On Tuesday the 4th February 2020, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (William and Kate) carried out a series of engagements in South Wales. The couple visited businesses and local communities in The Mumbles and Port Talbot areas.
First, the couple visited the Mumbles Lifeguard station, part of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). The lifeboat station is one of the busiest in Wales. The team provide 24-hour sea rescue services.
During their visit, William and Kate spoke to crew members about their work and presented an award for long-service to crew member James Bolter.
After, the couple said hello to the crowds waiting on The Mumbles seafront. Then, they headed over to Joe’s Ice Cream Parlour to sample fresh gelato.
In the Ice Cream Parlour, the royals met with local parents and carers for a discussion on the ‘5 Big Questions‘, Kate’s landmark survey on the early years.
Kate launched the survey through the Royal Foundation on the 21st of January 2020. The Duchess hopes it will spark a UK-wide conversation about the next generation.
Next, William and Kate visited the Tata Steel plant in Port Talbot. Tata Steel is one of Europe’s leading steel producers. The plant is one of the area’s major employers.
[The] Port Talbot works employs around 4,000 people directly, and many thousands more rely on the industry. The company is recognised as an ‘anchor industry’ by the Welsh Government and is fundamental to the social and economic stability of the region and the wider UK.Tata Steel
At Tata Steel, the couple met with employees and their families before joining in a discussion with company directors and trade unions. Before leaving, the couple spent time with workers in the plant’s Hot Strip Mill and its Training Academy.
The fourth and final engagement of the day took place at The Bulldogs Boxing and Community Development Centre.
The couple heard how the centre supports young people who’ve overcome adverse experiences and mental health issues. Through boxing, children find a sense of belonging, gain confidence and improve their fitness.
Kate’s outfit in wales:
On to the fashion portion of our blog now! Kate’s military-inspired coat is from high street favourite Hobbs. It is known as the ‘Bianca‘ style.
Hobbs made the piece from a wool-rich fabric. The beautifully tailored maxi-length coat features double-breasted burnished crested buttons and shoulder epaulettes.
The coat retailed on the Hobbs.com website for £259 (originally £349). Sadly, it’s now out of stock in navy blue. However, you might be pleased to know the company sell a shorter version of the coat in dark green that’s still available (and on sale!).
Kate’s red dress is from Zara, it cost just £39.99. It features long puffed sleeves and a mid-length fit and flare skirt. It’s made from fine rib-knit fabric. The piece is sold out.
Kate’s scarf should feel familiar She’s worn it before in blue. It’s the Shibani scarf by Beulah London. The piece is crafted from a wool-silk mix fabric and features ecru-coloured hearts scattered at random on a red background.
You can pre-order the scarf from BeulahLondon.com for £95 (for delivery in April). 10% of profits from the sale of the scarf go to charity, to help end modern-day slavery.
Kate carried her red handbag previously. It’s the ‘Darley’ style by British label Mulberry. The company sell the bag in different sizes, fabrics and colours. Kate carries the red berry croc print style.
Made from leather, the bag features Mulberry’s signature postman’s lock in gold and has a gold detachable chain strap. The bag is now sold out, though Mulberry stock this similar version in red and silver. It retails for £695.
Kate chose her Stuart Weitzman for Russell and Bromley Half N Half boots for the day in Wales. The boots have a suede front with a stretch panel at the back and feature a low block heel.
The boots were exclusive to Russell and Bromley and Kate has worn them since 2014. The company no longer carry the style. However, if you’re looking to copy Kate, you’ll be pleased to learn Stuart Weitzman makes a near-identical boot called 5050. The designs are very similar. Find them at StuartWeitzman.com, Shopbop.com and SaksFifthAvenue.com.
Let’s look at Kate’s jewellery now. You might recognise her earrings, she wears them pretty frequently. They’re Oak Leaf Small Hoop Earrings from Asprey London. The small hoop earrings feature intertwined oak leaves surrounded by pavé diamonds. They’re made from 18ct gold and can be purchased from the designer’s website for £5,500 GBP or $6,450 USD.
Finally, Kate’s necklace is from Daniella Draper. She first wore the piece in January 2020. It features a gold disk engraved with her children’s initials.
The designer made the necklace from recycled 9ct gold. It features a trio of sparkling diamonds. The piece can be found on the designer’s website for £1,270.
