Another day, another hat but it's not a patch on her new husband's... Duchess of Cambridge beams at Prince William during Garter Day celebrations

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Duchess and Duchess: Camilla, left, and Catherine attend the Garter Day ceremony at Windsor Castle


The Duchess of Cambridge was all smiles today as she took part in the Garter Day celebrations.

Despite her heavy schedule of late, Catherine remained bright and fresh-faced as she showed off her third hat in as many days.

Waving from a carriage at Windsor Castle, the radiant newlywed wore a Philip Treacy head-piece, matched with a light blue-grey dress and matching coat.


Hat's off! Catherine showed off another stunning creation by milliner Phillip Treacy


Earlier, the Queen, Prince William and other members of the Royal Family took part in the annual Order of the Garter service.

The Garter Knights wore lavish blue velvet robes and black velvet hats with white plumes in a colourful spectacle that attracted hundreds to the ceremony held at St George's Chapel.

New appointments are announced on St George's Day but the chivalric and installation ceremonies take place every year on the Monday of Royal Ascot week, known as Garter Day.



Ceremony: Catherine, Prince William, Prince Charles and Camilla rode a carriage as fans waved flags


Two new Knights - Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, the president of the Supreme Court, and Admiral Lord Boyce, a former head of the UK's Armed Forces, - will be invested in the Castle's Garter Throne Room then 'installed' during the service.

Lord Phillips, Britain's most senior judge, is the first president of the Supreme Court, the UK's highest court, which was officially opened by the Queen in October 2009.


Lavish: Prince William took part in the Garter Knights parade at St George's Chapel


Royal affair: Princess Anne and Sophie of Wessex all attended the family day out


Jokers: Princesses Eugenie (left) and Beatrice attended, along with TV celebrity Carol Thatcher (right) seen with her mother, former Prime Minister and member of the Order of the Garter Dame Margaret Thatcher


Admiral Lord Boyce, ex-Chief of the Defence Staff, was head of the Armed Forces at the time of the Iraq invasion in 2003, retiring later that year and he now sits as a cross-bench member of the House of Lords after being made a peer.

Recipients of the honour are chosen because they have held public office, contributed to national life or served the sovereign personally.


Gift: The Queen wore a velvet coat and matching hate with elaborate feather detailing



Ancient order: The Duke of Edinburgh, left, and Prince Andrew, Duke of York


Hat's that: A member of the Household Cavalry places his helmet alongside others on a wall near the chapel


At ease: Soldiers rest during a pause in proceedings during the Order of the Garter ceremony


The appointment of Knights of the Garter is in the Queen's gift and is made without consulting ministers.

Lord Phillips and Lord Boyce bring the total number of Garter Knights to 23. Other members of the order include former prime ministers Lady Thatcher and Sir John Major.

The Queen is sovereign of the order and a number of other British and foreign royals are additional members of the order.


The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior British Order of Chivalry, founded by Edward III in 1348. Membership in the order is limited to the sovereign, the Prince of Wales, and no more than 24 others


The Queen and Prince Philip walk down the steps of St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle after the Most Noble Order of the Garter service


Catherine Duchess of Canterbury shares a joke with Camilla Duchess of Cornwall and other members of the Royal family outside St George's chapel after the ceremony


Garter Day 2011, Windsor Castle


source: dailymail

Kate joins the royal recyclers: Duchess gives favourite coat an extra outing

By REBECCA ENGLISH

Something blue: The Duchess of Cambridge (left) at St George's Chapel, Windsor for His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh's 90th Birthday service yesterday, and, right, wearing the same coat dress in 2009


She has injected new life into the monarchy with her much-admired sense of style.
But it seems the Duchess of Cambridge is also following a considerably older royal tradition – recycling favourite garments.

At a church service yesterday to mark the 90th birthday of the Duke of Edinburgh, Kate wore the same periwinkle blue Jacquard coat dress that she donned in 2009 for the wedding of her husband’s close friend, Nicholas van Cutsem.

She paired it with the £175 nude LK Bennett heels that she has sported several times recently – which are identical to pairs owned by her sister Pippa and mother Carole.

And a day earlier, the 29-year-old attended the wedding of close friend Sam Waley-Cohen in the same black and white silk cocktail dress that she wore on a night out in London with Pippa in 2007, during her brief split from William.


At the double: The Duchess at Sam Waley-Cohen's wedding nuptials (left), and wearing the same dress on a night out in London in 2007


By dusting down her old outfits for high-profile occasions, the Duchess echoes the policy of the Queen and the Princess Royal, who both take great delight in getting the most out of their wardrobes.

But despite her stylish appearance, Kate had competition for the best dressed crown as members of the royal family braved squally winds and driving rain to arrive at St George’s Chapel in Windsor yesterday.


Happy couple: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were in good spirits as they spoke to the Dean of Windsor, Reverend David Conner, after a service to mark Prince Philip's 90th birthday at Windsor Castle


Pristine: Catherine, pictured with Prince Harry looking on as she greets the clergy, wore a blue Jacquard coat with colour-matching hat and dress


It was Lord Freddie Windsor’s wife, the actress Sophie Winkleman, who was arguably the belle of the ball in an oversized white straw hat, white dress and fitted jacket.

Sophie, 30, whose husband was not present, was accompanied by her in-laws, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. Zara Phillips, meanwhile, arrived with her mother, Princess Anne, but without fiance Mike Tindall, who is on his stag weekend in Miami.



Re-run: The Duchess wore the same coat when she and attended the wedding of Nicholas Van Cutsem and Alice Haddon Patton before she was married, right, but teamed it with a different dress and hat


Dazzling accessories: Catherine wore diamond and sapphire earrings which coordinated with her engagement ring, which first belonged to Prince William's mother Princess Diana


Room for one more: Prince Harry arrived and quickly ducked under the umbrella Prince William had held aloft for his wife


However, Zara’s brother, Peter Phillips, flew back from Tindall’s party in time to attend the service with his wife, Autumn Kelly.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie also made an appearance, wearing chiffon summer dresses – although Beatrice, 22, was forced to take refuge behind a police protection officer as hers was whipped up by the wind. The man of the hour, Prince Philip, arrived last with the Queen, who was dressed in aquamarine and sky blue.


Bride-to-be: Zara Phillips attended without fiancé Mike Tindall, who is currently on his stag weekend in Miami


Family affair: Princess Anne, left, arrived at the service with her Zara, while her son Peter attended with his wife Autumn who wore a blue suit with black high heels


The Duke looked remarkably cheerful given that he had insisted he didn’t want a fuss to be made over him. In accordance with his wishes, the 50-minute service included only a brief reference to his birthday, which was on Friday.

Afterwards the entire gathering headed to Windsor Castle for a champagne reception.



Stylish: Lady Frederick Windsor, the actress Sophie Winkleman, pictured left with her father-in-law, Prince Michael of Kent, didn't let the wet weather stop her wearing a summery cream dress


Smart: The Duchess of Cornwall, pictured with her husband Prince Charles, also opted for cream


Birthday boy: The Queen, Prince Philip and the Dean of Windsor David Conner look delighted after the religious service to mark the Duke of Edinburgh's 90th birthday


My husband and I: The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh looked happy and relaxed at the service


Rain, rain, go away: Meanwhile, Sophie, The Countess of Wessex, looked glum as she braved the conditions


All smiles: Lord Linley and Lady Sarah Chatto arrive

source: dailymail

Has Pippa Middleton broken up with former England cricketer Alex Loudon?

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Special relationship: Pippa spotted out again with ex-boyfriend George Percy at the French Open


Pippa Middleton has split from her boyfriend, it was claimed today.

The younger sister of the new Duchess of Cambridge has not been seen in public with former England cricketer Alex Loudon for weeks.

'It is common knowledge in their close circle of friends that Pippa and Alex have recently split up,' one told the Sunday Times.


Having a laugh: Pippa and George look relaxed in each other's company. The pair have known one another for 10 years


The 27-year-old has become one of the most eligible women in Britain since she made her appearance at the wedding of Prince William to Kate and has been pictured with a string of male friends since.

Her profile sky-rocketed after she was seen walking behind Kate in her matching white bridesmaid dress made by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

Pippa's derrière became so popular it was even given its own Facebook page and social networking site Twitter went crazy with people calling the party planner, Her Royal Hotness.


Holiday time: Pippa, right, arriving for her holiday in Madrid and a few days later on a night out with George


She has since been pictured on holiday with her ex-boyfriend and close friend, George Percy in Madrid.

They dated while at Edinburgh University, where they were also flatmates, and have been friends for nearly 10 years.

The pair were spotted with friends but more importantly, Pippa's boyfriend was nowhere to be seen.

Pippa and Alex have not been seen together since he was invited as a guest to Kate's wedding.

Mr Percy is the son of the Duke of Northumberland, one of the richest men in Britain.


Is it over? Former England cricketer Alex Loudon has not been seen with Pippa since the Royal weddingBritain.


The couple were later seen at the French Open in Paris, laughing and chatting in the stands and more recently were out having dinner in London.

After dining out at Chelsea's Le Cercle restauran, the couple were seen spending some time together at Mr Percy's London flat.

Yesterday Pippa was seen at the wedding of close friend Sam Waley-Cohen, who married Bella Balin.

She attended the wedding with the Duchess of Cambridge at a church in Lambourn, Berskhire.



Family affair: Pippa with her sister the Duchess of Cambridge at the wedding of Sam Waley-Cohen in Lambourn, Berkshire


source: dailymail

How does she do it? After wowing the crowds at Trooping the Colour, Kate is surprise guest at wedding of her 'royal matchmaker'

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Surprise guest: The Duchess of Cambridge at the wedding of Sam Waley-Cohen - the friend credited with getting Kate and William back together


The man credited with saving Prince William and Kate's romance got a surprise guest at his own wedding today - the Duchess of Cambridge.

Just hours after she proudly watched her husband take part in his first Trooping the Colour, Kate joined guests at the wedding of close friend Sam Waley-Cohen, who married party organiser Bella Balin today.

The jump-jockey was branded the royal matchmaker after apparently helping Kate and Wills rekindle their romance after their brief split in March 2007 - a claim which Mr Waley-Cohen has modestly denied since.


Social butterfly: The Duchess might be forgiven if she felt a bit tired today after cramming in two events in one day... first at Buckingham Palace, before putting in an appearance at the wedding


Wearing a fitted monochrome spot-pattern dress - but still sporting the black hat she wore for the Royal ceremony at Buckingham Palace earlier in the day - the Duchess was accompanied by her younger sister Pippa Middleton, who donned a lime-green coat over a dark dress and a black hat.

The pair chatted with friends, villagers and wedding guests outside St Michael and All Angels Church in Lambourn, near Hungerford in Berkshire, before the ceremony began.

According to onlookers, the future Queen drove herself to the wedding and had apparently changed into a new outfit since her appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, where she wore a fitted white coat.

Royalist and Lambourn resident Carol Morgan joined a small crowd of well wishers outside the church.


Haven't we seen that hat already today? Thrifty Kate managed to get two wears out of this black head piece


The 64-year-old said: 'It was a fantastic wedding and I saw Kate arrive at the church with her sister after she apparently drove herself there.

'She arrived about 20 minutes before the service started and was very relaxed and comfortable in the company of all the guests.

'We watched her happily talk with and greet friends outside the church with a kiss before she went inside for the service.

'When the wedding had finished Kate joined others in making an avenue outside the church for the newlyweds to walk through.

'There were security around but it was all very low key. Kate did look lovely but she made sure that she didn't over shadow the bride on her day. It was a super afternoon.'


Wedding party: Kate chats with guests as they make their way into the church


The bride and groom were spotted leaving the church in a sports car strikingly similar to the Aston Martin Volante that Prince William took Kate for a spin in following their wedding at Westminster Abbey.

It was at a party at Mr Waley-Cohen's family's 17th Century mansion in Oxfordshire in June 2007 - after they split in March 2007 - that William and Kate were seen in deep conversation sparking rumours that a reunion could be on the cards
Just weeks later the pair were spotted aboard a yacht on a private island in the Seychelles.


Warm welcome: The Duchess of Cambridge is greeted by a friend. Onlookers say she was relaxed and chatty


He is the son of businessman, racehorse breeder and trainer Robert Waley-Cohen, nephew of the theatre owner and producer Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen Bt. and grandson of Lord Mayor of London, Bernard Waley-Cohen.

The 28-year-old is a part-time businessman and English National Hunt jump jockey and attended £27,000 pounds a year St Edwards - Teddies - in Oxford.

He came second in the 2011 Grand National and has also built up the Portman Healthcare chain of dental practices since he started the business in 2009.


source: dailymail

Looks like someone's feeling broody, Kate! Duchess of Cambridge more interested in youngsters as Prince William takes part in his first Trooping the C

By KATIE NICHOLL

Child's play: Lady Helen Taylor's daughters Estella, six, left, and eight-year-old Eloise are clearly captivated as they talk to Kate at the Palace


The Duchess herself appeared to find the event nearly as exciting as the children did, at one point seemingly having a fit of the giggles as she stood on the Buckingham Palace balcony alongside her new husband.

For Prince William too, yesterday’s ceremony marked a first – the first time he had taken part in the parade on horseback.

As The Mail on Sunday revealed he would do weeks ago, William escorted the Queen on a grey horse called Wellesley.

Last night friends of the 28-year-old Royal said he had been more nervous ahead of the ceremony than his new wife, who seemed quite at home as she rode in a horsedrawn barouche.

All eyes were on the Duchess of Cambridge at her first Trooping the Colour yesterday, but Kate herself seemed more interested in the youngsters present.

She made a point of spending time with the children of her new Royal relatives, talking happily with them as the Queen’s official birthday parade and fly-past took place.

Kate’s apparent mothering instinct was clear as she focused her attention on Lady Helen Taylor’s daughters Eloise, eight, and Estella, six, and Viscount Linley’s daughter Margarita, nine, who had been one of her bridesmaids.


Engrossed: The new Duchess of Cambridge with Viscount Linley's daughter Margarita and Estrella


William, in a bearskin which at one point threatened to slip down his face, wore the scarlet Irish Guards uniform he was married in.

The Prince, Colonel of the Irish Guards, rode with Prince Charles, who is Colonel of the Welsh Guards, Princess Anne, Colonel of the Household Cavalry’s Blues and Royals, and the Duke of Kent, Colonel of the Scots Guards.

Prince Edward, who was not in the parade, is Honorary Colonel of the London Regiment, part of the Territorial Army, and wore the uniform of its senior company, London Scottish.


Oops! Sophie Wessex stumbles on the balcony before turning it into a comedy moment to entertain daughter Lady Louise and the other youngsters. Husband Prince Edward remains unmoved


The parade marks the Queen’s official birthday on June 11 and takes place on Horse Guards Parade, which was lined with wellwishers.

The Queen, who is marking her 85th birthday, arrived with Prince Philip, who celebrated his 90th birthday on Friday.

Kate, who reportedly has an allergy to horses, watched with other Royals from the Horse Guards building. She wore a double-breasted fitted ivory jacket and dress, with a dramatic black hat believed to be from Wiltshire milliner Vivien Sheriff.


Matching style: Camilla and Kate on their way back from Trooping the Colour


After the parade, she made her way to Buckingham Palace for the fly-past accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall. Kate’s outfit complemented Camilla’s, an Ana Valentine cream chiffon dress under a buttermilk silk coat.

A few hours later, Kate, joined by sister Pippa, was in Lambourn, Berkshire, for the wedding of her friend Sam Waley-Cohen.

She sported the same hat she had worn for Trooping the Colour, teamed with a black-and-white patterned silk cocktail dress by Diane Von Furstenberg, which she was last seen wearing in May 2007.



Something old: In the afternoon Kate, in a silk cocktail dress she last wore in May 2007, joins sister Pippa, left, for the wedding of her friend Sam Waley-Cohen


For the first time: Prince William - The Duke of Cambridge - has made his first appearance at the Trooping of the Colour at Horse Guards Parade in Central London


Birthday couple: The event celebrates the Queen's official birthday, while Prince Philip celebrated his 90th birthday yesterday



Stylish: Kate is finely turned out in a white jacket and black hat and following her first official engagement since the wedding this week, is clearly enjoying her duties


Cheeky smirk: Prince Harry sat opposite Kate in the coach on the way to the ceremony


Pomp and ceremony: The troops of the Household Division run through their formations ate Horse Guards Parade


The Royal jester: Prince William shares a joke with Kate on the balcony of Buckingham Palace


Things are looking up: The Royal family turn their eyes to the sky to watch the flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace


Fast jets: The Red Arrows were on display, trailing smoke in red white and blue, as well as Tornado GR4s and Typhoons

source: dailymail