Kate At Kingston Hospital, Exclusive Black.co.uk Discount & Black Friday Updates

Hello, Hello, I hope all celebrating enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday.

It's time for our annual Black Friday post with an exclusive discount from Black.co.uk and updates on items worn by the Duchess. Before we dive in, a quick update on Duchess Kate's week. The Court Circular records the Duchess spent Tuesday and Wednesday with Kingston Hospital Maternity Unit in London. The NHS hospital aims to make every birth special and ensure hopes and expectations are met. Hello! Magazine reports Kate divided her time between the antenatal, postnatal and labour wards. At this point, there's been no additional news shared by the Palace, but I think we can assume it's linked to Kate's early years project. It's very possible we'll hear more about it during the launch. It's expected to be related to our experiences until five years of age.

Buckingham Palace also confirmed the Duchess will join a host of royals including the Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Anne and the Earl of Wessex for a reception for NATO leaders to mark seventy years of the NATO Alliance. The UK is one of NATO’s 12 founding members and London was home to its first headquarters. William will not be there as he's undertaking a short tour of Kuwait and Oman at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth office next week. We also have confirmation this year's diplomatic reception takes place on Wednesday 11 December. The annual white-tie event is one of a handful of guaranteed tiara appearances. Much like last year, I expect we'll see a nice selection of photos. Do you think Kate will opt for the Lovers Knot or wear another sparkler?

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Once again this year, the team from luxury accessories brand Black.co.uk are offering up to 30% off their collections until Monday. 20% off is automatically applied to the items and readers get an additional 10% off their order with code HRH10 Delivery on UK orders is free, with International Delivery Free on orders over £125. The brand are offering extended Christmas returns until 31 January 2020.

The brand's slogan is 'Give A Little Luxury'. Managing Director Toby Logue travels all over the globe to source the finest fabrics, whilst championing up and coming designers and craftspeople. This year, their animal print scarves are proving particularly popular. Below, the Black and Blue Leopard Print Scarf. Created by a young French designer, the reversible scarf is an abstract interpretation of the classic leopard print scarf. It features contrasting shades of blue on each side.

The Black and Cream Leopard Print Scarf and the Brown Leopard Print Scarf. They are reduced to £54 and £42 respectively with the discount code. 

The Green 'Flying Ducks' Italian Wool Scarf is a striking piece in classic green, blue and russet striped Italian wool dotted with birds in flight. It was crafted in Italy from 100% wool. The shades of green and red offer a seasonal feel.

One of the brand's most popular staples is the Bow Gloves. Made in Italy, they are described as "short black cocktail gloves with an elegant and pristine side bow at the wrist. Made from satin Lycra the gloves are stretchy ensuring a snug flattering fit. They are perfect for weddings, smart day wear and of course the cocktail hour". Below, the gloves in black and navy.

Kate has been credited with bringing back the Headband (also coined the Hatband) as an alternative to the traditional chapeau for royal and family events. They have become a staple in her rotation over the past year. From the Juliette Botterill red style for Archie's christening to a piece from ZARA for the Festival of Remembrance earlier this week, they are a firm favourite in Kate's millinery collection. 

Below, the Black and Grey Cashmere Headbands. They are described as: "Stylish and chic, this cashmere headband is soft, warm and comfortable to wear. Crafted in Italy from 100% cashmere it is designed with a loop which gives the headband a gentle gathered look. Wear with the loop at the front, back or side to ring the changes." They are reduced from £65 to £46.80 with the discount code.

Black Watch Tartan is also a favourite this season, and has long been sported by Kate. She's worn her tartan McQueen dress on a number of occasions. Emulate the look with the Oversized Cashmere Scarf and (not forgetting our male readers) the Black Watch Tartan Superfine Cashmere Cravat Scarf Set from the mens collection. Both are splendid gift options. 

Two tone scarves add a nice pop of colour to a neutral look. Below, the Fern to Moss Cashmere and Silk Scarf in rich fern shades fading subtly to a moss green and the very seasonal Claret to Cranberry scarf.

The Two Tone Grey Wool Cape is a versatile piece which can be worn as a cape or a wrap. We also see the Navy and Grey Herringbone Cashmere Poncho and the Latte Cashmere Coatigan.

Taupe Suede and Leopard Print Ballerina Slippers have a well padded foot bed in plush velour. 

A selection of winter warmers include Ladies Blue Marl Cashmere Gloves, The 100% Pyrenean wool Tricolour Beret made in France, Grey Mid Length Cashmere Wrist Warmers and the Burgundy Cashmere Beanie.

With the return of Downton Abbey for a fantastic movie earlier this autumn, I couldn't help but notice a few pieces in keeping with Lady Mary and Lady Edith's timeless style including the Ladies Chocolate Brown and Caramel Leather Driving Gloves, Cream Cashmere and Chantilly Lace Shawl and Long Black Satin Gloves.

The mens collection is packed with gift options too such as the Black Swarovski Pocket Square, the Navy and Tobacco Leather Driving Gloves, the Grey Cable Knit Slouch Beanie and the Flame Orange Check Superfine Cashmere Cravat Scarf Set.

Don't forget to enter HRH10 at the checkout. Click here to view the full collection.

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In Kate related clothing and jewellery updates, get 20% off Kate's much loved Mirabelle Lolita earrings with code CYBER20

Take 25% off the Missoma Zenyu earrings Kate wore in Pakistan with discount code BF25

The Monica Vinader Siren Wire earrings in green onyx are reduced from £115 to £80.

Kate's J Crew Crystal and Pearl earrings are available with a 40% discount with the code WHYWAIT

The discount code WHYWAIT also works for Kate's Mockneck Supersoft Sweater. The Duchess owns the piece in Heather Loden Green.

Kate's Really Wild Cashmere Mix Cable Crew sweater worn on the 2016 royal tour of Canada is reduced by 30%.

ShopBop are offering 25% off full-price items including a range of Smythe Duchess blazers.

Nordstrom are offering up to 50% off in their cyber sale including a number of brands favoured by the Duchess.

And Bobbi Brown is offering 25% off all orders. Kate wore products by the brand on her wedding day.

Don't forget to share any Kate related deals in the comments.

Kate to Resume Duties Next Week, an Easter Appearance? & Black.co.uk Exclusive Discount!

Hello, hello!

We're back with several bits and bytes to chat about today. The Cambridges have been spending much of their children's lengthy Easter break in Norfolk ahead of term resuming. They were photographed at the Burnham Horse Trials with the Tindalls last Friday. I expect they will return to London over the weekend. Of course, Easter Sunday service at Windsor is a tradition for the Queen and members of the Royal family. This year, it also coincides with Her Majesty's 93rd birthday. I would say it's a very safe bet to assume we'll see them there. Attendance is not confirmed beforehand, as it's a private service and not an official engagement. We first saw the Cambridges join the monarch in 2017. Reporters heralded the couple's appearance as a result of their full-time move to London and increasing responsibilities. Kate sported her cream Catherine Walker coat and a matching pillbox hat.

Last year, the couple travelled to Windsor from Bucklebury where they were enjoying Easter weekend with the Middletons. Kate, who was in her final weeks of pregnancy with Louis, chose her brown Catherine Walker coat and pearl jewellery.

Speaking of the little Prince, Louis celebrates his first birthday on Tuesday. We can expect to see photos, likely taken by Kate, to mark the day. We last saw a photo of him in December when the Cambridge Christmas card was released.

On Thursday, 25 April, the Duchess will resume duties when she attends the Anzac Day service of commemoration and thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. The annual service remembers the Gallipoli landings of 25th April 1915, and all Australians and New Zealanders who have given their lives in the service of their countries. Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance for Australia and New Zealand. It is commemorated as a public holiday in both countries with memorial ceremonies held at various locations. The Duke of Gloucester will also be in attendance.

Meanwhile, Prince William will travel to Auckland and Christchurch next week to pay tribute to those affected by the Christchurch terrorist attack, and in recognition of the outstanding courage and unity displayed by the people of New Zealand during the aftermath. The Palace said: "His Royal Highness’s official programme will begin on Thursday 25th April in Auckland. The remainder of the Duke’s programme will take place in Christchurch, where His Royal Highness will spend time meeting survivors of the attack and their families, first responders, and Muslim community leaders. Due to the nature of His Royal Highness’s programme, a number of visits will not be announced officially in advance, out of respect for the people the Duke will be meeting with."

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In today's retail updates, Kate's Simone Rocha Beaded Drop earrings are available at Nordstrom in several colours.

Kate wore the earrings with her off-the-shoulder McQueen dress for a party at the ambassador's residence in Berlin in 2017. 

Middleton Maven notes Kate's Smythe 2 Button Blazer has been restocked at ShopBop. The $795 glen check/black corduroy, tailored, single-breasted silhouette has a traditional riding blazer feel, featuring a contrast collar, flattering pocket flaps and oversized leather buttons.

In case you missed it, a reader identified Kate's boots at the Burnham Horse Trials as the £155 Berghaus Supalite II Goretex boots.

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Next, the team at Black.co.uk are hosting an Easter event, offering 20% off all their collections from 17 - 22 April. They are offering 'Duchess Kate' readers an additional 10% off with discount code Easter10 during the same time period. (Note: the 20% is automatically applied; to avail of the extra 10% simply enter Easter10 at the checkout). They also offer Free International Delivery on orders over £100.

The luxury accessories brand have updated their collections with the spring/summer seasons in mind, from holiday essentials to elegant pieces for the coming social season; garden parties, a day at the races or a summer wedding. Director Toby Logue travels all over the globe sourcing prints and fabrics. Below the Dorset, Wilton, Chancery and Lombard merino wool and silk scarves. They are reduced from £55 to £39.60 with the discount code.

The silk scarves are a customer favourite. Below, the Floral Bouquet Print Scarf. It is described as: "A riot of country flowers in wonderful tones of saffron, burgundy, pumpkin and sage, highlighted with touches of ivory, characterise this beautifully composed and chic square 100% silk twill scarf. The central floral design is brought together on a black background which in turn sits on an ivory ground.  Created by a talented young French designer this superb quality silk scarf is a good size at 90cm x 90cm and can be worn as a neck scarf, head scarf or bandana. Tie it to your handbag for a stylish hit of colour."

The Cinnamon and Butterscotch Print Twill Scarf.

The Black Shell Straw Sun Hat and the Cream Shell Straw Sun Hat are embellished with natural shells and woven in Bali from straw from the Pandanus tree.

The Crochet Beach bags are also made in Bali.

The Aphrodite Floral Cotton Poncho Cover Up and the White and Electric Blue Embroidered Cotton Kaftan Top.

The vibrant Aruba scarf is described: "Rich vibrant hues, evocative of tropical flowers and sunset, characterise this colour block Merino wool and silk scarf. Ablaze with tones of flame orange and deep fuchsia, the generously sized scarf is designed in four woven panels, two of which are a melange of the two principal tones creating an effect not unlike shot silk. Soft to the touch the scarf is light and warm and a perfect choice for summer. Finished with a short eyelash fringe."

To view the full collection, please click here.