The Cambridge family was growing, Catherine and William welcomed their first child Prince George in 2013 and enjoyed the first time parenthood. They were nervous, they were worried but they were excited and happy also. The family was looking forward to the milestones of their eldest child’s life in 2014. It started with a first family vacation in Mustique.
Catherine joined the Middleton family with Prince George for their annual holiday on the Caribbean island of Mustique, which also marked George’s first overseas visit.
The Duchess of Cambridge penned down foreword publicly for the first time that month. She wrote for the publication about life as an RAF wife – Living in the Slipstream. The Duchess reflected on her time in Anglesey:
‘I loved my time in Anglesey, but I can’t pretend I didn’t feel anxious when William was flying in challenging conditions. He loved it and I felt incredibly proud of him.’
The Duchess of Cambridge’s first official appearance of 2014 was a visit to the National Portrait Gallery in London to attend the Portrait Gala on February 11. The Duchess wore an ink-blue Jenny Packham gown paired with Cartier necklace gifted to Princess Elizabeth by Nizam of India, Art Deco earrings, and Jimmy Choo Cosmic Pumps.
At the end of February, Catherine became God-mother of Henry, son of old friends of Catherine and William Oliver and Mel Baker. Oliver is also Prince George’s God Father.
To mark mother’s day, a beautiful portrait of the Cambridge Family was released. In the picture that was taken at the window of Apartment 1A, Kensington Palace by Jason Bell, Catherine is seen holding cute chubby cheeks George while William is holding Lupo. Catherine was wearing her Temperley London Rodeo Blouse in the official portrait.
In April 2014, Catherine undertook her first foreign tour as a Mother. The family of three embarked on a royal tour to Australia and New Zealand from April 16 to 25. It was another first for Catherine. She never visited either country before the tour apart from a short stay in Australia during her 2012 tour.
The tour also marked the first public appearance of Prince George since his birth in July 2013.
A look at The Duchess of Cambridge’s wardrobe during the Australia and New Zealand Tour.
In June 2014, Catherine headed to Normandy France with Royal Family to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day. The Duchess chose to recycle cornflower blue Alexander McQueen belted coat from her New Zealand tour wardrobe paired with ‘Salsa’ fascinator from Lock & Co, Sapphire and Diamond Earrings, and Suede black pumps and carried Mulberry Bayswater Clutch.
The next Royal event in 2014 was the annual Trooping the Colour Parade. The Duchess wore Alexander McQueen fauna silk-cotton jacquard Separates with Jane Taylor Ice Blue Hat, Alexander McQueen Stone Suede Clutch, UFO Five Pearl Brooch and Annoushka Baroque Pearl Drops.
Two days later, The Duchess of Cambridge attended the Order of Garter Service at Windsor Castle. She chose Christopher Kane Coat with Lock & Co ‘Sweet Delight’ hat, L.K. Bennett Natalie Raffia Clutch, Jimmy Choo Gilbert Pumps, and UFO Diamond and Aquamarine Drop Earrings.
The same month, we saw Prince George making his Polo debut. The Duchess of Cambridge brought almost 1-year-old Prince George to support Prince William on Father’s Day at a polo match at Cirencester Polo Club. Catherine was a chic mother in Me+Em her Breton Top, J Brand blue skinny jeans, and Sebago Bala boat shoes paired with Cartier watch and Givenchy ‘Obsedia’ sunglasses.
In July, Palace released the portrait to mark the first birthday of Prince George.
The photos were taken by Press Association photographer John Stillwell at the Natural History Museum’s ‘Sensational Butterflies’ exhibition. Catherine was wearing Suzannah Budding Heart Silk Tea Dress with Annoushka pearls.
Catherine attended the events of the Commonwealth Games in Scotland in the same month. Catherine’s sporty personality was seen many times during their 2 days at the Commonwealth games. Keeping her sartorial choices minimum for the first day on July 28, 2014, Catherine chose to wear her London Olympics outfits again that consists of a Zara navy military-style double-breasted blazer, sleeveless blue and white high collar shirt, L.K. Bennett Frome Suede Clutch Bag, her Cartier watch, and Kiki McDonough Citrine Drop Earrings.
On the second day, Catherine chose Smythe Navy One-Button Blazer, blue Stella McCartney Ridley Stretch Dress, Stuart Weitzman Corkswoon Wedges, L.K. Bennett Frome Suede Clutch Bag, her Cartier watch, Asprey charm pendant, and Kiki McDonough Citrine Drop Earrings.
In August, Catherine headed to Belgium with Prince William to commemorate the First World War where she met King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. Another first of her royal journey. Catherine wore Alexander McQueen Cream Coatdress, Jane Taylor Fleur-Ruffle Beret, L.K. Bennett Sledge Pumps, Annoushka pearls with Kiki McDonough hoops and carried grey Alexander McQueen clutch.
In September a piece of very unexpected but extremely happy news came out. The Duchess of Cambridge was supposed to visit Malta on the occasion of its 50th Independence Anniversary. But on September 08, 2014, when Catherine was going to visit Oxford and later on join Prince William, Prince Harry, and Prince Charles on the opening ceremony of Invictus Games, she had to pull back and Clarence House announced the happy news of Cambridge couple expecting the second baby on Twitter.
Once again The Duke and Duchess had to announce their pregnancy beforehand due to Catherine’s health. She was again suffering from Hyperemesis gravidarum – acute morning sickness so had to cancel Malta’s visit making Duke take her place.
Telegraph reported that,
When the Duke was presented with a lace shawl for Prince George in Wellington in April, he told its creator Cynthia Read “You might have to make another one soon”, prompting the suggestion that a little brother or sister for George was on the cards.
Mrs Read revealed: “The way William said it was like he was dropping a hint, letting me in on a secret.”
The Duchess of Cambridge returned to the official role in October 2014 with her first State Visit role. She joined Her Majesty and the royal family to welcome President Tony Tan Keng Yam of Singapore and his wife Mary Chee Bee Kiang for their 4-days state visit. Catherine was wearing Alexander McQueen Gray Coat, a black dress, Jane Taylor hat, Prada Suede Round-Toe Pumps, Annoushka pearls, Mappin and Webb Empress white gold and diamond pendant.
In November, The Duchess was seen at the Royal Variety Performance in stunning DVF Zarita Gown. She paired the outfit with Jimmy Choo Cosmic pumps, Kiki McDonough Lola blue topaz hoop earrings, and Magid Black Beaded Vintage Clutch.
In December 2014, Catherine made another foreign visit with Prince William. The couple visited the United States and attended a charity dinner at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
To mark Christmas, Palace released the first solo portrait of Prince George. The pictures were taken by Prince Harry’s private secretary Edward Lane Fox who used to work as a Freelance Photographer.
The year ended on a happy note with lots of expectations for the new year.
Chapter Five: Duchess Catherine – A Princess for a Princess →