27th April 2022—Kate Middleton visited the headquarters of the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. She wore a cream ensemble by Self-Portrait with coordinating accessories and pearl jewellery. (As usual, you’ll find her full outfit details down the page ⬇️)
Kate conducted the visit alongside Princess Anne—a rare public engagement for the two women! This is their first joint engagement since Kate married Prince William in 2011 (discounting group occasions with other royals, of course.)
The visit focused on maternal mental health care.
Princess Anne is the Patron of the Royal College of Midwives. Kate is Patron of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. The two organisations are headquartered in the same building (an initiative to foster collaboration). The Duchess and The Princess Royal both officially opened the building.
Footage from inside the engagement:
During the engagement, Anne and Kate met with representatives from two other organisations, the Tommy’s Centre for Maternity Improvement and Avoiding Brain Injury in Childbirth. They were told about the digital tools being developed to support women with higher risk pregnancies.
Kate’s outfit and accessories:
Kate wore a cream/beige dress by Self Portrait.
Yes, that is a dress—not a skirt suit!
The dress bodice is in the style of a blazer and features long sleeves, shoulder pads, notched lapels, flap pockets on the front and a lace motifs on the bust.
The dress retails for £420 GBP / $615 USD (Note: Self-Portrait offer more currencies and worldwide delivery.)
This is the fourth Self-Portrait ensemble Kate has worn since 2016.
Pictured left-to-right: Kate in the brand’s White Pleated Crochet Maxi Dress during a film festival held in aid of Action on Addiction in 2016, the Cream Tailored Boucle And Chiffon Midi Dress at a reception for Hold Still in 2020 and the Green Chiffon Midi Dress during a visit to The Bahamas in 2022.
It looks like Kate carried another Natasha clutch by Emmy London (she owns a handful of these clutches in different colours). I believe she carries the colour ‘blush.’
At first, I thought the shoes and clutch were so close in colour that her shoes had to be by Emmy London too, likely the Rebecca style that she owns in many colours.
Here’s a picture of Kate’s shoes next to a stock image of the Emmy London Rebecca pumps in blush:
I’m not sure they’re a match. Kate’s look too dark, perhaps.
Note: Kate does own the shoe in blush and has worn it on one previous occasion.
Another possibility is the Gianvito Rossi ‘Gianvito 105’ style shoe in bisque. Another style she owns and has worn a couple of times:
Let’s move on to Kate’s earrings now. They’re the Annoushka Baroque Pearl Drops. The hand-selected freshwater pearls are suspended on 18ct gold rings.
The designer describes them as the “earring of choice for an elegant style with daily, eye-catching movement.” They retail at annoushka.com for £395 GBP / $475 USD.
Kate has worn these pearl earrings on many occasions for the best part of a decade! Kate tends to wear the pearl earrings suspended from a pair of Kiki McDonough gold & diamond hoops.
Kate’s pearl necklace is from a different designer. It’s the Nura style by Monica Vinader.
The necklace features a lustrous cultured freshwater pearl suspended from an adjustable fine chain made from gold vermeil (Sterling Silver layered with 18ct gold—both recycled).
The beautiful necklace can be purchased from the company’s website, monicavinader.com. You can either buy the pearl pendant charm on its own or with the gold chain, as worn by Kate.
I’m new here. Love that Duchess Catherine and Princess Royal are teaming up to elevate awareness to this worthy cause. They both seemed to be enjoying themselves. It’s wonderful to witness Catherine’s deference to Princess Royal – she is impeccable in her manners and decorum. Love them both! Addressing Catherine’s style today – gorgeous and so elegant. For those who take issue with the length – it’s appropriate for a 40 year old woman. Catherine knows her style and what is comfortable for her. I’m hoping that she continues to express herself in the manner with which she is comfortable.
Hello, Donna USA. It is nice to see new people comment. This is a wonderful blog.
Aw, I blush at you calling it wonderful. Thanks!
Hello and welcome Donna. Thanks for your comment!
My Mum watched an event with all the Royal Family recently—I think it was Prince Philip’s memorial service—she made the exact same points as you!
I think the length is too long on Kate. I have not cared for the long skirts and the wide leg trousers she has worn recently. Kate is tall and can carry off just about anything with her athletic figure, but she is on the tiny side and I think too much fabric can swamp her at times. At forty, she can wear shorter hemlines and she can go longer later in life. I am sure she likes a change in style, but it seems like Kate has been wearing a good deal of long and full garments this last year.
As for the shoes, I think you are correct about the shade, they look like a new shade. I have the Gianvito Rossi in the suede praline and they are darker with a touch of blush. Kate’s look warmer and paler. It looks like a good new beige to buy.