The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester visited the Royal Hospital Chelsea to attend the annual Founder’s Day Parade with the Duke there as the Reviewing Officer. The annual event celebrates the founding of the hospital in 1692 by King Charles II. The Royal Hospital Chelsea provides residence, community and care services to UK veterans who face spending their elder years alone.
Quel couple bien sympathique qui mériterait d'être vu plus souvent ; très jolies couleurs bleue et gris que la duchesse a su harmoniser jusque dans tous ses accessoires dont le masque, les gants et la pochette ; magnifique collier à grosses perles avec un pendentif incorporé ; j'aimerais bien savoir ce qu'il représente ainsi que les feuilles arborées à sa boutonnière ?!
ReplyDeleteI wondered the same thing about the greenery. This is what I found:
DeleteThe couple also wore oak leaves in line with tradition. Founder's Day is also known as Oak Apple Day with the reference commerating the escape of the future King Charles II after the Battle of Worcester in 1651 when he hid in an oak tree to avoid capture by the Parliamentary forces.
~d
She's a real lady. The color (various shades of blue) fits her perfectly. The only thing I would change is the beret - it needs to be replaced with a small hat.
ReplyDeleteStephanie
Love the Gloucesters! Always doing their jobs with such dignity--truly unsung heros for the BRF. The Duke looks so handsome in his uniform while the Duchess is elegant in her ensemble. Anyone else want to snip that little thing off the top of HRH's hat? I know the Duchess loves her beanie hats but... No matter she is such a lovely and gracious lady.
ReplyDeleteIf you enlarge the photo you will see that this suit dress has silk in the fabric; I’m guessing silk shantung, making it feel very comfortable and drape beautifully. Venue and age of the royal are always considered, so wisely, her lady’s maid has chosen appropriate shoes for the grass (even kitten heels get caught in lawns). Considering her shoes, the beanie hat does technically work. What is most noteworthy is that the Duchess of Gloucester’s jewelry collection is one of the best kept secrets in the BRF. She is always dressed in an understated way, not calling attention to herself, but if you look closely, you will be impressed: Look at those pearls! Look at that creative use of two circular, diamond brooches! I’ve seen these used by other royals similarly-- Placed on top of each other in a “figure-8” pattern, a flower or small nosegay will be pushed down through the first brooch, with the stems pushed through the second one, thus securing the “corsage” with style. Well done!
ReplyDeleteVery nice, the details you gave!
DeleteI otherwise wouldnot have noticed them. Thank you.
Josh
NB love her grey hair and the baret too.
Thank you for photos of this unassuming couple who continue to support Her Majesty loyally. Like the colour of the Duchess’s outfit and somehow she manages to even make the shoes ( accepting Muriel’s explanation) look reasonable. Great couple.
ReplyDeleteLove the dress coat so regal Mary I
ReplyDeleteBig fan of the whole ensemble the Duchess is wearing – yes, even the beret, I find it charming (also why snip off le cabillou? It's a manufacturing artifact that's become tradition.). – Love the clever use of the brooches as the previous poster has posted out. The pearls though, I think might be nicer without the pendant but what do I know. -- S.
ReplyDeleteI’ve always enjoyed the simple elegance of the Duchess’ outfits - lovely fabrics, and well tailored. Thanks to Muriel J for her explanation of the brooches! I do think the corsage is far too big though for her small frame. (V.M.)
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