Going for gold! Duchess of Cambridge heralds Olympics with hooped necklace as she visits Games exhibition at National Portrait Gallery

-Kate visited the Road to 2012: Aiming High exhibition
-She wore a distinctive gold hooped necklace, electric blue Stella McCartney dress and black Prada heels


By Rebecca English


The Duchess of Cambridge heralded next week's London Olympics by wearing a distinctive gold hooped necklace today.

The necklace was one from her own wardrobe, but aides said she thought it appropriate to wear it today given the Olympic theme.

Kate, 30, also flew the flag as she sported a pretty electric blue dress by British designer Stella McCartney.

Her outfit was completed with black Prada heels - and her trademark blow dry.

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The Duchess of Cambridge arrived at the National Portrait Gallery for an unveiling of the Queens portrait today


She donned a pretty electric blue dress by Stella McCartney and black Prada heels


Showing off her enviable legs, Kate arrives at the National Portrait Gallery, of which she is a patron


Kate completed her look with her trademark glossy blow-dry

The Duchess of Cambridge looked as glamorous as ever in her public appearance today

Kate arrived at the gallery just off Trafalgar Square in a chauffeur driven car at 9.05am and was greeted by dignitaries including Dame Tanith Grey-Thompson.

The Duchess actually features in the exhibition herself in a black and white photograph taken by Jillian Edlestein at a Team GB hockey event at the Olympic Park earlier this year.

The Duchess also popped in to see a couple of the other exhibitions and viewed footage of a bare chested sleeping David Beckham taken by Sam Taylor wood.

She also viewed the NPG's Diamond Jubilee Exhibition on The Queen, Art and Image.

Today’s engagement was the first of several involving the Duchess over the coming weeks with an Olympic theme.

Kate was visiting the gallery, of which she is patron, to view a new exhibition entitled Road to 2012: Aiming High.


Kate showed her support of Team GB with a subtle yet distinctive necklace featuring a gold hoop


Kate flew the flag for Britain with a stylish gold hooped necklace and Stella McCartney dress, which she teamed with a pair of black Prada heels

The Duchess of Cambridge spoke with Paralympian and London 2012 Ambassador, Tanni Grey-Thompson during her visit to 'Road to 2012 : Aiming High' exhibition

It is the final – and largest – part of the NPG’s three-year Olympic-themed project, which has documented the preparations for London 2012.

Working with several internationally renowned photographers, it has created a lasting record of the people who are contributing to the summer’s events, from world-class athletes and those working behind the scenes, to people living and working in the host boroughs for the 2012 Games.

The current exhibition showcases more than 100 portraits by Anderson & Low, Jillian Edelstein and Nadav Kander following the final stages of the preparations.


The Duchess actually features in the exhibition herself in a black and white photograph taken by Jillian Edlestein at a Team GB hockey event at the Olympic Park earlier this year

Kate shares some laughs with photographer Johnathan Anderson, Edwin Low and Paralympian Alexandra Rickham

The photographs range highly crafted images of athletes' physical perfection and endurance to documentary-style pictures of those living and working the East of London.

Royal aides said the Duchess had been looking forward to viewing the exhibition ‘immensely’ as she is a keen photographer herself.

She wrote her history of art degree dissertation at St Andrew’s University on the photography of the Alice in Wonderland author, Lewis Carroll.


Kate listens to a speech during her visit to 'Road to 2012 : Aiming High' exhibition at the National

Kate looked radiant as she arrived at the gallery just off Trafalgar Square in a chauffeur driven car this morning

In 2007, she also curated an exhibition of celebrity portraits by the photographer Alistair Morrison at a London gallery.

Morrison, who has many of his portraits on display in the NPG and has worked with the Duchess on her photography, has said of her work: ‘She is very, very good, and it shows. She takes beautiful, detailed photographs.’

Before marrying Prince William last year, the Duchess worked for her parents’ mail order partyware business, Party Pieces, where her roles included catalogue design and photography.


Kate, who is known for her love of photography, seemed to be enjoying herself on her visit to the gallery

The Prince of Wales is understood to be encouraging his daughter-in-law to pursue her love for photography

And during her inaugural royal tour of Canada and California last year, the Duchess was often seen with her camera, taking personal pictures of their trip.

The Prince of Wales is understood to be encouraging his daughter-in-law to pursue her love for photography and there has even been talk of her staging an exhibition of her work in aid of some of her charitable causes.


Director of the National Portrait Gallery, Sandy Nairne makes a speech


Catherine The Duchess of Cambridge at The National Portrait Gallery, Charing Cross Road London




source: dailymail

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A smiling Kate dazzles as she leaves William at home to watch the football and takes 150 children to the theatre instead

By Rebecca English


..The Duchess of Cambridge enjoyed a secret trip to the theatre last night - leaving her husband at home, like millions of men, watching the football.

While Prince William sat in front of the television at Kensington Palace with a few beers glued to England's European Cup match, Kate was taking 150 children from one of her charities, The Art Room, to see a production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

The performance took place in Kensington Gardens, a stone's throw from the royal residence where she and William live.


Thank-you: Kate is presented with an Aslan lion toy by Suhani Kapoor as she hosts 150 children and young people from The Art Room at a performance of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at Kensington Gardens


For me? The Duchess is evidently pleased to be handed the gift

Having fun? Kate fits in with the rest of the group who also hold toy lions, whilst right, she is evidently having an enjoyable time

Indeed Kate, dressed in a teal dress from one of her favourite High Street stores, Zara, and Whistles black jacket strolled through the royal park on foot to the 85 foot high tent where the play was being performed.

The children who accompanied her were from six schools in London and Oxford to which the charity, which helps children from disadvantaged or challenging backgrounds to express themselves and develop confidence through art, are linked.

The show, which runs all summer, is a dazzling retelling of the C.S.Lewis classic by renowned company Threesixty and is performed on a remarkable circular stage.

The voice of the lion Aslan is provided by actor David Suchet.
During the interval the Duchess chatted animatedly with the children about what they had seen in the first half.

'Did you see all the animals on stilts and wasn't Lucy cute?' she asked.

She added:'Wasn't it amazing? I just loved the way it is held in a tent. Really clever.

'Some of the characters are really quite frightening. I hope you don't get too scared.'

Turning to another group she asked: 'What I really want to know is have any of you tried turkish delight?' referring to the famous luring of Edmund Pevensie by The White Witch into betraying his siblings and the fawn Mr Tumnus.

Kate became Patron of The Art Room in January this year and has visited several of its projects already.

Founder Juli Beattie said the children, most of which had never seen a stage show before, had been 'thrilled' at the invitation.

Before she left the Duchess met members of the cast including several fawns and badgers as well as a spectacular life size Aslan.

She described the show as 'amazing' and said it was wonderful to go to something 'on her doorstep'.

One member of the cast joked:'She has got to meet us baddies - we are the interesting ones!'

Asked whether she knew the story, she said:'Of course! I read it as a child and have seen many adaptations. This was spectacular though.'

As she left on foot she clutched a gift from the show - her own £15 cuddly lion.

For details on the show see: www.lionwitchtheshow.com


Group effort: Kate, centre next to lion, opted to leave William watching the football as she took a trip to the theatre


Interested: The Duchess of Cambridge talks to the cast after a performance of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe



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Kate looks demure in trademark nude heels and plaited hair as she and adoring William attend wedding of Princess Diana's niece

By Emma Reynolds


Kate looked demure in her trademark nude heels today at the wedding of Princess Diana's niece.

The Duke of Cambridge kept a protective hand on the back of the Duchess, who wore a pale grey floral dress with her favourite LK Bennett shoes to the Lincolnshire nuptials.

She completed the muted look with an elegant Whiteley beige hat and embellished coat, with her hair half up in a plait around the crown of her head.

Poised: The Duchess of Cambridge looked calm and composed in a muted floral dress and embellished coat

It was latest of many outings for Kate's £180 high street shoes, which have flown off the shelves as shoppers seek to imitate her classic style.

The go-with-everything footwear has made an appearance at numerous weddings, formal occasions and even relaxed day trips.

Thrifty Kate has also worn the £99 hat before, teaming it with a white chiffon dress for the Epsom Derby last June.

Prince William laughed and joked with his friends and relatives at the wedding, but Kate looked rather serious as her husband made the introductions.


Sunny mood: A smiling Prince William steered his wife through the crowds filling the pretty churchyard at the wedding

Half up 'do: Kate wore her hair partly up, plaited around the crown of her head with curls tumbling beneath while her gentlemanly husband introduced her to his old friends and relatives

In contrast to last week's Jubilee celebrations, when the Duchess chatted with Prince Harry and her husband stood quietly to one side, this week the Duke was in charge.

Harry followed slightly behind while his older brother led Kate gently through the pretty churchyard, a pale grey clutch bag clasped in one of her hands and Diana's engagement ring sparkling on the other.

Her tasteful wedding guest outfit was finished off with pearl drop earrings and black eyeliner.

The bride was Emily McCorquodale, son of Diana's elder sister Lady Sarah McCorquodale and a guest at the royal wedding a year ago.

Lady Sarah is probably the the member of the Spencer family to whom Prince William and Harry are closest.


Picture perfect: Kate and William looked sophisticated as they stuck together in the crowd of guests

Royal procession: William directs Kate past the admiring fellow guests with brother Harry following behind

Lady Sarah is joint Master of the Belvoir Hunt and married to Neil McCorquodale,a former Coldstream Guards officer.

Their other children are George, a Prince Harry lookalike who shares his mother's red hair, and Celia, who hit the headlines for her wild partying earlier this year.

Emily's wedding to James Hutt took place in a pretty church in the Lincolnshire hamlet of Stoke Rochford, where she grew up on her family's 1,000-acre farm.

The Duchess looked rather serious, despite the dappled sunshine shining on William's cousin's big day

Her cousin Kitty Spencer also attended the wedding, wearing a low-cut white chiffon dress and navy heels.

The Earl of Spencer's daughter chose a look that was a far cry from Kate's sensible, high-necked attire.

Platinum blonde Lady Kitty, who was voted most eligible female by Tatler a few years ago, typically drew attention when the short skirt blew up around her thighs.


Attention grabbing: Lady Kitty Spencer went for a very different look to Kate in a low-cut white chiffon dress that blew up in the wind


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Be careful sitting down in that dress Kate! Duchess wows in a floor-length cream gown... with a daring thigh-high split

By Rebecca English


Effortless elegance: The Duchess of Cambridge wore a full-length cream gown that was split to the thigh for a meeting at the Thirty Club at Claridge's in London last night

The Duchess of Cambridge arrived at a 'secret' engagement in London last night in a show-stopping cream dress.

Although her private dinner was meant to be under the radar Kate was anything but, in a stunning floor-skimming gown slit to the thigh.

The dress, believed to be a design by Roland Mouret, had a demure high neckline, was teamed with crystal-studded Jimmy Choo Vamp sandals that revealed crimson-painted toenails.

White out: The showstopping gown is believed to be a 2009 creation by designer Roland Mouret

The Duchess carried a diamante clutch bag that matched her shoes and sported a pair of chandelier-style diamond earrings.

Kate was accompanying her husband, Prince William, to one of the most elite dining clubs in the country.

The royal couple were at Claridge’s hotel in Mayfair for a meeting of the Thirty Club, whose members are some of the most powerful men and women in advertising and the media.

Founded in 1905 for the ‘betterment of advertising’, its monthly dinners are a chance for the movers and shakers of the industry to meet, discuss issues of the day and sometimes even seal deals.


Back in the spotlight: The royal couple looked relaxed and happy as they stepped on to the red carpet

Supportive: Kate was accompanying husband Prince William, who was a guest speaker at last night's event

The man with the keys to entry is Bartle Bogle Hegarty's Nigel Bogle but it also attracts big media players including Michael Grade, Lord Puttnam and Stephen Carter.

Rupert Murdoch is believed to have attended one dinner, although clearly in light of recent events was not present yesterday.

Their meetings feature a guest speaker – in this case Prince William - who was following in the footsteps of many other senior royals who have made address including his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, his grand-father Prince Philip and aunt Princess Anne.

The Duchess was accompanying him, palace sources said, for support.

A St James’s Palace spokesman said William had decided to attend in honour of the Queen’s jubilee and his own 30th birthday next month.

‘The Duke has been invited for around nine years now and thought that it was right to accept the invitation this year because of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

'It also seemed rather apt as it his 30th birthday next month,’ they said.

‘Other senior members of the Royal Family also suggested that it was an interesting event to attend.’

They declined to say what issues his speech would be tackling, however, as it was ‘a private occasion’ and the engagement was not publicised in advance.


Dazzling: The Duchess teamed her simple gown with a beaded clutch, platform heels and diamond earrings

Designer accessories: Jimmy Choo was the label behind both the sparkly beaded bag and the silver crackled leather shoes, which retail for £484

The Thirty Club was named after its 30 founder members - ten senior figures from the advertising industry, those who advertise and the media. Today it still has 30 full members on roughly the same line, but has expanded its number of include some associate members.

Some refer to Thirty Club members as ‘peacocks’ and their dinners as a ‘great flurry of feathers’.

Apparently a great deal of meaning is written into the table plans and the further you sit away from ‘the top table’, the less influential you are considered – although clearly the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had little to worry about there.



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Wills and Kate! As they celebrate 12 months of wedded bliss, FEMAIL looks back at the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's first year of marriage

By Daily Mail Reporter


Last April, William and Kate were married in a stunning ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

The world watched as the fairytale came true for Kate Middleton, a middle-class girl who married her prince.

One year on, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge look happier than ever. Across an eventful 12 months that has seen the two make dozens of public appearances, attend numerous charity events and William posted to the Falklands, leaving Kate to carry out solo engagements, the two have spent the year in the spotlight coming to terms with life as a working Royal couple.

Here, FEMAIL takes a look back at some of the highlights of what has been a spectacular year for William and Kate.

APRIL 2011: THE ROYAL WEDDING


The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding on April 29th was watched by over two billion people


Worth the wait, Kate: The Royal's balcony kiss voted nation’s favourite TV moment of 2011


Walking hand in hand from Buckingham Palace the newlyweds look happy and relaxed the day after their nuptials

MAY 2011


William and Kate meet with Barack Obama (left) and First Lady Michelle Obama (right), on the first day of President Obama's three-day state visit to the UK - shortly after this photograph appeared Kate's £175 Reiss dress caused a shopping frenzy and sold out instantly

JUNE 2011


The Epsom Derby 2011 was the biggest gathering of the Royal Family since the royal wedding. Kate dazzled in a collarless off-white jacket over a diaphanous white frock and nude platform shoes while Prince William, and Harry opted for a top hat and tails.


The Trooping of the Colour ceremony marks the monarch's official birthday, but all eyes were on the Duke and Duchess playing key roles in the event for the first time


The Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge attend the 10th annual ARK Gala in London. The Duchess wears a Jenny Packham gown that cost £3,835


The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the 10th annual Absolute Return for Kids (Ark) Gala Dinner at Kensington Palace. Kate opted for a Jenny Packham gown, accessorised with LK Bennett shoes and a clutch bag, bringing a touch of simple elegance as they made their first official public engagement as a married couple


Never mind the royal wave: Kate and William take part in a Mexican wave on Centre Court as they watched Andy Murray beat Richard Gasquet at Wimbledon

JULY 2011


Pretty in purple: Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge took part in Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill


The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chat during a citizenship ceremony: Kate's brooch was borrowed from the Queen


Rapturous welcome: First job of the day for Prince William and his wife Catherine was at the Canadian Museum of Civilisation where they took part in a citizenship ceremony to mark Canada Day. The Duchess of Cambridge wore a red hat with maple leaves


William watches as his wife shovels dirt during a tree planting ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa before she hand the spade over...


Visit: William and Kate arrive at Prince Edward Island watched by a number of fans who had dressed up in period costume for the occasion


Lady in white: Kate wore a cricket style outfit for the occasion which she teamed with navy shoes. The Royal couple were met by hundreds of cheering fans


William and Kate pose wearing the sweaters of the Canadian Rangers after being made honorary members during a visit to Blatchford Lake, Northwest Territories July 5


Beaming: The royal couple looked the part in matching stetson hats as they got into the rodeo spirit in Calgary


Dazzling Duchess: Kate looked stunning in a little yellow dress as the royal couple arrived at Calgary airport


Kate and William cut a stylish appearance as they arrived in Santa Barbara ahead of a charity polo match that saw the Duke lead his team to a 5-3 victory, left, before the couple departed LAX airport, right


Hollywood royalty: Wearing a classic tuxedo, Prince William escorts Kate down the red carpet and into the Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles


Hollywood royalty: Wearing a classic tuxedo, Prince William escorts Kate down the red carpet and into the Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles


Warm welcome: The couple were greeted by a crowd of well wishers in Los Angeles, who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the British royals


Mom, I'd like you to meet... The royal couple met Jennifer Lopez and her mother at the glittering event



AUGUST 2011


The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the Summerfield Community Centre in Birmingham to lend their support to riot-torn communities - Kate swapped her usual High Street favourites for a designer outfit by Alexander McQueen paired with Prada heels

SEPTEMBER 2011


Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge arrive at the Royal Mardsen hospital in Sutton

OCTOBER 2011


The royal couple attend a Charity Gala Evening hosted by 100 Women in Hedge Funds at St James's Palace in London for which Kate wore a full length red gown by ethical label, Beulah, left. Later that month, Kate attended a private dinner at Clarence House in aid of the charity In Kind Direct - one of The Prince of Wales's charities - without her husband

NOVEMBER 2011: KATE SPARKS BABY RUMOURS


DECEMBER 2011: GALA DINNER AND FIRST CHRISTMAS AT SANDRINGHAM AS A MARRIED COUPLE


The Duke and Duchess attend The Sun Military Awards at The Imperial War Museum with Prince Harry. Kate wears a gown by Alexander McQueen's Sarah Burton, the same designer who created her fairytale wedding dress



JANUARY 2012: KATE TURNS 30


It's Kate's 30th birthday, and the royal pair attend a premiere for Steven Spielberg's acclaimed film War Horse. Kate chooses a lace Alice Temperley gown for the occasion, while Wills dazzles in tuxedo


This month, Kate announced the four charities for which she would become patron - Patron of Action on Addiction, Royal Patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices, Royal Patron of The Art Room and Patron of the National Portrait Gallery, London - and also revealed she would become a volunteer with the Scouting Association612

FEBRUARY 2012: KATE'S FIRST SOLO ENGAGEMENTS... AND VALENTINE'S DAY ALONE


Kate goes solo: William is posted to the Falklands leaving Kate to attend multiple social functions alone during February - and the Duchess takes them on with poise. Here, she attends the opening of the Lucian Freud exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery


It's Valentine's Day, and Kate goes solo again - this time to visit a Liverpool children's hospital, where she is bestowed with hundreds of bouquets and gifts


William is still in the Falklands - but Kate is not letting the grass grow underneath her feet. On February 22 she pays a visit to an Oxfordshire school where she takes place in an art class - and gets red paint on her Orla Kiely coat-dress

MARCH 2012


Girl's day out: Kate, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Queen go for tea at Fortnum & Mason


Wills is still away in the Falklands, so Kate embarks upon a visit to The Prince's Foundation for Children and the Arts with her in-laws - yet another engagement without her husband by her side. Kate looks confident and assured - testament to how far she has come since marrying William almost a year ago


Prince Charles wished to introduce his daughter-in-law to the charity work he carries out with the Princes Trust - and the experience went a long way in helping Kate adjust to life in the public eye


Charles and Kate were greeted by hundreds of cheering schoolchildren waving Union flags at the centre - a taste of things to come for Kate for the rest of her life


Later that same day, Kate is invited to meet the British Olympic hockey teamsin her role as Team GB and Paralympics GB 2012 Ambassador. She dons pink jeggings and trainers to join the teams for a game - and not only does she wow with her skills, but as a result of the Duchess Effect, pink jeans go on to sell out across the nation


The Duchess relived her school days as she played a game with the Olympic team


Kate, who wore heels before the game, posed with the GB Mens's Hockey Team


Short address: Kate gives her first speech in honour of families at The Treehouse, a hospice run by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH)

APRIL 2012


APRIL 2012: Together again at last: Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, centre, enjoyed a week away at the renowned Trois Vallees ski resort with mother Carole, left, and the Middleton family after his safe return from the Falklands


Peplum queen: Kate wears Matthew Williamson as the couple arrive for the British Premiere of 'African Cats at the BFI Southbank


Quick change Kate: The Duchess Kate wore an indigo tweed Rebecca Taylor suit for her visit to Goldsmiths' Hall, left, then later in the day changed into a simple grey dress as she appeared at the Imperial War Museum last night



source:dailymail

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