The Duchess in Sandro Paris for 'Back to Nature' Hampton Court Visit!

The Duchess of Cambridge visited her RHS 'Back to Nature' garden at its new home, Hampton Court Garden Festival, this afternoon.

Following its success at the Chelsea Flower Show, the garden was transferred to RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival.

The garden retains its original elements, with a number of additions to accommodate the significantly larger display.

It now includes a bee-friendly meadow, a new pond for children to paddle in, and a hill. The updated design is the result of a collaboration between the Duchess and landscape architects Davies White.

Craftsmen from The Prince's Foundation Jonny Briggs and Jonny Anderson created the waterfall and wooden walkway. Charles' foundation is very much focused on communities, sustainable housing, traditional arts and skills and education.

The Royal School of Needlework created the den's camo net from compostable materials.

The Telegraph reports Kate visited last Tuesday to help with planting:

Kate told Jake Catling, director of the Landscaping Consultants - a bespoke garden construction business which built the garden: "I loved it. So many of them loved hopping over the stone and that's so nice to see." Mr Catling said after speaking to the duchess: "This was just a field and we brought in 18 articulated lorries worth of stuff in and we had a team of up to 20 people to build it."

He added that Kate had requested the path across the water feature for George: "We made the stepping stones because Prince George wanted them. The kids loved jumping across it and it was down to Kate we got that in."

The Duchess visited the site near Kingston in south-west London last Tuesday to help with the planting, and Mr Catling said she had been a useful member of the team. He said: "She was very hands on, it was fantastic. She came and did lots of planting and directing everyone around and got involved in the mulching."

Kensington Palace said: "As part of her longstanding work on Early Years, The Duchess believes that spending time outdoors plays a pivotal role in children’s future health and happiness. Her garden highlights how time spent in natural environments can help build the foundations for positive physical and mental wellbeing that last through childhood and over a lifetime. Features like the hollow log and rustic dens will return from Chelsea, in addition to a new hidden burrow, rolling hill and stream. These environments enable children to develop skills for life through free play, building their confidence, strength, resilience and social skills. In addition to the physical and mental health benefits of being in nature, spending quality time with parents and carers outside has a valuable impact on children’s early development. In the garden, families can explore together and enjoy nature as a playground. There is a pond to paddle in, a bug hotel that provides habitats for all sorts of wildlife, as well as a bee-friendly wildflower meadow."

More from the RHS:

'Sue Biggs, RHS Director General, says: “It’s wonderful this collaboration with HRH The Duchess of Cambridge continues and carries on inspiring families to get together and enjoy the great outdoors and get back to nature!

“The impact of the RHS Back to Nature Garden at Chelsea resulted in a record month for RHS Membership, with over 12,000 people joining us in May to support our charitable work and get outside gardening. This is incredibly positive and shows how powerful this collaboration is, really motivating people to garden, grow and access outside space and nature, which is good for their health and also for the environment and for wildlife.

“RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival has a much more laid back feeling than RHS Chelsea and two children up to age 16 can visit free per paying adult, so we hope lots of families will come and join in the fun, be inspired and then go home and garden together.”

In addition to the 19,500 people who saw the garden, thousands more families will have the opportunity to visit 'Back to Nature. The festival is the world's largest annual flower show, stretching over 34 acres.

The show began in 1990, and has gone from strength to strength since. Loved by horticulturists and families alike, it takes eighteen months to plan each show and two hundred people to build and dismantle it. An average of 140,000 visitors descend each year and spend an average of five hours exploring.

Today is the preview day for Hampton Court Garden Festival.

To mark the occasion, the Duchess hosted a picnic in the garden for children from several of her patronages including Place2Be, the Anna Freud Centre, Evelina Children’s Hospital and Action for Children. Families. Carers and teachers were also invited to enjoy the garden and demonstrate the importance of their role in raising a child.

Nine-year-old Kane from Place2Be said: "It was beautiful. It was very creative. I chatted to the Princess Kate about making smores on a campfire. Kate said there were foxes in the garden which had left half eaten sandwiches." Ruby 10, added: "I thought it was a dream - can't believe I'm really here!"

Kate gave one little girl a helping hand as she navigated the rocks.

This little one really caught Kate's attention :)

Olivia, Henry and Riley from Action for Children’s services loved exploring the garden and dens.

Kate joined the children for a treasure hunt.

A fantastic time was had hunting for insects.

The Duchess with Millie and Miracle from Evelina London.

In a letter to experts revealed in May, the Duchess wrote: "In recent years I have focused much of my work on the early years, and how instrumental they are for outcomes later in life. I believe that spending time outdoors when we are young can play a role in laying the foundations for children to become happy, healthy adults. There are undoubtedly challenges in trying to bring about the transformation that will make positive change for generations to come, and help break the inter-generational cycle of disadvantage and trauma, yet I am inspired every day by the people I meet and am committed to supporting this endeavour. I hope my long-term commitment to working in the early years will help make a difference over a generational timescale."

The Duchess spoke to a little girl about feeling shy. More from Hello! magazine.

'Kate, 37, spotted that Khareesha James, eight, was feeling shy as they visited her RHS Back to Nature Garden and took the schoolgirl into one a fabric-covered den for a private chat and told she likes to hide in them when she is feeling shy.

Speaking afterwards Khareesha said: “I am shy and she said that’s where she goes when she’s shy – in the tent. Her mum Sophia Dowd told HELLO!: “Khareesha is very shy – she doesn’t talk too much to people – and she (Kate) took her over to speak to her. She was really nice with her.” Asked if the moment had helped her to feel better, Khareesha nodded yes.

Khareesha later showed her appreciation for the royal pep talk by presenting Kate with a potted succulent she had decorated with stickers during an activity session at the garden.

Kate also met Millie Allingham, eight, and her mum Nicky, who recently donated a kidney to her daughter at the hospital (sorry, didn’t ask when). Millie said: “I asked her what they (George and Charlotte) like in the garden and she said the waterfall. She (Kate) liked the waterfall and I liked it too. It was shimmering in the glowing light.”

Kate thanked the fantastic team involved in the creation of the garden.

Following the 'Back to Nature' installation at Hampton Court, it will move to its final destination - to form part of a new children's garden at RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey. Many of the plants, trees, hollow logs, dens and the treehouse will become a permanent feature of the garden. We can expect to see Kate visit the garden there, where she will meet the winner of the Blue Peter competition launched earlier this month, asking children to create a sculpture for the garden.

It's been quiet a collaboration and process. It's excellent to see 'Back to Nature' being enjoyed by so many; Hampton Court is a much more family friendly location and many more children will have the chance to experience it.

I'm sure they'll love it just as much as George, Charlotte and Louis did!

Speaking of the Cambridge family visit to RHS Chelsea, Kate chose the same wedges and earrings for her engagement today. Middleton Maven notes the & Other Stories Ruffled Maxi Dress Kate wore for that appearance is available in all sizes on their US website.

A video packed with sweet moments.

The Duchess selected a geometric print dress by Sandro Paris today.

The £260 Printed Flowing Midi Dress is described: "This Sandro dress elevates a classic ladylike silhouette with contemporary prints and unexpected detailing. Falling to an elegant midi length, it features short sleeves and decorative buttons at the bottom of the neckline extending into a defined waist with delicate pleats." The dress is on sale at Harrods.

Sandro Paris was launched in 1984 by husband and wife duo Didier and Evelyne Chétrite. Inspired by her childhood in Morocco and her studies in Paris, Evelyne designs the women's collections. She focused on Parisian elegance, energetic prints and naturally cool pieces. Kate's sister Pippa has been an avid fan of the brand for years. The green geo print of Kate's dress features widely in the current collection. Below, the Short Printed Silk Dress and the Patchwork Printed Long Dress.

As noted above, Kate wore her Castaner Carina wedges.

And £8 Accessorize Polly Petal Drop earrings.

William and Kate will attend Archie's Windsor christening on Saturday. Wimbledon gets underway today, so I expect we'll see the Duchess at the tournament on at least a couple of occasions over the fortnight of tennis.

The Cambridges to Undertake Most "Diplomatically Sensitive" Tour to Date in Pakistan

We've been awaiting news of the Cambridges' 2019 tour for months. Initially, speculation suggested a European trip, but more recently talk turned to a tour of Asia. Last night, Kensington Palace confirmed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will in fact undertake an official visit to Pakistan this autumn at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The week-long tour will mark William and Kate's first joint Commonwealth tour in three years and is expected to take place in October. George, Charlotte and Louis will not be accompanying their parents. High Commissioner for Pakistan, Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, said: "The Government and the people of Pakistan warmly welcome the announcement of the royal visit by Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Pakistan this year. The people of Pakistan still cherish and fondly recall the visits of Her Majesty the Queen to Pakistan in 1961 and 1997. The upcoming royal visit is a reflection of the importance the United Kingdom attaches to its relations with Pakistan. The two countries enjoy historical links which both sides wish to strengthen further."

I thought the announcement a very interesting choice. Firstly, I'm delighted to see a return to Commonwealth visits. Whilst the focus has been on deploying a touch of 'soft diplomacy' and strengthening ties with our European neighbours during Brexit negotiations, it is absolutely vital William and Kate build relationships across the Commonwealth. With Her Majesty, and Prince Charles, we've seen a lifetime of connections forged through these visits. It's not beyond the realm of possibility William could be king and Kate queen consort in a decade's time; they need to be prepared for every eventuality and to utilise these years to the fullest. The Cambridges' previous tours have very much served as an introduction to the Commonwealth, promoted the interests of the UK and the host country, whilst honouring causes close to their hearts. The trip to Pakistan is being seen as a more serious undertaking, with the Telegraph describing it as their most "logistically difficult" and "diplomatically sensitive" tour to date.

More from Hannah Furness:

'The couple, who have not been on tour together for 18 months as the Duchess looked after their third baby Prince Louis, will visit Pakistan in the autumn as they take on a heavyweight role in Britain’s overseas diplomacy. The tour, which the three Cambridge children will not be part of, will see them navigate significant security concerns to celebrate the country’s ties with the UK.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice currently issues heavy warnings against travelling to certain areas of the country, listing recent terror attacks and advising tourists to “avoid religious events or gatherings, public events and large crowds of people throughout Pakistan”. “Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Pakistan,” it notes in official travel advice. 

“There’s a high threat of terrorism, kidnap and sectarian violence throughout the country, including the cities of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi.” Following the ambush of a bus in 2009, test cricket has not been played in Pakistan for a decade.'

Pakistan's Commonwealth membership has been a fraught one; the country left in 1972 before rejoining in 1989. The Commonwealth of Nations writes:

'Pakistan left in 1972, when other member countries recognised Bangladesh, and returned after the democratic elections of 1989.

However, following the overthrow of the democratically elected government in October 1999, the country was suspended from the councils of the Commonwealth pending the restoration of democracy. This suspension was lifted in May 2004, but reimposed in November 2007 after a meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) in Kampala pending the restoration of democracy and the rule of law. CMAG met again on 12 May 2008 and agreed that the Government of Pakistan had taken positive steps to fulfil its obligations in accordance with Commonwealth fundamental values and principles; it accordingly decided to restore Pakistan to the councils of the Commonwealth.'

Around 1.5 million Pakistani diaspora reside in the UK - an inextricable link between both countries. The Telegraph notes bilateral trade between UK and Pakistan is said to be worth £3 billion. Indeed, earlier this month, The first British Airways plane landed in Islamabad as the airline began its first service between the UK and Pakistan in 10 years. It is the first European airline to return to the country in more than a decade. Last December, both countries signed the Prison Transfer Agreement which will give prisoners the opportunity to serve their sentence closer to home and allows them to prepare for their reintegration into their home community when they are eventually released from prison.

Brexit will play a role in the tour, with the United Kingdom firmly focused on trade negotiations. A joint statement released by the Government and Pakistan read:

'With more than 200 million consumers, Pakistan is an exciting market for British business. To support UK companies exporting to Pakistan and for Pakistani buyers of UK goods and services, the UK export credit agency, UK Export Finance (UKEF), support is to more than double to up to £400 million, meaning an additional £200 million to help UK exporters win, fulfill and get paid for export contracts, and Pakistan’s buyers access finance to source high-quality UK goods and services.

Both governments are ambitious, to see more British trade and investment in Pakistan, as well as Pakistani businesses exporting to and operating in the UK. From textiles to pharmaceuticals, engineering and sporting goods, to finance, legal or business services, Pakistan has huge potential in the global economy. We are committed to work with businesses in both countries to strengthen these ties into the future.'

The Times notes:

'William and Kate will go the capital, Islamabad, and are also expected to travel to the cities of Lahore, Quetta, Karachi and Peshawar as well as rural communities across the country on the week-long tour. Sources said the Cambridges’ trip, at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, will “celebrate the close friendship and cultural ties between the two countries”.

A government source said: “Pakistan is a very important country in a fragile part of the world. “The royal visit will be an acknowledgment both of the significant Pakistani community living in the UK and the increasing commercial opportunities that are opening up there.” 

Lahore is both visually and historically magnificent. The country's second most populous city is the cultural hub of Pakistan. The centre of the publishing, literary scene and film industry, it's also home to leading universities. UNESCO World Heritage sites Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens could very well feature in the final itinerary.

The last royal tour to the county was in 2006 when Charles and Camilla visited amid heightened security following terrorist attacks. They enjoyed the sights of Lahore and visited the Badshai Mosque. The itinerary was planned to support the partnership between the UK and Pakistan and promote inter-faith education, sustainable development and young people.

Embed from Getty Images

The late Princess Diana visited close friend Jemima Khan and her husband cricketer Imran Khan in Lahore in 1996 and 1997 to help raise funds for a cancer centre built by Khan. Mr Khan is now Prime Minister of Pakistan and it is almost certain he will welcome the Cambridges to the country, likely with an official dinner in their honour.

Her Majesty has a long history with the country. She visited with Prince Philip in 1961 and 1997. The 22 minute video below from their first visit is a snapshot back in time. Beautifully restored, the music and stunning cinematography reminds one of a classic movie from yesteryear. "A country of contrast of plains and rich farmlands. It's a country where tradition is strong, despite the urge for change." It features footage of the momentous welcome the Queen received, a variety of engagements and the Queen's timeless style.

In terms of Kate's style for the tour, the Duchess will be preparing for a warm climate. I imagine we'll see versatile day looks, possibly including the traditional dress of shalwar kameez (Diana is seen below wearing a gorgeous ivory pearl studded shalwar kameez). I expect we'll see a formal dinner and a couple of evening receptions on the itinerary to formally welcome the couple to Pakistan and celebrate ties between the two countries. There's an array of amazingly talented Pakistani designers we'll be looking at closer to the date.

Embed from Getty Images

For security reasons, I don't believe we'll hear much about the tour until much closer to the date. It is thought child development, young people and mental health will feature on the itinerary. The photos should be fantastic, with cultural landmarks and scenic delights set to be on the agenda. I'm very much looking forward to seeing the full itinerary and the tour itself. It promises to be fascinating.

Kate's 'Back To Nature' garden will be displayed at Hampton Court Palace this week. The preview day is tomorrow, and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see an unannounced engagement for the Duchess.

Duchess Kate Becomes Royal Photographic Society Patron

An unannounced engagement for the Duchess of Cambridge today! Kate visited Warren Park Children's Centre in Surrey this afternoon for a photography workshop to see how learning photography can positively impact young people's confidence and self expression.

The engagement coincided with the exciting news Her Majesty has passed her patronage of the Royal Photographic Society to her granddaughter-in-law. Kensington Palace said: "The Duchess has a longstanding interest in photography, and this patronage will further highlight the beneficial impact that art and creativity can have on emotional wellbeing, particularly for children and young people."

This patronage is the very definition of an ideal fit for the Duchess. For her final year dissertation at St Andrews, a growing interest in photography led her to write about the photography of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland author Lewis Carroll, entitled 'Angels from Heaven: Lewis Carroll's Photographic Interpretation of Childhood'. Kate graduated with an upper second-class degree in history of art in 2005.

Kate adores photography; more often than not we see her images of her children released to mark their birthdays. The Duchess has taken her camera with her for royal tours over the years, including Canada and Southeast Asia. The arts is a growing area of focus for the Duchess - she's also patron of the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Chief Operating Officer of the Royal Photographic Society, Mike Taylor, said:

“It is a huge honour to have the Duchess as our Patron, especially given her personal interest in photography. We know that photography and creative pursuits have such a positive impact for people of all ages, and we are excited to be working with one of the Duchess’s charities in support of their work.”

The Palace added: "The Royal Photographic Society is one of the world's oldest photographic societies. It was founded in 1853 with the objective of promoting the art and science of photography, and in 1854 received Royal patronage from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The Society has over 11,000 members and runs an extensive programme of more than 300 events throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge was made an Honorary Member of the Royal Photographic Society in January 2017."

The RPS exists to educate the public and broaden their knowledge of photography whilst promoting achievement and works of note in order to "encourage public appreciation".

Membership is open to all, regardless of qualification. All that's required is a passion for photography.

The Queen served as patron for 67 years. For her 90th birthday, a striking photo of her silhouette featured on the cover of the RPS Journal.

Kate very warmly greeted Faith Olukoya with a hug.

The Duchess enjoyed chatting with a group of young people.

The visit was connected to another of Kate's patronages, Action For Children.

Kate joined a group of children from the organisation in sessions run by Royal Photographic Society Honorary Fellows Nigel Wilson, Jillian Edelstein and Harry Borden, covering the use of lights and colour. The workshop highlighted how photography can provide "a universal language for young people to express themselves and explore their thoughts and feelings".

More from the Mail Online:

'London-based award-winning photographer Bronwen Sharpe praised Kate's natural ability to capture 'authentic unstaged moments'. She previously told FEMAIL:  'No other photographer would be able to capture the same connection she has with her children. There is a real warmth and love that is present in her work. 'She has a natural ability to capture humanity with a great eye for composition and colour.'

Mike Taylor, the prestigious society's chief operating officer, said: 'It is a huge honour to have the duchess as our patron, especially given her personal interest in photography.'

Josh Wood very much enjoyed his time discussing photography with the Duchess.

More from The Mirror:

'Nine-year-old Josh Evans showed Kate pictures he had taken of the local surroundings at the centre, including a brown leaf set in a puddle. Sitting on a bench in the garden with the schoolboy, Kate said: “Oh wow, you’ve got a real talent there. That’s really good. “Do you like taking artsy pictures like that? I think you are very good, you should definitely keep it up.” After his meeting with royalty, down to earth Josh said: “I didn’t know who she was but she wanted to see my pictures."

Josh’s mother Natasha Evans, 37, from Liverpool, joked about her son not knowing the Duchess. She said: "It didn’t matter to Josh, he gets on with everyone, but in a few years time when he sees the pictures of him and Kate he’ll know how important today was." Ms Evans said her son, who has ADHD and suffered from behavioural problems, has been transformed after being supported for a year by a junior mentor provided by Action for Children.'

The Duchess took over as patron of Action for Children from the Queen in early 2017.

Kensington Palace noted: "As part of her longstanding work on early years the Duchess is on a mission to support organisations like Action for Children that aim to give every child the best possible start in life. Action for Children, who are marking their 150th anniversary this year, are committed to helping vulnerable children, young people, and their families, across the UK. The charity's 7,000 staff and volunteers operated over 522 services in the UK, improving the lives of 301,000 children, teenagers, parents and carers last year." Kate was shown black and white photos from the Action for Children's archives including some of the first children helped by the charity when it was founded in 1869.

A wrap-up video of the event including footage of Kate's chat with Josh.

It was a summery look for the Duchess. Kate wore a print tiered dress with a tie waist for the engagement. Following numerous searches for the piece, the Telegraph's Bethan Holt revealed the dress is by Ridley London.

The Duchess wore a custom version of the Virginia Midi dress. The £449 piece is described as: "Playful and chic, this silk chiffon midi dress features a flattering v-neck, fitted bodice, short floaty sleeves and a flattering a-line skirt with a frounced hem. Lined in luxurious silk, this dress is great dressed up with heels or down with trainers and a biker."

Ridley London was founded by Camilla Ridley in 2010. Speaking about her journey she said: "After the birth of my daughter Emmanuelle, I established British made bespoke childrenswear label Milliemanu. This enabled me to build my brilliant tailoring team and develop relationships with the very best suppliers. After much customer demand for well made womenswear that really fitted, Ridley London was born. Above all, we put personal service at the heart of everything we do at Ridley. We want to build happy and lasting relationships with each one of our customers. You’ll often find me in our London store or on one of our event stands. Meeting, understanding and helping customers is intrinsic to the creative process. All of our stylists are highly trained and experienced, and really understand the subtle nuances of physique, colour, style and cut."

More on the brand:

"No one is quite like you. You're a real one off. A complete individual. From every curve and unique measurement to the way you see the world and the world sees you. It's the things that make you different that make you special. Ridley London is a new type of label, created to help you celebrate your individuality. Every Ridley garment is individually made to order in London from the finest materials and can be tailored to fit you perfectly. Our team of stylists is on hand to help you create a garment to make you look and feel your very best. For seasons to come."

The Duchess teamed the dress with her Castaner Carina wedges. The £90 espadrilles debuted in 2004 and remain a customer favourite fifteen years later.

The Carina style is available in various colours at My Theresa, Moda Operandi and Net-A-Porter.

And accessorised with her Catherine Zoraida Fern Hoop earrings.

The patronage is an excellent choice for Kate. It was great to see Action for Children involved today. I'm looking forward to seeing future collaborations. Kate's look had a very fresh feel to it, and the earrings and wedges made it perfect for June. Kate's hair looks a little lighter and longer which really suits her in my opinion. Ridley London is a new brand for the Duchess. Would you like to see more of their pieces in her rotation moving forward?

In other news, rumours are circulating the Cambridges will undertake an autumn tour. The Mail on Sunday reports the couple will visit several countries in Asia. We should hear an official announcement in the coming weeks.