Prince George Celebrates 6th Birthday On Mustique

Ahead of Prince George's sixth birthday tomorrow, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge released three new photos of their eldest son to celebrate the occasion. It's hard to believe George is six! I will always fondly think of him as 'Baby Cambridge' due to the excitement in the months ahead of his birth. From those first photos of the future king in his parents arms outside St Mary's to his boisterous appearance during the 2014 Australia and New Zealand tour, to watching him develop into a quiet thoughtful boy, whilst retaining his playful side as seen at Trooping and the polo, it's been a joy watching him grow up.

The images were taken by Kate in the garden at Kensington Palace. It marks the first time George's birthday photos were captured by his mother. The gorgeous photo below depicts George smiling (he's losing his baby teeth), wearing his Nike England football shirt.

The Mail reports:

'The prince has clearly inherited his father's love for football - the Duke of Cambridge is president of the FA and an Aston Villa fan - as evidenced in his white England team top in two of the new portraits.

The Mail understands that while those pictures were taken at Kensington Palace during the England 'lionesses' recent World Cup campaign, the top is one of his favourite items of clothing and George can frequently be seen haring around Kensington Palace with a football at his feet.

In the snap, the future king laughs as he lies playfully in the garden of their home at Kensington Palace - clad in the white England football home shirt.'

George will celebrate the day surrounded by his family for the second consecutive year on the paradise island of Mustique. Emily Andrews reports the family are expected to stay there for a fortnight before returning to the UK. The Palace revealed the third image was taken "on holiday", most likely earlier this week during the family getaway. The Mail reports George wore a £6 H&M polo shirt and stripe shirts.

Last year we discussed the possibility we would see a shift in the family's holiday schedule to accommodate the school one. I expect the Middleton family are there too, and a birthday party filled with fun on the beach and of course cake will be enjoyed.

Sunset on Mustique.

Island life will offer a tranquil break for the family, from picnics and barbecues to relaxing swims and afternoons spent on the tennis courts and in an extensive array of watersports, including scuba diving and sailing. We know this an area Kate enjoys immensely; the Duchess received her PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) qualification on the island several years ago.

The island has been a favourite haunt of William and Kate's since their dating days and looks set to continue to be the location for their annual summer holiday.

George has had a very busy year since his fifth birthday. 2018 was very much a year of weddings, with scene stealing moments from George and Charlotte in their roles as page boy and bridesmaid. 

There was, of course, a moment or two of fun enjoyed before the bridal party followed Princess Eugenie at St George's Chapel. George and his cousin Savannah definitely bring out each other's cheeky sides.

A lovely moment captured as George sat on granddad Charles' knee for his 70th birthday portraits.

There was a festive royal surprise from Kensington Palace with the release of a gorgeous new family photograph of the Cambridges for their Christmas card. The photo was taken in the autumn at their Norfolk bolthole, Anmer Hall. The family were casually dressed in blues, earthy greens and jeans for the photoshoot. Playful George held on to William's shoulders for the shot.

We saw just a peek of George arriving for the Queen's pre-Christmas luncheon.

Some of my favourite photos of the Cambridge children came in May when they accompanied their parents to view Kate's 'Back to Nature' garden at RHS Chelsea. Kate said she brings the children out "rain or shine", and took them for several day's break in Cumbria where they had a fantastic time exploring. Outdoor play and time spent in nature is clearly a big part of the children's lives.

George awarded his Mum 20 out of 10 for her efforts in the garden. Kate was delighted, saying: "How amazing is that?" For all the positive reviews she received for Back to Nature, I suspect it was the reaction from her own children which meant the most.

Big brother George taking a peek with his siblings ahead of the Trooping the Colour balcony appearance. 

Those classic Prince George expressions: "Trooping the Colour? I've seen all this before!" :)

And earlier this month, it was a family-filled day of polo for the Cambridges and the Sussexes. With William and Harry markedly reducing their polo commitments, I do hope we continue to see one family day out each summer. They offer the most candid, relaxed shots of the children. It looks like it was a pretty great day!

The Army in London shared this terrific photo of William and the children at the polo with Irish Guards mascot Domhnall - a familiar furry face from the St Patrick's Day parade :)

Sending Prince George the happiest of birthday wishes! I have a feeling a fun-packed day is awaiting him on Mustique tomorrow :)

Kate in Powder Blue Emilia Wickstead For Epic Federer v Djokovic Wimbledon Final

The Duchess of Cambridge made a stylish return to Centre Court today with Prince William for the Wimbledon men's final between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

The outing marks Kate's third appearance at the championships this year. In her role as patron, the Duchess enjoyed a day of tennis during the first round of the tournament and yesterday it was a girls' day out as Kate, Meghan and Pippa watched Simona Halep defeat Serena Williams to claim her first Wimbledon title.

As a lifelong tennis fan, it's incredibly fun to mix my love of the sport with following the royals. A match made in heaven (no pun intended) for this blogger.

An arrival video. Gill Brook compliments William and Kate on their very well coordinated looks.

Speaking in a 2017 documentary about Wimbledon, Kate recalled her own memories growing up. "I have watched Wimbledon, that was very much part of my growing up. I was really taken by Agassi and Sampras, Ivanisevic and Steffi Graf. Those are my first memories." She said she queued for hours to get into the tournament before joining the Royal Family, adding: "Being able to go into Wimbledon and be part of an amazing atmosphere is special. It inspires young people including myself. Every time Wimbledon is on I am thinking ‘Yes, I could do the same’ and get out the racket. Sadly, not the same results." Kate also revealed she asked her doctor if she could attend the 2013 Wimbledon final when she was eight months pregnant but he told her 'definitely not'. "I was very heavily pregnant. I wrote to him [Murray] afterwards saying sorry for not being there."

The Duke and Duchess met ballboys and ballgirls.

William and Kate arrive in The Royal Box.

Wimbledon is a staple on the Middleton family calendar. Mike, Carole, Pippa and James have already made several appearances this year.

Whilst Kate attended yesterday, George and Charlotte were spotted enjoying a family day out with their grandparents at Englefield Summer Fete. People reports: “They were having such fun going from stall to stall, playing on all the games,” an onlooker tells PEOPLE, adding: “George did pretty well at the ‘crockery smash’ stall. He looked very pleased with himself.” The royal siblings enjoyed several turns on the inflatable bouncy slides, exploring the small gathering as they held hands with Kate’s parents. “They were so cute, and Charlotte particularly was very friendly, politely saying hello to other children. George was running around, exactly like all the other children,“ says the onlooker.

Today, Carole, Pippa, James and his girlfriend Alizee Thevenet were cheering on Roger Federer. I do wonder if Mike Middleton might be on babysitting duty with Nanny Maria today :)

Carole selected a blue print Jaeger dress this afternoon (another great ID from whiz Laura from UFO No More). It's reduced to £85 at John Lewis and Pippa was in a pink print dress.

The Cambridges and the Middleton family are very close with Roger Federer and his wife Mirka. The tennis superstar and his family have visited Kensington Palace and Bucklebury on a number of occasions. Roger and Mirka attended Pippa's wedding in 2017. Indeed, Roger revealed he's been teaching Prince George a few tricks of the trade during a game in Bucklebury. He said George is "already good" adding, "At this age it's all about just touching the ball...same with my boys".

Guests in the royal box included Benedict Cumberbatch, Katherine Jenkins, the Kents and tennis royalty.

William and Kate chatting before the action got underway.

Ready for the final.

Following an epic semi final win against Rafa Nadal, Federer said he never thought he would be in this position at this stage of his career. "Not possible. It's not something you can ever really aim for, I don't think Rafa aimed for 12 French Opens. You aim for one, then two. Ahead of today's match he said. "I never expected to be playing in a Wimbledon final at almost 38. I feel really good. I remind myself I have one match left to go." He also discussed his first Wimbledon win sixteen years ago. "At that moment my career could have ended and I would have retired very happily." Little did the future Prince of tennis know he would continue to become one of the (if not the) greatest players of all time. Today he is fighting for his ninth singles Wimbledon title.

Reigning Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic returned to the iconic tournament this year in the hopes of securing his fifth win. Ahead of the match, he spoke about feeling as prepared as possible at the beginning. "If you're not feeling so well at the beginning, you don't start a match well, you're on the back foot because your opponent is feeling that he has a chance to dominate the play from the baseline." His appearance in the final follows his record 7th Australian Open win earlier this year.

An action packed first set filled with tense moments.

Yes, it was that kind of match..

Former tennis star Stan Smith gave Kate a signed sneaker for Prince Louis.

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Following an epic five hours of tennis, Djokovic was victorious taking three sets.

For the first time, patron Kate presented the winners trophy.

Kate told Roger he was amazing...

...And congratulated Novak on a stunning victory.

Kate with Wimbledon President the Duke of Kent who passed the trophy presenting tradition to Kate today.

Speaking with officials before departing. What a day for the sport!

Wimbledon offers a spectacular array of fashion. Have you even seen more appropriate hats? Outstanding millinery and perfect for the final.

Afternoon tea is served.

Wimbledon shared a look at the All England Lawn Tennis Club under the slumber of darkness.

A quick refresher of Kate's Wimbledon looks this year; for her first appearance the Duchess chose the 1940s inspired Suzannah Wiggle dress. Styled with Gianvito Rossi Piper block heels, Catherine Zoraida earrings and a McQueen belt and bag.

Yesterday, Kate brought back her bottle green Dolce & Gabbana dress styled with her Sicily bag by the brand, Asprey London Oak Leaf earrings and Rupert Sanderson Malory pumps in nude.

Today, the Duchess chose a very pretty powder blue Emilia Wickstead Jordin dress. The £605 piece is described as: "A dress with a straight neckline, twisted strap detail and beautifully pleated skirt."

Laura identified Kate's gorgeous new shoes as the $80 Aldo Nicholes Bone Block Heel shoes.
Described as: "A 40's inspired stacked heel ankle strap pump, swathed in luxurious faux suede, brings a vintage touch to an indisputably must have for the modern girl." They are available in multiple colours on the Aldo website.

The Duchess wore her In2Design pearl earrings.

Her Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.

Kate completed the look with her Ray Ban Wayfarers.

And her UFO vintage clutch bag.

It was an epic day of tennis. Did you watch?