The Cambridges Join The Queen For Easter Service

It's been a glorious Easter weekend, the sun is shining, spring flowers are in full bloom and in keeping with tradition, the Queen and a large gathering of family members attended church service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. As hoped for, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined the monarch this morning.

It marks the third consecutive year the couple have attended the Windsor service.

It's been a quiet month for the Cambridges, who have been enjoying George and Charlotte's Easter break at their country home, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk. They were spotted at the nearby Burnham Horse Trials with the Tindalls. Mike and Zara were also in attendance today. The family will return to Kensington Palace after the weekend ahead of term commencing at Thomas's Battersea on Wednesday, and Charlotte's nursery Willcocks. Before that, Louis will celebrate his first birthday on Tuesday. The Duchess will resume duties on Thursday, with an appearance at the ANZAC Day service at Westminster Abbey.

On Easter Sunday last year, Kate told a group of little girls George and Charlotte had a ball at an Easter egg hunt that morning; I'm sure the Cambridge children did the same today.

Today has additional significance for the Royal family, as it's Her Majesty's 93rd birthday.

A curtsy from the Duchess.

Just days away from welcoming Baby Sussex, Prince Harry was in fine form chatting to Zara and Autumn Phillips.

An arrival video of the royal party. Prince Andrew, Princess Beatrice and the Wessexes and Princess Anne's family were also present.

St George's Chapel is a 14th century building located in the lower ward of the castle.

The chapel has been the site of many royal weddings, including the weddings of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank last year. The chapel is also home to the annual Order of the Garter ceremony held in June. Within the Chapel are the tombs of ten monarchs, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour, and Charles I.

More on the history of the chapel:

'In 1348, King Edward III founded two new religious colleges: St Stephen's at Westminster and St George's at Windsor. The new college at Windsor was attached to the Chapel of St Edward the Confessor which had been constructed by Henry III in the early thirteenth century. The chapel was then rededicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Edward the Confessor and St George the Martyr. Edward III also built the Aerary Porch in 1353–1354. It was used as the entrance to the new college.

The Quire of St George's Chapel, by Charles Wild, from W.H. Pyne's Royal Residences, 1818. St George's Chapel became the Mother Church of the Order of the Garter, and a special service is still held in the chapel every June and is attended by the members of the order. Their heraldic banners hang above the upper stalls of the choir where they have a seat for life.'

The Evening Standard reports:

'In his sermon, the Dean did not mention the royal birthday but discussed the Easter message of love and the terrible fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris last week. He also read from Easter poetry by the Christian socialist Charles Kingsley, author of The Water Babies, whose birth 200 years ago will be celebrated in June.

After the service, the Queen and her family went for drinks in the Deanery before leaving from separate exits. As the monarch returned to her car at the Galilee Porch, the crowd -members of the public let in to watch and some of the congregation - sang Happy Birthday, as she was given flowers by two boys, Rufus Travers-Brown and Edward Bland, the sons of lay clerks (adult choristers) at the chapel.'

The Duke and Duchess departing.

In his Easter message this year, Prince Charles called for an end to the "pervasive horror" of knife crime. More from the Telegraph:

'Writing of Easter as a celebration of the triumph of lightness over dark, Prince Charles has now called for those who commit “brutal deeds” to be brought to their senses through justice and the “extraordinary power” and gift of forgiveness.

Saying “there are times when it can feel as if the light has gone out of the world and darkness reigns, the Prince, who will one day be head of the Church of England, says: “Easter gives us hope. Throughout my own life, it has been a humbling experience to meet and to listen to people who have suffered the most terrible personal tragedies,” he writes.

“The way they have grieved and turned their grief into action to help others in the most extraordinary way is an example of the light overcoming the darkness. Recently, Prince Harry and I brought together some of those who have been affected by knife crime to see what more could be done to tackle this pervasive horror. Listening to those who have suffered from such attacks filled us both with immense sadness.

“But their remarkable determination to move forward and address the causes of such crime and to find solutions was, for me, yet another example of the light shining in the darkness.” He adds: “Of course, those who commit such brutal deeds need to face up to their crimes through being brought to justice.

“However, very often it is not the punishment that brings them to their senses and changes them, but rather the extraordinary power of the forgiveness from those they have hurt.”

In 2017 and 2018, the Duchess repeated classic Catherine Walker coats for Easter Sunday.

Today, Kate brought back her very popular dove grey Alexander McQueen coat, first worn for Easter Sunday service at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney, in 2014. Several of you mentioned you would love to see the elegant piece again. It's a great choice for the occasion.

Kate repeated the matching grey Jane Taylor hat.

Kate accessorised with her gorgeous Robinson Pelham wedding earrings. Michael and Carole Middleton had the earrings commissioned as a gift in 2011. Their design is derived from the acorn and oak leaves which form part of the Middleton family coat of arms, and they perfectly complement the 'Halo' tiara, echoing the scroll elements in the design. The £15K earrings are made of 18 karat white gold and diamonds in the form of a curled diamond set oak leaf top and a pear-shaped diamond set drop with a central articulated pave set diamond acorn.

And her Acorn brooch. Kate's worn the piece on a number of occasions since 2012. I expect it's also a Robinson Pelham piece.

A closer look at the brooch from Christmas Day 2015.

Kate teamed the look with the soft grey Emmy London Rebecca Cinder Pointed Court shoes and matching clutch.

Below, a wooden egg with a portrait of HM given to the monarch by the Ambassador of Ukraine, Volodymyr Khandogiy. It's one of a number of ornate eggs she's been given over the years. Wishing the Queen the happiest of birthdays! I'm sure it will be a splendid day surrounded by loved ones.

We'll see you tomorrow or Tuesday for Prince Louis' first birthday photos. Wishing you all a very Happy Easter :)

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.

It's a Norfolk Day Out at the Burnham Horse Trials for the Cambridges!

It was a fun-filled day out at the Burnham Horse Trials in Norfolk for the Cambridges and the Tindalls. William and Kate took George and Charlotte to watch Zara compete at the popular event. The photos mark the first time we've seen George and Charlotte this year, and George has grown so much. His hair is noticeably darker and he's resembling Granddad Middleton even more as he gets older. Charlotte looked cute as a button in a navy jacket and plaid skirt. The Princess, who celebrates her fourth birthday next month, will be joining her big brother at Thomas's Battersea in September. There's a number of snaps available on the Mail Online. It was shoulder rides all round. Kate carried Charlotte, William carried Mia, and Mike Tindall carried George.

With George and Charlotte on break until the 24th April, it appears the Cambridges have been enjoying time at their country bolthole Anmer Hall. The Burnham Horse Trials are just a twenty-minute drive away. We've seen similar photos of the family spending afternoons at the polo and the nearby Houghton Hall Horse Trials. The event offered the perfect opportunity for the Prince and Princess to spend the day with their cousins. They both appeared to have a wonderful time.

More from the Mail Online:

The Cambridges and Tindalls joined up to watch Zara, a former silver medal Olympian, compete in the trials on Friday.

'Last year Zara, 37, fell from her horse but this time she finished a respectable third and fifth in her events as her relatives cheered her on. Zara, who met her husband during the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia – won by England – was later spotted being given a congratulatory hug by William, 36.

The two families, who enjoy a particularly close bond, wrapped themselves up well to combat the chilly weather, though George dispensed with a coat in favour of a fleece jumper. Charlotte wore a waterproof jacket, tartan skirt and black tights and her father opted for trainers, a flat cap and green anorak. 

An onlooker said: ‘They were just like any other family, enjoying a day out and having a lovely time. There were no tantrums thrown by the kids and they all seemed very down to earth. A few people noticed them, but generally everyone just carried on as normal.'

Princess Charlotte having a ball.

There's additional images available in this Mail Online article. George and Mia appear to be great pals!

Zara has always been incredibly close to William and Harry. I've often said it before, both she and Mike seem to be a very warm, grounded couple. The Olympic equestrian is Prince George's godmother and William is Mia's godfather. For Lena Tindall's Gloucestershire christening last month, the couple chose Prince Harry as one of the godparents. Below, Kate greeting Zara at Royal Ascot in 2017 (speaking of Ascot, the royal summer season is almost upon us).

Not only are the Burnham Horse Trials considered a premiere event where visitors can enjoy watching championship athletes competing on home turf, it's also a family-filled day out featuring over forty shops, a range of activities for children, bouncy castles, bungee trampolines, circus workshops and a long-established dog display. Below, a very brief video from today.

The Duchess was casually attired in her Barbour Longshore Jacket. The £159 piece in navy/marigold is described as:  "The ultimate utility jacket, this piece from Barbour is designed with a funnel collar to keep out the chill, exposed zip front fastening and doubled up pockets on either breast panel. The curved hem softens the structure." It's available in most sizes at John Lewis and Next.

Kate sported the jacket for engagements in Northern Ireland in February.

With thanks to an Anonymous reader, it appears Kate wore the £155 Berghaus Supalite II Goretex boots.

Middleton Maven notes Kate accessorised with her Ray-Ban sunglasses. 

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In other news, there have been several articles recently suggesting the Duchess has been receiving fashion advice from a fellow St Andrews alumni, Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey.

Former Vogue editor Ginnie, is currently a columnist for the Sunday Telegraph and fashion consultant. She attended the royal wedding in 2011 and has been on hand to discuss fashion with the Duchess in recent months.

Emily Nash reports:

'Despite widespread reports that this bold new look has been honed by Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey, HELLO! can reveal that, while the former Vogue staffer has given occasional advice, Kate's much-admired wardrobe continues to be the work of her long-time PA and stylist, Natasha Archer.

Natasha is on maternity leave following the birth of son Theo in December, but she planned outfits for the Duchess ahead of her time away and works behind the scenes as needed. "Natasha has been meticulously organised in her work, styling the Duchess despite her pregnancy and maternity leave," a royal source told HELLO! "She is incredibly loyal and does a great job."

We also have several retail updates to share. Kate's much-loved mahogany J Crew sweater is available in most sizes for £80 at Net-A-Porter (with thanks to Middleton Maven). Kate wore the sweater on her last engagement with the Scouts in Essex.

Kate's Pearl and Crystal J Crew earrings are discounted from $68 to $40.80 for US shoppers with code SALEUPGRADE.

Monsoon have released an updated version of Kate's Fleur Wedges. The £45 Elena Wedges are described as: "Putting a casual spin on warm-weather events, our Elena wedge heels are created with beachy espadrille soles. Their classic shape is imagined in soft suedette for an elegant finish." They are available in navy and red.

I've finally started an Instagram page for the blog. If you would like to follow please click here. There's no scheduled engagement for the coming week, however we should see announcements for late April and quite possibly an Easter Sunday appearance at Windsor on the 21st.

Hope you're all having a great weekend! :)

It's An Outdoor Adventure With the Scouts for Duchess Kate at Gilwell Park!

The Duchess of Cambridge travelled to Essex this morning to visit Scouts’ headquarters at Gilwell Park.

The Duchess became involved with the Scouts shortly after the royal wedding, when she volunteered with them in Anglesey on a private basis - spending time with the group and hosting a BBQ on the beach for them. Since leaving Wales, the Duchess has carried out several engagements with the organisation. The Duchess was credited with an increase in flexible volunteers, with Scouting Magazine writing that Kate's involvement was "a boost not just to the Beavers and Cubs in north Wales whom she will be supporting directly, but to all of us across the UK who are trying to recruit new adults." A former Brownie, Kate has previously said she "very much hopes" George, Charlotte and Louis will get involved when they are older. Her Majesty the Queen is the Patron of The Scout Association, I expect it will passed to Kate in the coming years.

Kate was greeted by representatives from the organisation and young Scouts. 

Kate admired one young boys badges.

Simon Perry reports:

'The royal mom, 37, told young leaders of her hope that her kids will follow in her footsteps, as she was Brownie as a young girl and has acted as an adult volunteer.

“She said she would like them to go into the scouting community because she loves what it stands for — that it’s a very open and inclusive way into life,” said 14-year-old Lauren Noble, who helped show Kate around. “She said it would be a great thing for them to get involved in.”

Noble joined the Duchess of Cambridge as she arrived and admired the youngsters’ badges. “She said it was very impressive that they’d done so much at such a young age and how many skills they could learn.”

“She said she’d like to get her children involved and how you learn so many skills for life in the scouts,” said Patel. “I talked to her about the mosque and how important it is for religion and scouting to blend together and how we have to learn about each other’s religions and be united with each other.”

“She emphasized how important it is to understand each other and learn about each other’s religion and cultures,” the teen added. “She is really humble. I was nervous — we all were — but she was a normal humble human being. She made us feel comfortable.”

The royal visit also celebrates the site’s 100th anniversary year.

Gilwell Park has a fascinating history steeped in efforts supporting the Scouts: "Gilwell Park estate was purchased in early 1919 by William De Bois Maclaren, a publisher and Scout Commissioner from Rosneath, Dunbartonshire, Scotland. During a business trip to London, Maclaren was saddened to see that Scouts in the East End had nowhere suitable to have amazing outdoor adventures. Maclaren bought the estate for the Scout Association. P.B. Nevill, Scout Commissioner for the East End first took his Rover Scouts to begin repairing the estate on 17 April 1919 and it was officially opened on 26 July 1919."

More from Scout Adventures:

'Gilwell Park has become the worldwide spiritual home of Scouting. It is sung of round campfires, remembered by many and is a place of pilgrimage for Scouts from around the globe. Its grounds are scattered with structures, sculptures and statues gifted by international Scout organisations, each of these has a tale of worldwide friendship to tell which resonates with Scouts today.

Gilwell Park also has a fascintating pre-Scouting history, the earliest reference dating from the 1400's sitting on the edge of the Royal Hunting Forest the Park the first known building was a medieval hall. The site has also known infamy and scandal with its links to Dick Turpin and transformation into a regency pleasure palace. During the Second World War the site was requisitioned due to its strategic location overlooking Enfield's reservoirs and armaments factories. This occupation left its mark, the 'bomb-hole' pond created during an air-raid now hosts canoeing, kayaking and raft building activities.'

The White House today serves as a versatile event venue and hotel. Catering for weddings, events and of course outdoor enthusiasts. All income generated goes directly back into supporting Scouting in the UK.

Spring sunshine at Gilwell.

Each year, the Park welcomes thousands of Scouts, schools and youth groups to develop their character skills, including taking the initiative and tenacity; employability skills such as leadership, teamwork and problem solving; and practical skills like cooking and first aid.

Kensington Palace said: "Last year, the Scouts unveiled twenty pilots in England to explore the potential of providing Scouting to children between the ages of four and six. Research has shown that the first five years of a child’s life are more pivotal for development, and for future health and happiness, than any other single moment in their lifetime. What a child experiences during its earliest years shapes the development of the brain and influences interactions at school, work and in society. The new pilot will see Scouts test its exciting programme of activities – which currently reaches 473,000 young people between the ages of 6 and 25 in the UK – to younger children, equipping them with the life skills and values of teamwork, leadership and resilience."

Following independent research, the Scout Association found the earlier children access non-formal education, the more positive the impact of their prospects. They also consulted global groups providing similar models as Scouting to very young children including the Squirrels, for 4-5 year olds, in Northern Ireland and found feedback overwhelmingly positive.

The focus on early years ties in nicely with Kate's focus in the area.

No visit would be complete with a visit to the den. Kate said "It's very waterproof, isn't it".

The photo of the day!

People reports:

'The den had just been built by the youngest Scouts, the Beavers. They had tested whether it was water proof – and the results were almost a complete success.

“Three trials were dry, one was wet! We are very proud that it was three quarters there,” says Frankii Newbury, the early year’s pilot project leader. “[Kate] got straight in there with one of our Beavers and checked it out. It was wonderful and the Scouts absolutely loved her. The highlight was the Duchess, smack bang in the middle of it all, getting in a den — braver woman than I am.”

The youngsters discussed creating the den.

Kate's RHS 'Back to Nature' garden features a rustic den and focuses on the joys of outdoor play throughout childhood.

Kate joined a number of sessions with young children currently taking part in the pilot scheme, including activities to improve communication and teamwork, such as boat building.

 And balloon rocket assembling.

Kate very much enjoyed participating.

Time to get the paints out...

Kate chatted with young Scouts about their experiences.

A group of Scouts aged 14 to 18 showed Kate a number of Gilwell Park’s iconic features, including the famous Gilwell Oak, named UK Tree of the Year in 2017.

Before departing, The Duchess planted an oak sapling to mark the 100th anniversary.

Scouting’s founder, Robert Baden-Powell used the Gilwell oak tree as an analogy for the growth and development of Scouting.

A group shot.

Following the visit, the Scouts tweeted: "From all of us at the Scouts, thank you so much to HRH The Duchess of Cambridge for visiting Gilwell Park today to learn more about our early years pilots and how Scouts helps young people develop."

It was an incredibly fun event, Kate's expression in the photo below sums up her outdoor adventure with the Scouts.

The video below has great footage from the den.

The Duchess chose several familiar pieces for the visit.

Kate wore her trusty Barbour Ladies Waxed Defence Jacket. The military inspired jacket is described as "Traditional Barbour wax, in a versatile field jacket. Flattering and easy fit. Perfect for outdoor adventures. 100% cotton Barbour Tartan lining." Kate has had the piece since at least 2012. It originally retailed for £199 before selling out. Below, Kate sporting it in 2017 for an engagement in support of the Royal Horticultural Society's Campaign for School Gardening.

Kate wore her mahogany J Crew Mockneck sweater. The piece is discounted in a number of colours from $80 to $50 on the J Crew website.

Kate wore her See by Chloe Leather-trimmed suede ankle boots. Described as: "See By Chloé's combat-style ankle boots are perfect for balancing the prettiness of floral dresses and floaty skirts. Made from dark-brown suede, they have tonal leather trims and logo-embossed heel tabs, and are set on a chunky tread sole."

Kate's Closet discovered Kate's UK Scouting scarf is the official UK Adult version.

And accessorised with a new pair of earrings. I'll update when/if they are identified.

In other news, the Duchess had a private meeting with Sir Keith Mills, director of the Royal Foundation yesterday. Tomorrow, George and Charlotte will commence a lengthy break, until the 24th April, from Thomas's Battersea and Willcocks Nursery. I expect the time will be divided between London and Norfolk. I imagine we'll see an engagement announcement or two before the end of the week :)