This trip was initially scheduled for last November and set to include Finland. Kate was very unwell with Hyperemesis gravidarum, however, and it was decided the best course of action was to postpone until early 2018. William travelled to Finland solo and an itinerary was set for the couple to visit Sweden and Norway.
Of course, the primary aim of this tour and others undertaken in Europe over the past year by members of the Royal family is to deploy a touch of 'soft diplomacy' as Brexit negotiations continue. The Guardian reports:
'The royal couple will deliver, the Foreign Office hopes, a clear message: Britain may be leaving the EU, but we are still part of Europe. William and Kate arrive in Sweden on Tuesday aboard a private jet with a comparatively modest entourage of 13: private secretaries, press officers, logistics staff, Kate’s privately funded hairdresser and their senior adviser, Sir David Manning, a former British ambassador to the US.
The couple’s unspoken task is to woo Europe as the UK undertakes the process of leaving the EU and rebooting existing trade relations. Royal overseas visits are decided by the FCO, with schedules drawn up by the British ambassador to the host country, who accompanies the royal visitor throughout. Since the vote for Brexit the Cambridges have been dispatched to France, Poland and Germany, Prince Harry has travelled to Denmark, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have visited Romania, Italy and Austria, and Kate has undertaken a solo trip to the Netherlands.
The British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and education opportunities, believes such visits have enormous value for its work. Rachel Launay, its country director in Germany, said of the Cambridges’ visit last year: “People wanted to see a couple who portray a fresh modern image of the British royal family.” The visit meant the “the British Council had the opportunity to introduce them to creative Germans and Brits who are setting the cultural agenda in Berlin together”.
Ahead of the tour, Kensington Palace said: "The four day tour will include time learning more about what makes Scandinavian culture so unique, from attitudes towards young people and mental health in schools, to the importance of being active and spending time outdoors, whatever the temperature may be. The Duke and Duchess are keen to experience a taste of the Scandinavian way of life for themselves, and to see how people of all generations battle the elements to make the most of their surroundings."
William, Kate and their team travelled to Stockholm yesterday evening and arrived at the Residence of the British Ambassador where they are staying during their visit. From there, they travelled to their first engagement, a bandy hockey event at Vasaparken, an outdoor ice-skating venue.
The Duke and Duchess met a group of local bandy players on the ice and learned more about the sport and its popularity in Sweden.
Bandy was introduced to Sweden in 1895. The Swedish royal family, noblemen and diplomats were among the first players. It has become one of the most popular winter sports in Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and the US. It's a sort of field hockey on ice that's been played in Scandinavia for decades, but now the game of bandy is pressing to win a broader fan base with reports it could soon become an Olympic sport.
Sporty Kate was eager to give the game a go.
The Duchess looked pretty impressed with her efforts :)
A shot from William.
Richard Palmer noted: "William scored two and Kate one. Each had three penalties. A victory for William."
The Duchess takes a shot at goal! 🏒#RoyalVisitSweden pic.twitter.com/FNjaZrlU6P— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) January 30, 2018
William and Kate sip from a drink brought them in the traditional Bandy briefcase pic.twitter.com/FxN3v9CKGK— Simon Perry (@SPerryPeoplemag) January 30, 2018
'A "bandy briefcase" ("bandyportfölj" in Swedish) is the classic accessory for spectating – it is typically made of brown leather, well worn and contains a warm drink in a thermos and/or a bottle of liquor. Bandy is most often played at outdoor arenas during winter time, so the need for spectators to carry flasks or thermoses of 'warming' liquid like glögg is a natural effect.'
Vasaparken is a park in Stockholm, located in Vasastaden and named after the Royal Vasa Dynasty. It was established in this area in 19th century and during World War I, the park was used to grow potatoes for the city. The world-famous Swedish children’s author Astrid Lindgren, who wrote Pippi Longstocking, lived in a building by the park and Vasaparken is mentioned in many of her books. After her death, a corner of the park was renamed in the author's honour. The outdoor skating rink is hugely popular at this time of year.
Chatting with players.
William and Kate posed for photos with players before leaving.
From a sartorial perspective this tour has two considerations in particular: the cold weather and the fact Kate is now six months pregnant. We have all been looking forward to seeing her choices. For day one of the tour, I loved Kate's very stylish casual first look of the day - mixing British and Swedish brands. Kate's coat is the Burberry Toddingwall Shearling Trench Coat. (with thanks to Heaven and Middleton Maven for the swift ID).
The piece is described as "Shearling collar, buttoned epaulette at shoulders, long sleeves, buttoned tab at cuffs, flap at yoke, buckle-fastened belt at waist, two buttoned welt pockets at front, branded buttons, single vent at back hem, shearling linen. 100% lamb leather."
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| Burberry |
Kate's sweater is by Swedish brand Fjällräven (Rebecca noted the name loosely translates to Mountain/Arctic Fox). Founded in 1960, the company specialises in outdoor equipment - mostly clothing and rucksacks. Sara identified the piece as the Övik Folk Knit Sweater. The patterned knitted woollen garment features a round neckline and ribbed sleeve cuffs. The piece is also available at Amazon and Moosejaw.
Kate's boots are by Sorel.
Heaven notes Kate wore the £120 Torino Style. They are available in a variety of sizes at Net-A-Porter.
'Sorel's 'Torino' boots are perfect for drizzly days in the city or walks in the countryside - the rubber base will protect your feet from dewy grass and puddles, while the faux fur-trimmed cuffs lock in heat. They're made from a waterproof combination of suede, leather and shell, and lined in cozy microfleece that can be removed depending on the weather.'
Kate's Beanie hat was the highlight of the look for me. It really took me back to her pre-wedding style.
It is thought Kate wore the Eugenia Kim Rain Faux Fur Pompom Wool Beanie (with thanks to Perth Fashion & Ashley). The New York based accessorises designer is best known for her collection of hats. Kensington Palace confirmed Kate did not wear real fur today, the faux fur version can be viewed here.
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| Eugenia Kim |
Kinga identified Kate's snood as the Brora Cashmere Fine Cable Snood in bordeaux. It's currently reduced from £135 to £89.
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| Brora |
Kate has sported a pair of gold earrings by the Scottish brand several times including the Wimbledon Final in 2016.
Kate accessorised with her Asprey London button earrings.
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| Asprey London |
And completed the look with the John Lewis Suede Faux Fur Trim Thermal Gloves. They are sold out in black, but remain available in brown on sale for £21.
The topic of Kate wearing fur was addressed by KP.
Next, the couple will travel to the Royal Palace of Stockholm to attend a luncheon hosted by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia to welcome them to Sweden.
