It was a big royal week, as we finally welcomed Baby Sussex – now known as Archie Harrison – into the world. Meanwhile, William and Kate headed to Wales for a day of engagements, and Queen Máxima rocked an 80s style trouser suit.
Let’s look at our fashion faves:
The world meets Archie
Of course, the most exciting royal fashion moment of the week was when the Sussex family appeared for their highly-anticipated photocall at Windsor Castle. The glowing new mother coordinated with her son – and Prince Harry – whilst sticking to her signature Meghan style.
The Duchess stepped out in a sleeveless trench-style dress in white (a bold choice for a post-partum mum!) by designer Grace Wales Bonner.
An interesting insight on the designer from O, The Oprah Magazine: “Bonner, who is an award-winning menswear designer, was raised in Southeast London, the product of a Jamaican father and English mother. In other words, for her first official photo as a new mom, Markle chose a designer who—just like her and now, the royal baby—is also bi-racial.”
I reached out to Susan Courter of the fashion blog What Meghan Wore to get her thoughts on Meghan’s big moment.
“Sticking to her signature style of a trench dress, the choice of white was perfect for photos as it complimented their surroundings in St. George’s Hall,” she said. “Perhaps the white dress was also a nod to the couple’s upcoming wedding anniversary.”
Many social media users praised Meghan for showing off her post-baby bump, and Courter added, “It was also very refreshing to see this new mom in a dress that flattered her post-maternity figure.”
In terms of accessories, the Duchess of Sussex stuck with old favourites. She wore her beige suede Manolo Blahnik pumps, along with minimal jewellery in keeping with the clean, modern lines of her dress. She chose her Jennifer Meyer turquoise necklace and Natalie Marie diamond sun studs, per What Meghan Wore.
As for Master Archie, he was wrapped in a white blanket from Nottingham-based G.H. Hurt and Son, just as the Cambridge babies were, and sported a tiny white knit hat by the same brand.
The Duchess of Cambridge in Wales
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge headed back to their former home base of Wales Wednesday, with Kate wearing some old favourite pieces (and a new coat). It’s always interesting when a day involves engagements of varying formality, and the Duchess chose an outfit that allowed her to transition events with ease.
She chose a repeat look for a visit to the Caernarfon Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter Base and Halen Môn Anglesey Sea Salt. The Duchess wore her red Philosophy by Lorenzo Serafini blazer, pairing it with skinny black jeans and a black polo neck top. Kate also brought her Aquatalia Rhumba boots, which she hasn’t worn in several years, back into rotation.
Kiki McDonough jewellery is a long-time favourite of the Duchess of Cambridge, and for her day in Wales, she wore the designer’s citrine drop earrings. Kate has certainly got her money’s worth out of this pair; according to the Twitter account British Royal Fashion Data, she’s worn them 38 times over the years.
She carried her croc print Aspinal Midi Mayfair bag and sported a simple ponytail, perfect for her outdoor engagement later in the day.
A quick outfit change was necessary for a beach cleanup, and the Duchess swapped out the blazer for more casual (and warmer) outerwear. She chose to wear two jackets, in fact – layering a new navy waxed parka by Troy London, per What Kate Wore, over the quilted Barbour style she wore recently in Northern Ireland.
Using the black jeans and black top as a simple foundation layer was a smart move when the day involved such different types of events.
Seasoned Kate followers will have instantly recognised her trusty Penelope Chilvers boots, which are going on 15 years of wear at this point. Overall this look is very classic outdoor Kate: sensible, weather-appropriate, yet stylish whilst keeping the focus on the work at hand.
Queen Máxima at Make a Wish Foundation
Never one to disappoint in the fashion risk-taking department, Queen Máxima made a visit to the Make a Wish Foundation on Wednesday in a sunny, affordable ensemble. (Read our full coverage of the event here.)
Wearing a bright yellow trouser suit from Zara, the Dutch queen looked cheerful for her visit to the children’s charity. Máxima sported the high street brand’s double-breasted blazer, still available for £89.99. The blazer features a shawl collar, front flap pockets, a back vent and a double-breasted front with black buttons.
She paired the blazer with Zara’s matching flared trousers, which retail for a mere £39.99, a simple black top, and black heels. Queen Máxima chose matching black accessories, including long earrings and a black clutch bag.
This look was very 1980s power suit to me, and if anyone can pull it off, it’s undoubtedly Máxima.
We’ll be back next week with Kate’s visit to Bletchley Park and more royal fashion details.
