It's a Girls' Day Out for the Wimbledon Women's Final!

It was a very royal girls' day out as the Duchess of Cambridge was joined by the Duchess of Sussex and her sister Pippa Matthews for the Wimbledon women's final between Serena Williams and Simona Halep.

Kate was greeted by AELTC Chairman Philip Brook and his wife Gill.

The Brooks have been familiar faces at the tournament for years, but that is set to change soon as Mr Brook is to step down and hand over the reigns to Ian Hewitt in the coming months.

The Duchess arrived with Pippa over an hour before the match got underway to meet players, volunteers and former champions in her role as patron.

An arrival video.

It marks Kate's second visit to the tournament this year. Last week, the Duchess enjoyed a day of courtside action for the second day of the championships. During the visit, she met Andy Murray, who made a valiant return to Wimbledon to play mixed doubles with Serena Williams (I would have loved to see the dynamic duo make it to the final). Kate watched British wildcard Harriet Dart, before Angelique Kerber took on Tatjana Maria, and Roger Federer won his first-round match. Tomorrow, Kate will be joined by William to watch Federer take on Novak Djokovic in the final.

Kate, Meghan and Pippa take their seats in the Royal Box on Centre Court.

Serena Williams entered today's match knowing it could be a history-making day for her career. A win would have seen the American tennis star secure her 24th Grand Slam singles title, tying with Margaret Court, the only other player to have reached that number. Williams was also competing for her eighth Wimbledon singles title. On the other side of the court, Romanian player Simona Halep was ready to fight for her first singles title at the iconic tournament. After her French Open win in 2017, Halep has been striving for her next major victory. Ahead of the match she said: "I feel mentally strong. We will see what happens."

Ahead of the final, Halep said she would love it if patron Kate attended the final.

Last year, Kate and Meghan attended the women's final together for the first time. Kate had given birth to Louis less than three months previously, and it was just weeks after Harry and Meghan's wedding.

This year, Louis is over a year old and Meghan is mom to two-month-old Archie. It's amazing how much can change in a year.

The trio watch a tense first set.

Meghan and Pippa were photographed laughing and exchanging smiles on several occasions. Meghan attended the evening reception of Pippa's wedding when she was dating Harry, and last year Pippa and the Middleton family attended the Sussexes' Windsor wedding.

The two sisters-in-law were together earlier this week for a polo match with their children. Given their shared love of tennis, it was great to see them team up again today.

An overview of Centre Court.

From the off, Halep took command of the game and displayed incredible tennis skill. She won in straight sets - her first Wimbledon title.

More from Wimbledon:

'History wastes no time listening to those who speak of what is likely to happen. History heeds only those who make it happen – and in the women’s final at Wimbledon 2019, Simona Halep wrote her own name large. The No.7 seed, whose name appeared on no one’s list of likely winners before The Championships began, became the first Romanian ever to win a Wimbledon title.

She stunned Serena Williams, the Centre Court crowd and almost everyone on Planet Tennis to triumph 6-2, 6-2 in just 55 minutes, with a display so resourceful, so near-flawless that there could be no answer.

Two-and-a-half long years after Williams secured her 23rd Grand Slam title at the 2017 Australian Open, this toweringly remarkable woman found she must wait still longer for the elusive 24th crown to equal Margaret Court’s all-time record.
Twelve months ago Angelique Kerber defied her here; few could envisage Halep stonewalling Williams again on the same court – yet she did. In this battle of the former world No.1s, history was written, and history was denied; and the whole was utterly thrilling.'

Applause after the match.

Kate and Meghan talking after the match ended.

Kate placed her hand on Meghan's back, I imagine commiserating with her over Serena's loss. It was a very sweet moment between the pair.

Following her win Simona Halep said: "Thank you for coming everyone from the Royal family." She added she didn't know she would be meeting Kate but added it was "amazing".

Cheers from Pippa!

An overview before Serena and Simona left the court.

It looks like all three ladies had a wonderful afternoon. They all adore tennis, and with Kate's role as patron, Meghan's friendship with Serena, and Pippa's love of the sport, it was an ace day out all round!

From the Kensington Palace Instagram account "The Duchess of Cambridge, Wimbledon Patron, and The Duchess of Sussex attended the Wimbledon 🎾 Ladies’ Singles Final today. Well done to Serena Williams and Simona Halep on a fantastic match, and congratulations Simona on your first Wimbledon title!"

In the video below shared by Gert's Royals, Kate congratulates the champion.

.@Simona_Halep greeted by her mother & Duchess Kate, Patron of @Wimbledon after being presented with the trophy. pic.twitter.com/ENcMCb0HPL

— Gert's Royals (@Gertsroyals) July 13, 2019

Kate brought back her her bottle green Dolce & Gabbana Crépe Embellished Dress. Kate first wore the piece during the 2016 Canada tour. The vivid green hue is gorgeous.

The bottle-green dress features gold-toned buttons down the front, a bow-tie collar, and a ruffled trim along the sleeve seals. The decorative pocket watch detailing is an eye-catching addition to the dress; it's crafted of sequin, crystal, and gold-beaded pocket-watch appliqué.

Kate accessorised with her $1,695 Dolce & Gabbana Pink Medium Miss Sicily Bag, described as: "Structured grained 'dauphine' calfskin top handle bag in 'rose' pink. Carry handle at top. Adjustable and detachable shoulder strap with lobster clasp fastening." She carried the piece for Wimbledon last year. It's available at Harrods.

The Duchess accessorised with her Asprey Oak Leaf earrings.

It appears Kate wore her Rupert Sanderson Malory pumps in nude.

And her Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses. They are available at Nordstrom.

Pippa was stylish in the Anna Mason London Ruflette Sleeveless Midi Dress. The liberty blue flower print dress is available for pre-order for £735.

For details on what Meghan wore, pop over to Mad About Meghan.

We'll see William and Kate for the men's final tomorrow at 2 pm.

A Family-Filled Polo Day Out!

It was a family-filled day out as the Cambridges and Sussexes spent the afternoon at the Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Memorial Polo Trophy at Billingbear Polo Club cheering on William and Harry in the King Power Royal Charity Polo Day.

With George and Charlotte on summer holidays, the family have been spending time at their country home Anmer Hall. Yesterday, the Duchess was spotted with the children at Pensthorpe - a North Norfolk inland haven for nature. The day of outdoors fun coincided with news the Duchess is backing a nature campaign started by children in the UK. In a statement supporting Backyard Nature, Kate wrote: "Spending time in nature can play a pivotal role in helping children grow up to become happy, healthy adults. The great outdoors provides an open playground for children to have fun and learn lifelong skills – from balance and coordination to empathy and creativity – with their friends, their parents, their carers, or their family members. I hope the Backyard Nature campaign inspires children, families and communities to get outside and engage with nature, wherever they live."

Today it was another outdoors packed day for the family. This year, William and Harry have markedly reduced their polo commitments. I recall a Palace aide telling People it was due to "family commitments over the summer", so it was excellent to see the children there.

This little man made his polo debut in style :)

As did his two-month-old cousin Archie.

George checks in on the polo in between activities with Meghan and Archie.

George and Charlotte enjoy a kickabout.

Louis sucking his thumb as Kate holds him.

In a contender for 'moment of the day' Louis decides to (very adorably) try on mum's sunglasses :)

A very sweet wave to Cousin Archie.

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Kate and Louis watching William and Harry.

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Time for a little picnic.

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Hello! has a brief video from the match.

Today's match raised over £1 million for causes close to the princes' hearts. These organisations include African Parks, the English Schools Swimming Association, Fields in Trust, Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund, the Household Cavalry Operational Casualties Fund, the Invictus Games Foundation, Irish Guards Appeal, Map Action, Mountain Rescue England and Wales, the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, Rhino Conservation Botswana, the Royal Marsden, RFU Injured Players Foundation, the Passage and the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust. William's team were victorious in the end.

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was a Thai billionaire businessman and the founder, owner and chairman of King Power Duty Free. He was also the owner of Premier League football club Leicester City from 2010. He was awarded an honorary doctorate as a Doctor of Laws by the University of Leicester in 2016. Throughout his time in Leciester, he was described as a man "whose acts of generosity knew no limits". The Mirror reported: "Supporters were treated to free breakfasts, food, scarves, clappers, flags, free away travel and even free beer. He did anything he could to help enhance their experience. He celebrated his 60th birthday...and marked it by giving away 60 free season tickets to dedicated fans and throwing a party for young hospital patients at Leicester Royal Infirmary, whom he is also believed to have donated £1m to - that on top of another £1m donation to Leicester University’s medical department and a £2m injection towards a new children’s hospital. Srivaddhanaprabha quite simply changed Leicester for the better." Very sadly, he lost his life in a helicopter crash at Leicester City Football Club’s King Power Stadium.

Last November, William and Kate visited Leicester to pay tribute.

The Duchess was stylish in summery pink and her favourite accessories.

Kate wore a past season LK Bennett 'Madison' dress. The floaty and feminine pink silk dress has delicate animal-print tones, and a loose, tiered silhouette. It's been sold out for some time.

The Duchess also owns the piece in purple and orange. She was spotted wearing it in 2016 for a private dinner.

Kate carried the Mulberry Darley bag in ruby red croc. The bag is on sale in several colours on Mulberry's website.

Kate completed the look with her current summer 'go-to' accessories, including her Catherine Zoraida Fern Hoop earrings.

And Castaner Carina wedges.

It looked like a lovely family day out. I expect we'll see Kate over the weekend for the Wimbledon finals.

The Duchess is Pretty in Pink for Archie's Christening

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge travelled to Windsor Castle this morning for their nephew Archie's christening in the Private Chapel.

The service was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby and attended by close family and friends including Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, Meghan's mother Doria Ragland, Diana's sisters Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale, and the chosen godparents and their spouses.

Afterwards, two photographs taken by Chris Allerton in the Green Drawing Room and the Rose Garden were shared with the message: "The Duke and Duchess are so happy to share the joy of this day with members of the public who have been incredibly supportive since the birth of their son. They thank you for your kindness in welcoming their first born and celebrating this special moment. Their Royal Highnesses feel fortunate to have enjoyed this day with family and the godparents of Archie."

A closer look at adorable Archie.

Queen Victoria commissioned the small private chapel at Windsor Castle when she ascended to the throne.

During the terrible fire at Windsor Castle in 1992, the chapel was gutted. Hello! reports:

'The fire, which broke out on the Queen and Philip's 45th wedding anniversary on November 20 1992, started in the original 19th century private chapel when a workman's spotlight accidentally set a curtain alight. More than 200 firefighters tackled the flames, while staff rushed to remove precious works of art from the path of the fire - forming a human chain which included the Duke of York, who was in the castle at the time.

The original gothic chapel, which was added by Queen Victoria, was irreparablydamaged in the incident. It was later redesigned and relocated from the end of St George's Hall to the more practical position within the area of the old Holbein Room. The new chapel has room for just 30 people, with short rows of red-backed chairs, and is rectangular in shape, rather than the irregular shape of the original.'

A detailed painting of the interior of the chapel by Alexander Cresswell following the restoration.

Buckingham Palace shared details of the traditional christening ahead of the event this morning. The baptism took place in the Lily Font with water from the River Jordan.

The silver baptismal font which was commissioned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1840 after the birth of their first child, Victoria, Princess Royal. It was first used at the Princess Royal’s christening in 1841 and has been a feature of Royal christenings since then.

Archie wore a handmade replica of the royal christening robe, made by Angela Kelly, dressmaker to the Queen. The original Honiton lace and satin robe was last used in 2004, with Lady Louise Windsor being the last royal baby to wear the piece. After years of wear it had become too fragile to use, so in 2008 Her Majesty commissioned a replica. It features the same length skirt, elaborate collars and bow as its predecessor. The first baby to wear it was was James, Viscount Severn, son of the Earl and Countess of Wessex. As you can see it's pristine, with striking attention to detail.

More from the Royal Collection Trust:

'This is an exact replica of the original royal christening gown, commissioned by Queen Victoria and first used at the christening of her eldest daughter, Princess Victoria, in 1841. The original, made by Janet Sutherland, was made of Spitalfields silk and Honiton lace. It was worn by 62 royal babies including Princess Elizabeth at her christening held here at Buckingham Palace on 26 May 1926.'

Prince Louis wore the robe for his St James's Palace christening one year ago.

An overview of Archie's cousins George, Charlotte and Louis wearing the gown.

The Duchess was pretty in her pink Stella McCartney pleated dress with bow detail.

It's been suggested the dress is the same piece she wore in 2011 for Prince Philip's birthday dinner, however, I think the fabric is different and the hue lighter. (Click here to see images). My guess is the Stella McCartney dress Kate wore today is the same one she chose for the Queen's pre-Christmas luncheon in December.

The Duchess teamed the dress with her Gianvito Rossi pumps.

The talented UFO No More team received confirmation the Duchess wore a custom-made headband by Juliette Botterill. Kate's piece is based on the Pleated Pillbox hat in red.

And in a touching gesture, Kate wore Diana's Collingwood pearl earrings, the same pair the late princess wore for Harry's Windsor christening in 1984.

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I thought the red and pink a vibrant and stylish pop of colour for the summer occasion. I know not everyone is a fan of the headbands, but the styling with this look worked particularly well for me, especially with Kate's hair down. All the ladies looked terrific and coordinated in whites/creams and pinks. It was a lovely christening.

For more on the christening, click here to view the full post over on Mad About Meghan.