Sunday 25 September 2016

Royal Visit Canada Wardrobe: Day One


The Duchess of Cambridge looking regal in royal blue on day one of her visit to Canada
(photo British Colombia via Flickr)

Royal Visit Canada is under way and with it, excitement and interest and all kinds of eagerness over Kate's royal wardrobe for the coming seven days. The first time she visited Canada in 2011, she was a newly married duchess undertaking her first overseas tour and we were all still getting used to her wardrobe. Five years on, the Kate Effect is everywhere and this royal wardrobe is packed full of looks everyone wants to see again. But a tour means new and the Duchess of Cambridge started off as she means to go on. We got a debut, we got a hat, we got vintage bling. Royal Visit Canada has debuted in style.





The Duchess of Cambridge stepped off the plane in a new Jenny Packham dress in deep blue. It might be a first outing but there was plenty of familiar about this frock. Knee length, fitted waist, soft scoop neckline. At first glance, it's very Kate.





Take a closer look and you get an interesting set of detailing on the neckline with the discreet collar flaps on the front extending into a full trim on the back. 





The sleeves are also interesting - three quarter length with a flared effect that adds a layer of texture to a favourite dress style for the duchess.




The hat was a perfect colour match. The small crown, worn to the side, allowed a good look at the rather intricate updo but it was the top that really sparked interest. On either side of the brim was a selection of same colour fabric maple leaves - the emblem of Canada playing a big part in this first outfit for Royal Visit 2016.





Add in dark nude suede shoes and some rather pretty earrings and there's the makings of a classic royal tour outfit. But what adds the real regal dazzle to this duchess debut is the maple leaf brooch.






We knew we'd see this beauty at least once during Royal Visit Canada - it's a regal staple for ladies of the House of Windsor visiting the country. It was made for the Queen Mother when she first visited the country in 1939 - commissioned by her husband, George VI, and presented to her as she travelled there with him. 



It's made of platinum and set with baguette and brilliant cut diamonds. It was a personal possession of the Queen Mother and the Queen inherited it on her death in 2002 with both Kate and the Duchess of Cornwall wearing it since then.  And by the looks of things, Princess Charlotte has her eye on wearing it one day - sixteen month olds and glitter go well together.




It was the perfect finishing touch to Kate's first outfit of Royal Visit Canada 2016. One outfit down, plenty more to come. Let the sparkle begin.

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