Kate to Resume Engagements for State Visit? Latest News & Tory Burch Styles

Hello dear readers,

Here at Duchess Kate Blog we're enjoying a relaxing Sunday at home, and glancing over Kate-related stories. We thought it prudent to share news which may be of interest to readers. In our last post, we discussed the possibility of William and Kate attending the upcoming state banquet in honour of the President of Singapore on his visit to the United Kingdom.

MEDIA-MODE.COM
The Palace confirmed there are plans for Kate to participate in the visit but not the banquet (I've made several enquiries about this and heard back today that as far as the press know there were never plans for the Cambridges to attend the banquet). Instead, the couple, who are second-in-line to the throne, will greet President Tony Tan Keng Yam and his wife Mary Chee Bee Kiang in London on 21 October.

Royal Garden Hotel
More from the Express story:

'The second in line to the throne and his wife will be expected to greet the visiting couple at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington and then travel with them by car to Horse Guards Parade to make their first appearance at a ceremonial welcome for a visiting head of state.'

Kensington Palace said, "It would be fair to say this is the first time the Duchess has played a formal part in a state visit programme". However, the appearance depends entirely on how Kate is feeling on the day. Considering Kate had to cancel an engagement only days ago, the appearance is merely a possibility rather than a certainty. On the other hand, should Kate's condition improve, we may see her sooner than that.

Regarding the state banquet, I am very surprised there were no plans to include the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as it was very much expected they would be included this year. Many feel it's time the couple played a larger role in events such as these, considering many other European royal families include a number of senior members in state visits. Perhaps the couple will play a more significant role next year?

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Kate displayed her cricket skills during the royal tour and they didn't go unnoticed. The Duke and Duchess have jumped a twenty-seven-year queue to join cricket's most prestigious club after being made honorary life members of Marylebone Cricket Club.

William played cricket during his time at Eton and Kate enjoys the sport, too. A spokesperson said:

'As everyone saw during the couple's tour of New Zealand earlier this year, when they joined in a cricket coaching session in Christchurch, the Duke enjoys playing cricket and the Duchess is quite handy with a bat too.'

The photos from the session were some of the most popular from the tour.

Prince William was particularly enthusiastic :)

The Queen is patron of the club and the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince of Wales are also among the other 300 honorary life members. The royal couple are expected to attend a match in the near future.

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Fascination with the British Royal family has spread to many parts of the world and no where more so than the United States. In 1974, PEOPLE Magazine released its inaugural issue, featuring actress Mia Farrow on the cover. Forty years later, the magazine has put out hundreds of appearances with numerous cover stars, but which of these have proved the most popular?

People

Members of the British Royal family have dominated the magazines list of cover stars. The iconic Princess Diana has graced the cover 55 times, Brad Pitt claims second place, while Prince William has featured 29 times and Kate 26. The royals beat Hollywood stars including Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise and Jennifer Aniston. The result is very telling - in terms of popularity and sales results for the magazine.

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Next, we're taking a look at styles from a U.S. designer the Duchess debuted during the royal tour. Fashion fans were impressed to see Kate in the open-knit Paulina dress by Tory Burch for a play-date in New Zealand.

There are many pieces in the current collection which would work well for the Duchess. When Kate made the appearance in New Zealand, readers who wear the brand noted how comfortable the designer's styles are. Below we look at the $450 Mariana Dress.

Tory Burch
The floral Rayna dress in stone, storm blue and black, the Lori printed silk-jersey dress and the elegant Renny guipure lace dress.

Tory Burch
Prints feature prominently in Tory Burch's collections and the brand's autumn/winter collection incorporates them nicely, with transitional pieces which can be worn day or night. Below we see the Deborah silk dress, the Gemma merino wool dress, the Libby sheath dress and the Maxine A-line dress.

Tory Burch
The Connie embellished crepe A-line dress is very Kate. Shimmering embroidery and tube beads lend textural patterning to a long-sleeve crepe dress. I could see the Duchess wearing this in a longer version.

Tory Burch
Finally, there's also plenty to like in terms of casual separates, silk blouses and comfortable knits. Take a look at the Dixie lace detail sweater, Amirah Cable Knit Sweater and Tessa stripe cotton top.

Tory Burch
We hope you're all enjoying a great weekend :)