Anchors Aweigh: The Cambridges Take To The Sea For The King's Cup Regatta

It was a day of family fun and sailing as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge hosted the inaugural King's Cup regatta in the seaport town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight. The event was held in support of eight of their charitable causes.

Kate looked tanned with long wavy hair upon arrival.

It marks the Cambridges' first public engagement since they attended the Wimbledon final last month. Since then, they have been on summer break and enjoyed a fortnight on the paradise island of Mustique, with the Middletons, where they celebrated Prince George's 6th birthday. We've seen changes in William and Kate's summer schedule in recent years, mostly due to the school calendar. This summer also saw William and Harry vastly reduce their polo commitments. The polo games are a very effective means of raising significant sums. With the princes stepping back from their 'white trousers' appearances we're going to see other means of raising much needed funds such as today's regatta. The King's Cup promises to be an annual means of supporting charities closest to their hearts.

The regatta was originally due to take place tomorrow, however due to adverse weather conditions it was rescheduled for today. Kensington Palace said: "The eight boats taking part in The King’s Cup will each represent one of the charities that are being supported this year by Their Royal Highnesses. The Duke and Duchess are strong advocates for sport, and have undertaken work both in the UK and overseas to highlight the positive impact that sport can have on the individual and within local communities. The Duchess in particular champions how the benefits of sport, nature and the outdoors can impact childhood development, and lead to improved physical and mental wellbeing for all. Their Royal Highnesses hope that The King’s Cup will become an annual event, bringing greater awareness to the wider benefits of sport, whist also raising support and funds for the causes that the Duke and Duchess support."

The Palace continued: "The King’s Cup, of which Land Rover is Presenting Partner, will take place ahead of the inaugural Cowes SailGP and Cowes Week. Members of the public are invited to watch the race from the SailGP Race Village, which will be free to access and include a 500-seater grandstand. Footage from the race will play on large screens with live commentary, and there will be a number of activities for families to enjoy along the waterfront."

The event saw the Duke and Duchess go head to head as skippers of state of the art Fast 40 boats. William sailed on behalf of his patronage Child Bereavement UK and Kate in support of her early years initiative with the Royal Foundation.

The other six boats sailed for Kate's patronages Action on Addiction, the Anna Freud Centre, Place2Be and William's charities Centrepoint, the London Air Ambulance Charity 30th Anniversary Campaign, and Tusk.

Six well-known faces joined the royal couple to represent the other six charities. Footballer Fara Williams competed on behalf of Centrepoint. Television presenter and historian Dan Snow joined on behalf of London’s Air Ambulance Charity; and adventurer Bear Grylls represented Tusk. For Kate's charities, comedian John Bishop supported Place2Be, radio presenter Katie Thistleton was there for Place2Be and professional rower Helen Glover represented the Anna Freud Centre. Below, the Duke and Duchess with the ambassadors.

The Duchess on the Royal Foundation boat.

There was a very special surprise in store...

...George and Charlotte were spotted watching the action with Michael and Carole Middleton. According to reporter Catherine Wylie, Louis was also there. George was in a nautical H&M t-shirt and a striking Captain's hat.

Charlotte has changed so much over the past year, the four-year-old is preparing to start a new adventure at Thomas's Battersea next month.

Caroline notes Charlotte wore a blue stripe Ralph Lauren dress.

A classic George expression. Doesn't this bring you back to the 2014 Australia/New Zealand tour?

Mike and Carole were joined by a group of parents and other children on the boat.

Embed from Getty Images

George enjoys the sailing with Mike keeping a watchful eye.

The Place2Be cheer squad.

An overview shared by London's Air Ambulance Charity.

The day of sailing was organised with the Royal Yacht Squadron. The clubhouse is located in Cowes Castle and has been at the heart of sailing for over two centuries. Her Majesty is patron of the RYS and Prince Philip is the club's Admiral.

Country Life has a fascinating piece with facts on the club's maritime history:

• The Royal Yacht Squadron was established on June 1, 1815, at the Thatched House Tavern in St James’s, London W1. Originally named The Yacht Club, it comprised 42 gentlemen members, who agreed to meet twice a year to discuss their mutual interest over dinner.
• At first, it was mandatory to own a vessel ‘not under 10 tons’. This was changed to ‘gentlemen actively interested in yachting’ when lightweight construction became more commonplace
• Members’ yachts are awarded the suffix RYS. In 1829, the Admiralty issued a warrant for them to fly what is now the Navy’s White Ensign rather than the merchant Red Ensign displayed by most other UK-registered vessels.
• The Yacht Club became ‘Royal’ when the Prince Regent, a member, became George IV in 1820; 13 years later, it was renamed The Royal Yacht Squadron by command of William IV.

Step back almost a century to 1922 to watch footage of King George V (William and Harry's great-great-grandfather) and Queen Mary at the Royal Cowes Regatta.

There were two races in total. In the first, William finished third and Kate seventh. In the second race Kate's boat was disqualified for starting too early, meaning they came last. William's team took third joint place in the end. The Tusk team led by Bear Grylls claimed first place in the end.

Emily Nash shared a video of George and Charlotte with their parents before the prizegiving ceremony.

WATCH: Cheeky Charlotte! This is a bit dark, but Kate just brought George and Charlotte to wave to the crowd from the window above the prizegiving stage. She poked her tongue out instead!! pic.twitter.com/0IwMChG6Jm

— Emily Nash (@emynash) August 8, 2019

There's a funny moment where Kate tells Charlotte to wave and she pokes her tongue out.

Kate, Carole and Catherine Quinn quickly encouraged another try at the wave instead :)

More from Hello's! Emily Nash:

The winning team were awarded The King’s Cup, a historic trophy first presented by King George V at Cowes’ Royal Yacht Squadron in 1920. Just two years before the video above was filmed.

Below, The King is pictured here at Cowes’ Royal Yacht Squadron in 1924.

Bear Grylls was thrilled to accept the trophy on behalf of Tusk.

As the skipper of the boat which came last, Kate received a wooden spoon. She was a great sport and had a good laugh with William about it.

More from The Telegraph:

'There was competition on the high seas, a comical prize-giving, and one very realistic pirate. In short: everything needed for a fun family day out. So when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge went to work to raise a million pounds for charity in their inaugural King’s Cup sailing race, it was just as well Prince George and Princess Charlotte were on hand to make it a day to remember.

As the Duchess shook her head, compère Dan Snow said: “This is the first time the Duchess has ever finished last in anything, I can guarantee. So you’d better enjoy it because it will never happen again.”

Accepting the winners’ trophy, Grylls spoke of the “incredible work” of Tusk and praised the Duke and Duchess’ “vision and inspiration” in setting up the event. In an unexpected aside, he added from the stage: “And also, Prince George: your first ant you ate today! And that is a great moment. Well done you. What a guy!”

Kensington Palace tweeted "It's the taking part that counts".

It's all in aid of wonderful causes. Well done to all who participated today!

There's very nice footage from the day below.

For Kate's arrival outfit, the Duchess wore the Striped Knit Top by Sandro (with thanks to Caroline). The terracotta, navy and white stripe top features short sleeves and ruffles on the sleeve ends and hem. It's reduced from $190 to $95 at Orchard Mile. 

Kate brought back her LK Bennett Parker trousers. Described as: "Inspired by vintage design, the Parker high-waisted trousers are a modern take on 70s tailoring. Detailed with four buttons across the high waist".

Kate wore her Superga Cotu sneakers. They are available in a number of colours at Nordstrom.

The Duchess accessorised with her Kiki McDonough Lauren earrings.

Shortly afterwards, Kate changed into a King's Cup polo t-shirt and shorts in preparation for sailing. Middleton Maven notes the Duchess wore the Gill Women's Team Softshell Jacket.

And a new pair of grey New Balance trainers. Laura notes they are available in limited sizing, reduced to £42, on the New Balance website.

And Katie identified their King's Cup caps as customised version of the Gill Marine Race Cap.

Did you enjoy the inaugural regatta?

Styling Kate: Your Wimbledon Submissions (Part 1)

Happy Friday!

We're back with an update on the King's Cup Regatta, but before we get to that, here's our first batch of stylists' looks suggesting possibilities for the Duchess to wear to Wimbledon. I was intrigued to see choices for a daywear event, as we've largely focused on white-tie banquets in previous years and as always you all shared stylish, elegant ideas perfect for a day of summer tennis at the iconic tournament. I've always enjoyed Kate's choices for Wimbledon; she's worn a selection of beautiful dresses in recent years in particular. I think many of you feel the same and selected silhouettes and designs we know Kate favours. There are also fabulous looks featuring separates and jumpsuits, and of course eye-catching accessories and drool-worthy shoe choices.

Miol Mór - Through her fabulous blog Subliminal Insouciance, Miol Mór shared the very first submission for this year's Styling Kate activity. "For this Dress the Duchess Challenge I picked a dress from the 2019 Maticevski Spring Collection which, again, is white based albeit, this time, with the barest of blue and lavender accents. The jewelry is amethyst, as are the lenses of the Bottega Veneta sunglasses (You might have heard my squee when I found them, it was indecently loud ~ sorry for that!). An Eli Saab scarf because I just love how it brings all the colors together, plus black-and-white shoes (internet) and handbag (Staud).  Having my fingers tightly crossed that this latest try will get me the craved invitation to the Tournament! And if so, I'll be wearing ...the Badgley Mischka ensemble...perhaps."

Kelly C - "I told myself I was gonna sleep on my outfit choice before posting but I just couldn’t wait! This was so much fun last year so I’m excited to do it again this year! Anyways, my choice seems to be right up Kate’s alley but I don’t think Wimbledon is the place that we’re gonna see her try a new style." Kelly chose the LK Bennett Glenda Wallpaper Print Cotton Midi dress which is described as a nod to the classic fifties sun dress. It's styled with Alexandre Birman Clarita Tie Strap Sandals, the Strathberry Midi Tote in navy, Kate's Cartier watch, and Kiki pearl drops with blue topaz studs and diamonds.

Lady West - "I chose a white dress from Elie Tahari along with Jimmy Choos and Kiki McDonough earrings. The Jimmy Choos are a cobalt blue. I've noticed that Catherine has several pairs of green Kiki earrings. I'm suggesting the green with the white dress and blue shoes to highlight the Wimbleton bow she wears to the matches."

Ruth - Ruth chose Roland Mouret's soft pink Ardmore panelle asymmetric crepe midi dress from the pre-AW19 Collection. A vibrant splash of colour in the form of pink neon Steve Madden Daisy pumps, a pink croc bag and Kiki McDonough special edition morganite earrings in white diamond flower design complete the look.

Alaina from NJ - Alaina styled a separates look for the Duchess featuring a straight cut sleeveless H&M blouse, Erdem's Zennia rose-print jacquard flounced midi skirt. The look is accessorised with Kate's Schutz Dollie sandals, the Loewe Gate Crossbody Bag, Kate's Mappin and Webb pendant and Kiki morganite earrings.

Katie Beth - Katie Beth would love to see Kate wearing LK Bennett's striped Maria Blue Cream dress featuring fitted long sleeves in soft, premium jersey. The dress is styled with the colourful Nine West Pruce Ankle Strap Sandals is raspberry, Kate Spade's Romy medium satchel, Links of London sterling silver and pave round stud earrings and their Hope sterling double drop necklace. Kate's Ray Ban wayfarers complete the look.

Pam from Boston - "This comes at a time of year that's busy for me unfortunately and I don't have a lot of time to really look, so I went directly to one of the designers that I love - Erdem. If not always the designs themselves, I do love the patterns (for the most part) but they tend to be large and dark, not appropriate for Wimbledon, so I went there looking to see if there isn't something in a lighter color and a smaller print, and happily found the very pretty Finn Dress Floral Embroidered Crepe.  I think this dress is very Kate....the neckline, the cap sleeves. I would shorten it somewhat to make it a bit more summery. Other than that I think it's perfect for Wimbledon." The dress is styled with Sam Edelman Botanical Gardens sandals, a Botkier handbag without the shoulder straps and Kate's Ray Ban wayfarers.

Camilla from Italy - "My suggestion for a day at Wimbledon: the bespoke Alexander McQueen white eyelet suit dress (v-neck, short sleeves, little peplum, full skirt, belt) Kate wore in Singapore during the 2012 tour. I find this the most perfect of her dresses for Wimbledon, for I think it has it all: it's white, light, feminine, elegant but not too stiff, appropriate for a Patron but also easy for a fan having fun watching sport, and the full skirt reminds one of vintage tennis skirts. It's perfectly tailored but a very summery and comfortable cotton, so both royal and sporty. To be accessorized with purple and green, Wimbledon's colours, and obviously her official brooch."

Miss Lucas - "I loved this year's blue dress so much that I decided she should make that she should wear more of the same and since I also love vintage Kate I love this 40's inspired dress by Bernadette." The Florence gingham silk satin midi dress is styled with a pair of Kate's green Kiki earrings, Christian Louboutin Décolleté 554 85 suede pumps and the Palmette embellished clutch to echo the green hues of Wimbledon.

April Girl - April Girl chose the asymmetric multi striped Raya dress from Reiss. The flowing midi dress is teamed with Alexandre Birman Clarita Bow-Embellished sandals, Aspinal of London's small quilted Lottie bag, Kate's Oscar de la Renta Pearl Sun Star earrings and her Cartier watch. Kate's hair would be styled in a sleek ponytail.

Anonymous - "The beautiful eyelet dress that the Duchess wore at the zoo in Sydney with Prince William and Prince George, with a pair of her beautiful green gem earrings as a bid to the colours of Wimbledon."

Sonja from Bavaria - Sonja chose a white Ted Baker skater dress with floral embroidery because "it's the best colour against the lawn". The dress is accessorised with Kate's Catherine Zoraida Double Leaf earrings, a matching bracelet by the jeweller, a splash of vibrant colour with Kate's red Miu Miu bag and the Aldo Nicholes block heel shoes the Duchess debuted at the tournament this year.

Meredith in Boston - We chatted about our stylists opting for a look that would be very fresh for the Duchess. Meredith was the first this year to select a jumpsuit for Kate. "I would love to see Kate try the jumpsuit trend. This flowing Erdem in a striking print looks like a dress at first glance. I would pair it with her Victoria Beckham Quincy “Wimbledon bag,” Office Nina block heel sandals and Bulgari sunglasses, and Diana’s sapphire and diamond earrings."

Louise London - Louise would love to see Kate in the the Diane von Furstenberg Eloise printed silk crepe wrap maxi dress. The abstract print design is teamed with flamingo pink Alexandra Birman Clarita sandals, and the medium laser cut Alaia tote. The look is completed with pieces of jewellery from Asprey including Kate's Oak Leaf earrings, and charm necklace with the addition of the blue butterfly charm.

Caroline in Montana - Caroline chose a sleeveless soft pink and white stripe dress by one of Kate's go-to designers, Emilia Wickstead, for the tournament. It's accessorised with Kiki morganite cushion cut earrings, Kate's black Stuart Weitzman clutch, Prada cutout pumps, Cartier watch, black sunglasses and Kate's Wimbledon bow. The Duchess would wear her hair down in a centre part.

Ana B from Brazil - Ana selected a colourful, floral red and green Dolce & Gabbana dress with a square neckline and pleated skirt. It's styled with a pair of Schutz block heel sandals, the Gucci Bamboo top handle bag and completed with a pair of Effy diamond and emerald hoop earrings.

Kristen in Austin - "I would love to see her in a jumpsuit, because I think she could pull it off. Wimbledon would be a good place to try something a little more fun and carefree." The LK Bennett navy and white Diana jumpsuit would be worn with Kate's Superga Cotu sneakers, Victoria Beckham Quincy bag, Cartier watch and Asprey jewellery.

If you would still like to post a look, you can do so until Monday by leaving a comment on this post.

*************

Next Friday morning, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will go head to head for the inaugural King's Cup Regatta in support of eight charitable causes. 

The Palace revealed: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will compete against one another and six other teams in state of the art Fast-40 boats. The regatta will include a number of races, and will begin at 1000hrs. The winning team will be awarded The King’s Cup trophy at a public prize giving ceremony in the early afternoon, held at the SailGP Race Village along Cowes seafront towards Egypt Point. The King’s Cup, of which Land Rover is Presenting Partner, will take place ahead of the inaugural Cowes SailGP and Cowes Week. Members of the public are invited to watch the race from the SailGP Race Village, which will be free to access and include a 500-seater grandstand. Footage from the race will play on large screens with live commentary, and there will be a number of activities for families to enjoy along the waterfront."

Today, the Palace confirmed Kate's boat will sail on behalf of her early years initiative with the Royal Foundation and William's in support of his patronage Child Bereavement UK. They will be joined by six well-known faces from television and sport, including British adventurer Bear Grylls.

More from The King's Cup website:

'The Duke’s four causes include Child Bereavement UK, Centrepoint, London’s Air Ambulance Charity 30th Anniversary Campaign, and Tusk. His Royal Highness will compete on behalf of Child Bereavement UK; Fara Williams will represent Centrepoint; Dan Snow will compete on behalf of London’s Air Ambulance Charity; and Bear Grylls will represent Tusk. 

The Duchess will support four of her patronages: Action on Addiction, Place2Be, the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, and The Royal Foundation in connection with Her Royal Highness’s work on Early Years. The Duchess will compete on behalf of The Royal Foundation, and will be joined by John Bishop for Action on Addiction, Katie Thistleton for Place2Be, and Helen Glover for the Anna Freud Centre.'

 It should be a terrific day in aid of very worthy causes.

Styling Kate: It's Time to Style Kate for a Day at Wimbledon!

It's that time of year again! With the Cambridges currently holidaying in Mustique and the August summer break ahead, it's the perfect time of year to ask you to indulge your inner stylist and create your dream look for the Duchess. The annual blog activity has seen readers submit a plethora of stunning looks for red carpet events, Royal Ascot and several State banquets. This year, I thought it would be fun to choose a daywear event. This year, we're going to choose looks for Wimbledon.

Wimbledon is a wonderful opportunity for guests to select a stylish ensemble for a day of courtside action. The fortnight of tennis is one of Kate's summer calendar highlights, and she tends to choose midi and knee length dresses from her favourite designers. As matches can take a number of hours, comfort is key. Is there a particular designer you would like to see Kate wear? Wimbledon White or a splash of vibrant colour? A simple elegant dress, or a separates look? Perhaps a trousers look or jumpsuit? Accessories are key during the tournament. A chic handbag and stylish sunglasses can pull a whole look together.

You can choose high street or designer, or mix and match pieces from Kate's closet.

With the Duchess presenting the winner's trophy at the men's final this year in her role as patron, stylists need to choose a look suitable for attending a luncheon, meeting players, then attending the match with presenting duties at the end.

Brands and Designers:

A sample list of brands and designers if searching for inspiration:

Net-A-Porter The Outnet Nordstrom John Lewis Harrods Neiman Marcus

LK Bennett Topshop Whistles Reiss Hobbs London GOAT Really Wild Clothing

& Other Stories J Crew Roland Mouret Alexander McQueen Catherine Walker

Jimmy Choo Gianvito Rossi Office Kiki McDonough Links of London Robinson Pelham

Aspinal of London ShopBop Saks Fifth Avenue Temperley London Asos 


Before You Get Started:

• Leave a comment with your suggestions. Please include links to the designer/retailer in order for me to obtain images and to share your selection.
• I would be very grateful if you could include the colour of your accessories, as links to retailers can often land on shoes, etc where several colours are available.
• Don't forget to leave a name or a moniker in order to ensure I can appropriately credit your look.
• The look can simply consist of one item, for example, a dress. If you wish, however, you can include footwear, jewellery, sunglasses, a clutch, bag, etc. It can be as simple or as detailed as you want. Remember you're the stylist!
• Feel free to choose pieces already in Kate's closet.
• Please submit one look only.
• Submissions for the post showcasing all looks will be accepted until midnight on Monday, 5 August.

Happy styling. I am very excited to see your submissions :)