looking absolutely beautiful in color-coordinated outfits. Day one ended with a garden party. Day 2 was an extremely busy day for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Germany that was again followed by a dazzling reception in the evening. After attending some events, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge bid farewell to their hosts and headed back to London with Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
A look at Duchess’ wardrobe during the visit.
Before the summer break, The Duchess of Cambridge joined Prince William and Prince Charles in Belgium to mark the Centenary of Passchendaele.
On August 30, 2017, The Duchess of Cambridge joined Prince William and Prince Harry at White Garden in Kensington Palace to pay tribute to Princess Diana on her 20th Death Anniversary. She wore a beautiful floral printed mint green Prada Dress, Monica Vinader Siren Wire earrings, L.K. Bennett Fern pumps.
September 04, 2017, brought another unexpected happy news. The Duchess of Cambridge was expecting her third child. The royal watchers were waiting for the Duchess of Cambridge to see on her first royal engagement after the autumn break at Hornsey Road Children’s Centre in London. Out of Blue, the news of the cancellation came. Catherine was once again suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum – a very acute morning sickness.
Prince George marked his first big milestone on September 07, 2017. He started full-time school at Thomas’s Battersea in London.
Due to her morning sickness, The Duchess was not there publicly to drop George at School. George came to school holding his father Prince William’s hand and was received by the Head of the Lower school. The Cambridge family also base their primary residence at Kensington Palace in September.
The Duchess of Cambridge’s first appearance since announcing the third pregnancy was on October 10, 2017, at the World Mental Health Day celebration at Buckingham Palace. The Duchess wore Temperley London’s ‘Eclipse’ Lace Dress with Gianvito Rossi black Suede Pumps, Mulberry Bayswater clutch, and Kiki McDonough blue topaz and diamond drop earrings. Next, The Duchess of Cambridge made a surprise visit to see off children at Paddington Station and then joined Prince William and Prince Harry at the Coach Core event.
Catherine’s first solo appearance since her third pregnancy announcement was on October 31, 2017, at the Lawn Tennis Association. The Duchess of Cambridge was wearing Monreal London Tuxedo pants, Play Brave Clarice Track Jacket, Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit sneakers, and Kiki McDonough Grace White Topaz and Diamond stud earrings.
In November, The Duchess started with a Round table Discussion on Mental Health followed by Anna Freud Center Gala dinner and a visit to Place2Be School Leaders Forum. Then she joined the Royal family for the Festival of Remembrance and the National Service of Remembrance Day. Next came a visit to Family Action followed by The Queen and Prince Philip’s Platinum Wedding Anniversary. The Duchess also joined Prince Wiliam for a Birmingham visit. Catherine made a dazzling return to Royal Variety Performance amid security alert before visiting Foundling Museum. The Month ended with a visit to Robin Hood Primary School.
In December, The Duchess of Cambridge was seen doing some shopping before the Annual Diplomatic Reception. Catherine attended CGM Summit in Manchester before Xmas party at Rugby Portobello Trust ahead of Christmas. Next, she joined The Royals at Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service as the last official event of the year. The Duke and Duchess released a family picture before Queen’s pre-Christmas Lunch with Family. The Duchess headed to Norfolk after enjoying a Royal Ballet performance.
The year ended with The Duchess undertaking series of engagements through November and December and Christmas at the Sandringham.