Kate Middleton was the focus of some exciting news yesterday, as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II named her granddaughter-in-law the new patron of the Royal Photographic Society after fulfilling the role for a staggering 67 years.
Kensington Palace announced Kate’s new role in a statement, saying: “The Duchess has a longstanding interest in photography, and this patronage will further highlight the beneficial impact that art and creativity can have on emotional wellbeing, particularly for children and young people.”
To mark her new patronage, the Duchess of Cambridge stopped by Warren Park Children’s Centre in south west London for a photography workshop run by the Royal Photographic Society and Action for Children, another of the Duchess’s charities.
But all eyes were on Kate’s outfit, with royal fan watchers blown away by her summer dress and surprisingly cheap footwear.
WATCH this video to see Kate’s stunning ensemble in full!
The mother-of-three – who left Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at home with their father Prince William – nailed summer chic in a new paisley print dress by Ridley London.
Kate’s floaty frock appears to be a version of the $826 AUD ‘Virgina’ midi-dress in an unreleased colour, Harper’s Bazaar reports.
The 37-year-old royal took advantage of the balmy British weather to give her favourite pair of beige Castaner ‘Carina’ espadrille wedges an outing.
The reasonably priced summery shoes – which retail for $166 AUD – are a staple in the Duchess’ wardrobe despite Queen Elizabeth’s well known dislike of wedge-style footwear.
Kate, who is known for recycling and restyling designer clothing, wore the Carina’s to show the royal family around her Chelsea Flower Show garden last month.
Her sister-in-law Meghan Markle is also a fan of Castaner footwear.
In October 2018, the Duchess of Sussex wore a black pair of Carina wedge espadrilles from the Spanish label for a visit to Sydney’s Bondi Beach during her and Prince Harry’s royal tour of Australia.
Duchess Kate added a touch of glamour to her summer ensemble with a pair of $276 AUD gold leaf earrings by Catherine Zoraida.
Amateur photographer Kate, who was named an honorary member of the Royal Photographic Society in 2017, is sure to delighted with her latest patronage which promotes one of her greatest personal interests.
The Duchess is thought to have developed a love for photography during her time at the University of St Andrews where she studied art history.
Kate also met the Duke of Cambridge at St Andrews.
The Royal Photographic Society was founded in 1853, receiving royal patronage from Queen Victoria – Queen Elizabeth II’s great-great-grandmother – and her husband Prince Albert.
