This morning (14th October 2016), the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the city of Manchester in the north of England. The couple spent several hours in the city, undertaking a range of engagements.
First, the royal couple visited the National Football Museum at the Urbis building in Manchester city centre. The museum features ground breaking interactives and a changing programme of temporary exhibitions, linking football to topics as diverse as fashion, history, art and World War 1.
Inside, William and Kate attended a reception with young people from the city, invited because of the difference they make to their local communities. The royal pair mingled with the guests before touring the museum.
The couple visited the 1966 exhibition, which celebrates ‘England’s golden summer’ (the team’s 1966 World Cup win) –
With stories from the people who made the games, played the games and watched the games that made the 1966 World Cup such an iconic tournament, the 1966 World Cup Exhibition celebrates England’s success and looks at the legacy of that win. Source: National Football Museum.
In the 1966 room, the couple saw the Jules Rimet trophy and the ball from the final England vs Germany match. They also met Roger Hunt, a member of the England team in 1966 and saw his winner’s medal.
Next, William and Kate travelled to Manchester Town Hall for a WWI Centenary event at the Cenotaph.
Here, the couple laid a wreath of poppies. They also viewed commemorative paving stones honouring Manchester’s six Victoria Cross recipients.
After, the couple met with relatives of the six Victoria Cross recipients honoured at the ceremony.
Next, the couple headed over to The University of Manchester.
The couple toured the National Graphene Institute‘s state-of-the-art cleanrooms and laboratories and were shown the Manchester Engineering Campus Development (MECD) nearby. The MECD development aims to build on the city’s science and engineering heritage by providing world-class academic facilities.
William sat in a very fancy sportscar:
About the sportscar:
“The Duke admired the BAC Mono single-seat supercar, the world’s first car to use graphene in the production process. The British-built BAC Mono has graphene composite rear wheel arches, which notably reduces the weight of the car and provides a performance benefit to the driver”. Source: The University of Manchester
Before leaving, the couple unvieled a commemorative plaque and helped to seal a time capsule. The time capsule will be displayed within the building once construction is completed.
William and Kate’s final engagement of the day took place at the Francis House Children’s Hospice.
Diana, Princess of Wales (William’s mother) opened the hospice back in the early 1990s.
The couple toured the hospice’s new wing and met with staff, patients, volunteers and family members.
Kate’s outfit:
For today’s visit to Manchester, Kate chose a pink and blue coat by Canadian-born designer Erdem.
It’s from the label’s Resort 2016 collection (big thank you to Michelle from Perth Fashion for finding this information).
Thought I’d also point out that Kate chose Erdem on her last visit to Manchester too!
Kate sported a new pair of earrings (at least, new to us) during today’s visit to Manchester.
They’re by Oscar De La Renta. Here’s how they’re described at Net-A-Porter.com:
Oscar de la Renta’s earrings are an elegant way to complete day or evening looks. This gold-plated pewter pair is hammered to beautifully catch the light and centered with smooth faux pearls. Wear yours with swept-back hair.
The hammered gold plated-faux pearl earrings can be purchased from the following places:
- Moda Operandi for £151 GBP / $190 USD
- Net-A-Porter.com for £170 GBP / $ USD
- Harrods for £170
- Zappos for $190 USD
- FarFetch.com for $215 USD
Big thank you to Kate J who posted on the What Kate Wore Facebook Page and Twitter user @TheRoyalsAndI for finding the earrings in record time!
Kate carried her L.K. Bennett Frome clutch for the day’s engagements. It’s a smart, rectangular clutch crafted from blue coloured suede fabric.
The company no longer sell the clutch, but an old page on their website shows a magenta pink version sold in the USA and Canada for $295 USD.
Shop L.K. Bennett clutch bags:
Note: If you’re looking for something similar, the company’s blue suede ‘Fay’ clutch is a great option.
Kate chose her Rupert Sanderson Malory pumps to coordinate with the coat.
The navy blue suede pumps have a 100mm heel and cost $675 USD (approximately £480).
A couple of people noticed Kate opted for a black lace top (or dress) under her coat. She wore the same piece back in 2012 too.
