#duchesscatherine

https://youtu.be/Lv-8Dhi5E0Y

New on True Royalty TV

Tenth wedding anniversary, Louis starts nursery school, Pippa has a baby, and the Queen turns 95. This should be a huge year for the Cambridges, particularly for Kate who has been not-so-stealthily transitioning into her Princess of Wales persona through a focus on Queen-like coats.

https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a34891545/kate-middleton-coats-royal-train-tour-photos/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-9041369/Kate-Middletons-93-000-coat-ure-Duchess-rainbow-designer-delights-adds-to.html

Ambitious projects of national importance.

https://www.npg.org.uk/hold-still/hold-still-gallery/

https://people.com/royals/kate-middletons-emotional-chat-with-nurse-who-took-iconic-photograph-for-the-royals-picture-project/

And a couple of overt passing-of-the-torch moments from HM.

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a34907656/cambridges-pose-with-queen-and-prince-charles/

The People magazine article on the upcoming year features the Cambridges’ Christmas card which was very casual and intimate. However, I feel that card is a bit misleading. The post-Balmoral Cambridges pivoted towards formality in their UK tour and they supersize their national and international profiles through the Earthshot and Hold Still projects. I think they will carry that to the next year and we will see a lot more coats and (hopefully!) some major royal bling in the next year as they grow into their POW roles. The kids are also getting a starring role now, not surprising given that they are older and Covid and Brexit make this a critical time for the monarchy and the country. It’s all hands on deck for the Windsors right now.

I don’t think that was the original plan, btw. I think the plan was to slowly transition Kate into a motherly supporting role through the Early Years project with Cam getting a more high-profile role. I bet Kate thought she’d spend 2020 cuddling kids in loose floral dresses. However, Covid, The Crown and Brexit put an end to that, and the Norfolk housewife skirts evolved into a 1940s homefront look, then into professional suits, and finally into Queen-like coats. Duchess Catherine in 2020 is one of the most fascinating fashion stories I’ve seen in decades.  I’m impressed by how quickly and efficiently they shifted focus, and I’m hoping to write a post about it soon.

I’m also looking forward to seeing how they position Sophie (and maybe Louise!). Going by the visual so far, she will be a major player. I wonder if they will give her the motherly supporting role Kate was supposed to play. Hmmmm.

My predictions for 2021 are more coats, more British brands, and more soothing patriotic blue. Also lots of patriotic-lite events related to national landmarks or commemorations. I feel 2021 will be used to create a new post-Brexit UK brand and the Cambridges will be a big part of that effort. I bet they are trying to plan at least two tours for them. However, that’s going to depend on the vaccine rollout.

We should get some kind of meaningful accessory like the tiara-like headbands too, and I’m hoping for a piece of royal jewelry, hopefully something from the Queen Mum or Queen Alexandra (who I feel Kate feels affinity for). I’d love to see some Alexandra-like pearls. Maybe a return of the diamond-and-pearl necklace? I also feel like we’ll get a lot of McQueen, some of it recycled (maybe the green dress I love will finally make a triumphant return), and perhaps some Launer? I’m also wondering if the florals will be swapped for plaids and tweeds, as a nod to national unity and patriotism. We saw a lot of plaid during the UK tour.

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a24122924/kate-middleton-diamond-pearl-necklace-queen-alexandra/

There will likely be a lot of “family” press, as they strive to put up a united front. The Cambridges and the Wessexes seem to be the forefront of that pr drive. They’ll have lots of opportunities to play happy families this year. 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9077177/William-Kate-mingle-Edward-Sophies-family-group-nine.html

Anyhow, here are some fun Hello! magazine predictions. It’s going to be a great year for royal-watching. Enjoy!

The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge -  Prince William proving that he’s a real life Prince Charming over the years | 2011-2020 

insp @lorising

colouring: made by me