The Duchess of Cambridge visits Portsmouth with the 1851 Trust

The Duchess of Cambridge traveled to Portsmouth to see the progress on the 1851 Trust and Ben Ainslie’s Racing project. The organizations are working towards the UK’s bid to enter the 35th annual America’s Cup – the world’s premier sailing competition.

The America’s Cup is an annual yacht race, originating in England in the 19th century. National teams from around the world, featuring the most skilled sailors, are lining up to join the challenge. Sir Ben Ainslie, Olympic gold metalist and national icon, is leading the UK team.

The Duchess was originally scheduled to visit the team and HQ in October, but due to her hyperemesis gravidarum the engagement was cancelled. Today, Kate makes up for lost time with her highly-anticipated visit.

In June 2014, the Duchess of Cambridge visited the National Maritime Museum to meet with Ben, the sailing team, and the supporters for the project. The meeting was so successful for the Duchess that she announced her official patronage of the project in October 2014.

When her patronage was announced, the Duchess of Cambridge stated: “I am delighted to be Royal Patron of The 1851 Trust. I feel very fortunate to have enjoyed sailing from a young age and I know it is a great way of providing young people with the opportunity to develop skills and confidence.”

Portsmouth is the training and fundraising base for Ben Ainslie’s Racing and the new base for the America’s Cup UK Team. The Duchess visited the Camber Docks before heading to the top of the Spinnaker Tower for a birds’ eye view of the facilities.

The Duchess of Cambridge met with local community members who are involved with the trust. She also met with local street artists James Waterfield and My Dog Sighs who helped students from local schools create a mural for the project. The mural depicts the skyline from Portsmouth to Ryde, Isle of Wight, and the Solent. Kate even added her own mark on the mural!

The Duchess wore a Max Mara Villar white coat, a Somerset by Alice Temperley Boat print dress, her Jimmy Choo Georgia heels, Frome blue suede clutch from LK Bennett and sapphire drop earrings to today’s event. It was a very classic look and we love the nod to the nautical side of her visit today with the sailboat print dress.

RepliKates for this classic nautical inspired white and navy outfit:

Coat

Bag

Shoes

What did you think of the Duchess’ look today?

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