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"I imagine she will lighten up as the weather warms up (and the economy reopens) but I hope she takes her time. I found Meghan’s 'trend for spring' lemon dress pr very off-putting." Their choices seem very on-brand for each of them -- Kate concerned about others, Meghan thinking only of herself.

Exactly.

Can we talk about Kate’s Zoom looks recently? Straight hair, blazers and shirts. Looking more “professional” and less “princess-y.” What’s the strategy behind this? Prepping for PoW?

I did a post several days ago. It’s partly prepping for PoW and partly the fact that she is now feeling more confident and self-assured and that is being reflected in her dress and hair choices.

I think this is a permanent shift, because Sophie is being handed the “fashion” baton.

https://twitter.com/RoyalReporter/status/1365035015306948612

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/royals/countess-wessex-british-fashion-style-muse-angelina-jolie-always/

https://style.nine.com.au/latest/sophie-countess-of-wessex-british-fashion-council-london-fashion-week/eb9dfe4a-d791-4bab-b5d6-2baf2de2d286

I can’t tell you how much I love this. I’ve been longing for years for a more “professional” Kate and now it’s finally happening. And Sophie as the “fashion” royal is simply icing on the cake.

Kate’s closet has a list of the 2021 looks and except for the tartan dress, the color palette seems to be blue, green and gray. It’s and interesting mix of sober (gray)and comforting (green and blue) with a healthy dash of traditional patterns (tartan, PoW plaid, and tweed). I think this is absolutely perfect. I imagine she will lighten up as the weather warms up (and the economy reopens) but I hope she takes her time. I found Meghan’s “trend for spring” lemon dress pr very off-putting.

Hello 👋

Hi!

I know you want to focus more on fashion here, but I'd love it if you kept up with your media/PR strategies of Cambs and BRF/Midds at large. I started following brf AFTER H&M's wedding, didn't know a thing before except some "Princess Diana" who died (yes we do exist), and for me the most fascinating & riveting part of the past 2 years has been learning about the PR. I had NO idea AT ALL. I wish I can get a PR expert or a PR blog, lol, I just want to immerse myself in information to learn more.

Oh, I’ll follow the pr. The Cambridges do a ton of it, but it’s a lot less dramatic than what the Harkles do.

But the fashion always follows the pr. Kate is very reliable that way. She’ll bring out the baby blues and flowy floral skirts when she’s doing nurturing “Mother Kate” pr and go back to coat dresses and pumps when she’s being “Queen Kate.”

The question is which one will she adopt in 2021? Last year she started with “sporty Kate” in suede hats and boots. Then she did motherly dresses when Covid started, and the dresses turned into pantsuits and coats when the crisis deepened.

I’m betting on coats and buttons with a patriotic palette, but anons are already disagreeing with me and guessing it will be cheerful florals and soothing colors.

"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." Plaids are a good way to say autumn and also holidays. I think we might get at least a few florals for spring and summer for some uplifting mumsy comfort and reassurance as the country tries to get back on track.

That would be another good strategy. I feel they will go more formal than that, but we’ll see who is right in a few weeks.

Is the green McQueen the one she wore to the sports awards when she presented with Beckham?

This one.

https://whatkatewore.com/2012/12/16/kate-in-green-mcqueen-gown-for-awards-appearance/

I love it to pieces and it has never been worn again (as far as I know). I didn’t like the event itself (too glitzy, imo), but I thought she looked gorgeous.

I’m not sure “Sophie’s normal family” versus “Kate’s royal family” will work. Kate and William did so much normal staff and I think they are ready for become more royal. But George, Charlotte and Louis had to be seen as normal too. That part is really cool. Why give this to Louise and James? If they choose this way, they will create another Harry. More popular than actual heir.

No fear of that with Louise and James, imo. In a way it’s harder to sell them as “normal” since they do carriage rides around Windsor and stuff like that.

I think the Cambridge kids will always be seen as the “middle class’ royals because that’s part of Kate’s brand. It’s just that they will necessarily be seen as “special” in a way the other royal children aren’t. Kate is aware of that, which is why we had George in shorts for so long. It also explains Nanny Maria, the monogrammed bathrobe, the fancy carriage and other such royal accoutrements. They have to be seen as approachable, but they also have to keep the mystique alive. That has always been the royal tightrope.

It’s going to be interest how they navigate that as the kids get older. George already has his football shirts (and football faces!), so it will be interesting to see what comes next.

So do you think the picture of togetherness but subtly different royal ness of the Cambridge and Wessex families that will emerge over the next few years will show what the Sussex’s could have had if they weren’t both bat shit crazy? I really think you’re right about the Wessex positioning and I think it will work and be a positive thing for Cambs Wessex the monarchy and us royal watchers. Happy New Year Plant!

In a way, yes. Sophie is already doing the feminist work Meghan was supposed to be doing, and the Wessexes are getting the “fab four” position the Harkles were supposed to get.

However, it will become clear that the Sussexes would not have been able to carry out a supportive role at all. They just don’t have the personalities for it.

And it’s not just their love of the spotlight and their need to always be number one. It’s also the fact that they can’t stick to one thing for very long.

I just had the idea pop into mind that Kate will become “Queen” before William becomes King. I mean that not literally of course but I get the feeling when Charles is king no matter how well Camilla does the focus will naturally turn to Kate. ?

I’ve had the same thought, not literally of course. But I do expect them to try to deflect the negativity towards Queen Cam by highlighting Kate’s ascension to PoW.

It’s a bit unfair towards Cam, but I don't see what else they can do. There’s a lot of residual anger towards her and it resurfaces whenever the Diana story gets revived (like the reaction to the last season of The Crown).

I think BRF's headache will be all these people that want Charles to be skipped and William to get the throne.. Especially with the pandemic and the inevitable stepping up kate and will had to have, it will be hard to build up a king that is in his 70s in a period of time where elderly people are mostly affected with the virus and need to be protected. Add the crown in that, I am curious to see what they will do.

Charles will not be skipped. No way.

I agree that it will be a problem. Cam being Queen will also be a problem. The Cambridges will be deployed to counteract that and we’ll probably get a lot of “grandfather Charles” and “Will grows closer to his father” press to try to increase his appeal.

On the topic of the wessex's, I think you are right about the family vibe they are projecting. Sophie has been doing a lot of charity work, like a "commoner".

Now I'm really curious how this plan would have work if harkles were still around. They don't have that kind of family loving image, we haven't seen archie at all.

Do you think that they were planning to have that family image for the harkles in their pre-covid plan?

Maybe at the very beginning. I remember there were leaks after the engagement about how they were going to have a small wedding in Scotland because Harry was such a “man of the people.” That changed pretty quick, though, and they pivoted to “they bring Hollywood glamour” when Meghan started spending and hanging out with celebs.

Interesting how her style did change throughout last year. She has to avoid the royal stuff making her look older though. Look forward to your post on this.

Thanks! I know some people find the fashion talk a tad superficial, but I think it’s one of the most powerful languages the royals have and Kate used it very purposefully last year.

Do you think w/Sophie and Edward's new perceived placement w/in the family Louise and James may use their official royal titles after all?

I doubt it. I think Sophie and Edward don’t want them too.

However, I think they will be featured more, which I know is a bit contradictory. However, I think the Wessexes will be used as a foil for Will and Kate. As the Cambridges become more royal, the Wessexes will be portrayed as the more “normal” members of the family.

I actually think this would be misleading because I feel Sophie is a lot more formal and “royal” in her family life than Kate is (not dissing either woman because I love them both). However, the royal roles are going to trump all, imo. Kate’s family will necessarily become more “royal” and Sophie’s family will be portrayed as more “normal” to balance things out.

How do you feel about LK Bennett pumps? Does Kate wear them too often? Are they comfortable?

I like them. They’re not overly fancy and very versatile. I think they are a good choice for her. I have no idea if they are comfortable or not. They probably are, given how often she wears them.

I sometimes wonder why she picked them over Russell and Bromley, which strikes me as a similar brand. Maybe a UK anon can comment as to the differences between the brands. Is Russell more downscale?

7 Big Events the Royals Have to Look Forward to in 2021

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!

https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/20210101103494/what-2021-has-in-store-for-royal-family/

#katemiddleton #duchesscatherine #2021predictions

anonymoushouseplantfan

Baftas Bingo

I will probably be out during the red carpet, but I’ll answer anons when I come back. Have fun!

If I forgot anyone’s favorite, add it in as a wild card.

Kate Middleton has worn some stunning gowns and jewels to the BAFTAs over the years. From Alexander McQueen to Jenny Packham, see the Duchess's red carpet outfits…

Hello also wants a lavender McQueen and Jimmy Choo sandals rewear.

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