If you have been reading From Berkshire to Buckingham for any number of years, or perhaps not even that long, you know that “the best intentions often go awry” should be my official aphorism. The year is 2021, which means we are (brace yourselves) celebrating the Duchess’s tenth year as a royal. I had planned to do a look-back for every engagement she did that year, but it is March and I have not done a thing.
Kate’s early years as a royal, though, were not all that active, so it won’t be hard for me to catch up, and hopefully it won’t be that hard for me to keep up. On verra, as the French would say.
That first year was so special it deserves a trip down memory lane. Plus her fashion was some of her best ever. We’ll see how long I keep this up, but I want to give it a go.
Before I jump into the first event of 2011, let’s orient ourselves really quickly.
On November 16, 2010, Clarence House announced that William and Kate were engaged to be married, and the couple held a photo-call in the State Apartments at St. James’s Palace. Kate wore her instantly iconic sapphire Issa dress and accessorized with Tiffany jewelry.
Having announced their engagement, Kate immediately got to work planning the wedding of the decade as media excitement went into overdrive.
On December 18, 2010, William and Kate attended the Christmas Spectacular at Thursford, an event they’d take their children to in the years to come. I can’t remember if this was an event that was promoted, but my general recollection is that it was not. To me, it never really stuck out as that much of a public engagement. It was very exciting to see Kate accompany William, but it was not really a formal public engagement. At least, I don’t consider it her first public engagement, but it was a fun appearance that magical Christmas season.
Kate wore a Temperley dress and carried a Mascaro velvet clutch. I can’t remember if the other pieces are IDed. She was sporting her signature look, though–short skirt/dress with a tailored jacket, and black stockings and a bouncy blow out.
The princess-to-be spent Christmas quietly with her family. Her next big photo moment would come in January of 2011. And that is the next post…