Kate in December 2019

The Duchess of Cambridge started Christmas celebrations with a new Patronage

December 4, 2019December 4, 2019 by Pawanpreet Gill

Duchess of Cambridge became the patron of Family Action

Today the colourful Duchess of Cambridge visited Peterley Manor Farm where she joined families and children supported by the Family Action taking part in Christmas activities.

WATCH: The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at @Peterleyfarm for festive fun with children supported by @family_action as she is announced as the charity’s new patron – taking over from the Queen after 65 years: pic.twitter.com/oHdOm7lKZp
— Emily Nash (@emynash) December 4, 2019

Ahead of the visit, Catherine, today becomes Royal Patron of Family Action. Her Majesty the Queen has passed the patronage to The Duchess having held the role for over 65 years. Her Majesty took the patronage over from Queen Mary in 1953.

Established in 1869, Family Action helps families in difficulty by giving them practical help and support. The charity works with over 45,000 families through over 140 community-based services. Thousands more are supported with financial assistance through education and welfare grants programmes.

Today, Family Action continues to tackle difficult issues facing families – including financial hardship, mental health and emotional wellbeing, social isolation, parenting challenges, domestic abuse, and substance misuse. Family Action celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2019.

Family Action works directly with vulnerable or disadvantaged children and families through both local and national services and support professionals and organisations through training and consultancy provision. These issues can have a huge impact on the stability of family life as well as on the health and wellbeing of all family members.

Today’s visit marked the new patronage. With this now Catherine is the patron of 19 charities and Organisations. During the visit to Buckinghamshire Duchess joined children from Peterborough Pre-Schools chose trees.

It was Duchess’ second visit to the Family Action. Earlier this year, She visited the Family Action’s Lewisham base in January 2019 where she launched the charity’s national support line, FamilyLine. It looks like the handling of the patronage was in pipeline for a time.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also visited the charity’s ‘Family Monsters Garden’ at the Chelsea Flower Show in May 2019. The Family Monsters Project, which encourages families to talk about the pressures they are facing to highlight that these ‘family monsters’ are normal and can be overcome.

About new patronage, the Palace said, “The Duchess of Cambridge has spent much of the last eight years meeting charities and organisations who work every day to make our families and communities stronger. There is a powerful correlation between a parent or carer’s wellbeing and their child’s development, which is why organisations such as Family Action that provide support are instrumental to a child’s future. This new patronage aligns with Her Royal Highness’ longstanding work in the early years, and the importance of supporting children and families during this seminal period of their lives.”

Chief Executive of Family Action David Holmes CBE, who is a member of The Duchess’ Early Years steering group, said,

“Family Action is honoured that The Duchess of Cambridge has become our Royal Patron. Her Royal Highness follows on from Her Majesty the Queen, who was our Royal Patron for more than 65 years. Everyone at Family Action would like to extend our thanks to Her Majesty for her steadfast support and encouragement to us over so many years.
I have seen The Duchess’s passionate support for disadvantaged families first hand and have been impressed by her leadership in understanding and promoting the vital importance of the Early Years. Family Action looks forward to working with The Duchess in the years to come.”

Mary Fulton, the Chair of Trustees at Family Action, said, “

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and everyone at Family Action, I am delighted to announce that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge will become Royal Patron of Family Action in our 150th Anniversary year. The Duchess will assume the Royal Patronage of the charity from Her Majesty The Queen who has held the role for 66 years, having assumed the role in turn from Queen Mary in 1953.
We would like to extend our most sincere thanks to Her Majesty for her steadfast and dedicated support for the work of the Charity over so many years.
We are honoured that The Duchess has chosen to support Family Action’s work by becoming our Royal Patron. Her keen interest, particularly in the Early Years, fits well with Family Action’s provision of high quality perinatal mental health services, pre-schools and Children’s Centres across the country.”

Catherine was in completely mother mode and Christmas mood. Joined by an eager group of children, she helped children pick up their favourite Christmas tree.

She carried the trees for kids. Simon Perry reported that Peterley Manor Farm owner Roger Brill joked “I will have to give her job at the weekend”.

They spend time in Elves’ Enchanted Forest where The Duchess joined children taking part in Christmas activities, including making decorations and eco-friendly reindeer food.

Reindeer food in making. It was full of celebration engagement and we were in for a few tidbits about cute Cambridge kids. Roya Nikkah reported that Catherine told George loves thistles. The family has a Nordmann Fir non-drop Christmas tree at Anmer Hall. She also said Louis “wants to go everywhere” with her.

After finishing their letters to Father Christmas, The Duchess helped post them to the North Pole! pic.twitter.com/qHXtKmLJO6
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 4, 2019

After the letters to Father Christmas were written, The Duchess helped post them to the North Pole.

During the visit, Duchess also met with families and parents. Talking about the pressures at this time of year “Maybe instead of posting on social media about who has the bigger presents, tell people about the real meaning of Christmas instead.”

Now to what Duchess wore – for the festive engagements with kids Duchess was dressed in Christmas colours –Red, Green and Blue.

She brought back her Perfect Moment Mini Duvet quilted down ski jacket that we first saw in February 2017 at London Marathon event.

Really Wild Long Crew Neck Emerald Jumper

Underneath the jacket, Duchess of Cambridge wore Really Wild Long Crew Neck Jumper in Emerald. Thanks to Pop Golightly for the id.

Duchess of Cambridge wore Really Wild Long Crew Neck Emerald Jumper to Family Action Christmas — Really Wild Long Crew Neck Emerald Jumper

The $211.17 Crew Neck Jumper in Emerald green tone features ribbed detailing at the base and cuffs. It’s crafted from wool spun in Scotland.

A closer look at the ribbed detailing. Currently, the sweater is available in all sizes at Crofton and Hall.

Duchess of Cambridge wore Berghaus Supalite Gortex boots — Berghaus Supalite Gortex boots

She was wearing her Berghaus Supalite Gortex boots with forest green boot socks.

Duchess ofCambridge gold Ufo Hoop Earrings — UFO Hoop Earrings

The Duchess of Cambridge finished her look with simple gold hoops that she first wore during a visit to the Scouts’ headquarters at Gilwell Park in March 2019.

Carole Middleton on Party Piece Instagram page decoaring Christmas tree — Party Pieces

In other news, on a very rare occasion, Catherine’s Mother Carole Middleton made an appearance on her family business Party Pieces’ Instagram page. The picture was posted with a caption saying, “Working next door to a Christmas tree farm means we had the pick of the best Xmas trees!”

Next, we will see Duchess on December 11 at the annual Diplomatic Reception.

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Duchess of Cambridge Joined the Queen and Prince of Wales to welcome the NATO Leaders

December 4, 2019December 3, 2019 by Pawanpreet Gill

Duchess of Cambridge wore Green Alexander McQueen for NATO Reception at Buckingham Palace

Tonight, Queen Elizabeth is hosting a reception for NATO leaders and their partners at Buckingham Palace. The Queen is joined by Prince Charles of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duchess of Cambridge and other royals to welcome the NATO leaders. Prince William is on an official visit to Kuwait and Oman so he won’t be attending the reception.

Duchess of Cambridge wore to NATO Reception in London — The Royal Family Twitter

Allied Heads of State and Government are gathering in London to commemorate the 70th anniversary of NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Joining them are The Earl of Wessex, Princess Royal, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra. From Wikipedia,

On 4 March 1947, the Treaty of Dunkirk was signed by France and the United Kingdom as a Treaty of Alliance and Mutual Assistance in the event of a possible attack by Germany or the Soviet Union in the aftermath of World War II. In 1948, this alliance was expanded to include the Benelux countries, in the form of the Western Union, also referred to as the Brussels Treaty Organization (BTO), established by the Treaty of Brussels. Talks for a new military alliance which could also include North America resulted in the signature of the North Atlantic Treaty on 4 April 1949 by the member states of the Western Union plus the United States, Canada, Portugal, Italy, Norway, Denmark and Iceland.

NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance between 29 North American and European countries. The organization implements the North Atlantic Treaty that was signed on 4 April 1949. Since its founding, the admission of new member states has increased the alliance from the original 12 countries to 29 with North Macedonia in the process of becoming the 30th member state.

Duchess of Cambridge joined Queen Elizabeth at the NATO reception — Embassy of Canada US Twitter

In 1949, the United Kingdom was one of NATO’s twelve founding members and London was the home of NATO’s first headquarters. Leaders will take decisions to further strengthen the Alliance and continue its adaptation.

Duchess of Cambridge attended NATO Reception — The Royal Family Twitter

Duchess of Cambridge talking to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau whom she met during 2016 Canada visit.

A lovely shot of Queen meeting with the guests.

Embed from Getty Images

For the evening, the Duchess of Cambridge wore a green dress. Her outfit causes a bit of confusion. Initially, it was thought that Catherine chose a bespoke Emilia Wickstead crepe de Chine dress.

Duchess of Cambridge wore Emilia Wickstead Autumn pleated high-neck crepe midi dress to Nato Reception — Emilia Wickstead Autumn pleated high-neck crepe midi dress

But then Daily Mail reporter Rebecca English got the confirmation that the dress was actually Alexander McQueen number.

Musicroyal on twitter shared this picture that shows the dress.

Catherine’s dress featured high-neckline, front placket, shirt-style cuffed sleeves with slightly padded shoulders and a pleated skirt.

Catherine paired her dress with Queen’s Diamond Pendant Earrings.

Embed from Getty Images
Duchess of Cambridge will next attend the Diplomatic Reception on December 11.

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A Royal Berry Christmas – The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined Mary Berry for BBC Christmas special

December 1, 2019December 1, 2019 by Pawanpreet Gill

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined Mary Berry at BBC Christmas Special

This Christmas the Christmas feast is going to be a Royal one. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have joined cooking legend, Mary Berry, for a new BBC Christmas special. The royal couple along with Mary Berry will serve a festive feast to thank the people from their charities, who are spending their Christmas helping others.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met with the Tusk Convservation nominees and finalists — Kensington Palace

Last week it was reported that the Duchess of Cambridge hosted this year’s first Christmas party at the Rosewood Hotel London for the Midwives. Mary planned the recipes for that party too. On November 07, the Duchess visited BBC’s Broadcasting House in central London to meet director general Tony Hall after launching Emergencies Trust Launch.

In the forthcoming special ‘A Berry Royal Christmas’ that will be aired on BBC at 8:30 PM on 16 December, the show will have the royal couple and the celebrated chef on the terrace of Swedish-inspired Elyx Chalet hotel preparing food that has a special treat – Christmas Meringue Roulade. They were also joined by the former Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain.

Announcing the new show, the BBC said: “Throughout the programme, Mary will also be cooking some of her favourite Christmas recipes for viewers to try out at home as she helps prepare the festive food for a very royal event to thank all those working and volunteering over the Christmas period.”

The food will be served to the volunteers and staff of various charities supported by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge including nurses, emergency services workers, staff from a mother and baby unit and armed forces personnel. From Hello!

“The Duke and Duchess were joined by Mary on several different engagements over the past couple of months and showed her some of the charities and patronages close to their hearts to explain a bit about why they do what they do. They wanted to show her why they care so much about these organisations and Mary comes up with ideas for recipes for the event.”

Known as the Queen of TV Cookery, Mary accompanied William and Catherine on four of their engagements this year, where they showed showing Mary the work of several charities they are involved with. The show will have moments from those visits. Talking about her work with the royal couple, Mary said she is honoured to be invited to join them,

“It will be truly special to see the causes so close to their hearts, as well as to hear all about the amazing support these charities provide. The finale is a big Christmas party and I will be cooking up a feast for them to enjoy. A-one hour Christmas special not to be missed..

Among the visits are Catherine and Mary visiting the Brink in Liverpool, the U.K.’s first dry bar, which was set up by Catherine’s charity Action on Addiction. Duchess is said to be a long time fan of British Cookery Queen Mary and a long-time viewer of The Great British Baking Show. Mary was a judge on that show.

Another activity involves Catherine and Mary, working behind the scenes at the Royal Horticulture Society’s Wisley Garden that was inspired from Duchess’ ‘Back To Nature’ Garden, to learn more about The Duchess’s commitment to the early years in raising the next generation of happy, healthy children. Both were seen icing cupcakes for young guests invited to the garden’s opening. As per Hello!!, “A source said of the royal TV appearance, thought to be the Duchess’s most substantial one to date: “It’s heart-warming. The conversations they have to pull on the heartstrings. “You get a really good sense of who she is – maybe more so than before.”

Duchess of Cambridge opened back to nature garden at RHS Wisley wearing Emilia Wickstead floral dress — Kensington Palace Instagram

The Duchess of Cambridge designed RHS ‘Back to Nature Garden’ earlier this year to encourage families to spend time outdoors. The Garden was displayed at RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May, then Hampton Court in July, then in Surrey in September this year where she was also joined by Mary there.

The Duke of Cambridge and Mary Berry visited Passage Charity to meet some of the 130,000 people helped by the charity’s resource centre, homelessness prevention projects and two innovative accommodation services. Passage Charity is the U.K.’s largest resource centre for homeless and insecurely housed people.

From Victoria Murphy’s report, Charlotte Moore, Director BBC Content, said the “extra special festive show…shines the spotlight on the staff and volunteers from charities and organisations who dedicate their time over Christmas.” She described it as: “Full of inspiring stories, festive food and Christmas cheer.”

Continuing from Hello!

In a conversation between Mary and William, filmed during a secret visit to the homeless charity The Passage last month, the future king paid tribute to his parents and grandparents for their charity work over the years. Asked where his own motivation to help came from, the Duke said: “Growing up both of my parents were hugely charitable. My father set up the Prince’s Trust. He’s involved in so many different organisations. My mother has done her work with homelessness and as you said AIDs and other charities and I think I’ve grown up in a household which has been very much a case of ‘well, we’re very lucky – you must give back.’
“And you know, my grandmother becoming Queen at a very young age, in the days when it was a man’s world, it was very difficult for her to … make a difference. And she’s done it. In her own very unique, distinct way, and you know, my grandmother and my grandfather together are the epitome of public service. And I personally get a lot out of helping people. I find that you hear and you understand and you learn so much more by giving a bit of your time, a bit of your day, to just be around.”

Duchess of Cambridge appeared in BBC Children's Show Blue Peter — CBBS Twitter

This is not the first time we are seeing Duchess on TV. Earlier in June, Catherine joined Kids and Families on CBBC’s Children’s show, Blue Peter. We have seen the Duke and Duchess trying their hand at cooking a few times in past. You must remember when they helped to prepare soup and bread for young people helped by homeless charity Centrepoint in November last year.

Duchess of Cambridge wore Alessandra Rich's silk polka dot dress during the BBC A Berry Royal Christmas — Alessandra Rich’s silk polka dot dress

In the pics that were released by Palace today, we saw Duchess of Cambridge in two different outfits. In the pics from the upcoming show, Catherine is wearing a very festive dress. She is wearing a modified version of Alessandra Rich’s silk polka dot dress.

The $1588 dress is described on Matches Fashion as, “Alessandra Rich’s whimsical sensibility shines through in this dress, a standout piece in her AW19 lookbook. Crafted in Italy from lightweight silk, it’s printed with small polka dots and petals and has structured padded shoulders that are offset by the feminine keyhole neckline and the pleated skirt falls to a sweeping midi length. Wear it with red accessories for a vibrant daytime look.”

Catherine’s dress has a neckline of the label’s Dotted silk midi dress that was featured on Elbe Couture House’s August post here. The dress is currently retailing at $952.

A closer look at the pattern.

It looks like Duchess of Cambridge is wearing Diamond and Pearl earrings.

In the picture where Duchess was visiting Dry Bar, she is wearing a jersey knitted top and a skirt what looked like a grey or dark blue colour topped with a black belt and black suede boot. I will update the post when more details are available.

Next, we will see the Duchess of Cambridge on December 03 at the NATO reception.

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