Good evening!
September is firmly upon us and the autumn schedule has commenced for the Royal family with engagements in full swing once again. On the Cambridge front, Prince George returned to Thomas's Battersea for a new school year last week and Princess Charlotte has returned to Willcocks Nursery School. William resumed duties last Thursday (we'll be chatting more about that later on). There's been no news whatsoever on Kate's return. We often see engagements announced about two weeks in advance, so it's looking unlikely we'll see the Duchess this month. A surprise appearance is certainly possible, however, royal reporters Emily Andrews and Chris Ship both understand it will be October before we see her return.
Whilst nothing has been announced, there are several events over the course of the coming months I believe we'll see Kate attending. Once again, it's important to stress none of the following have been confirmed. This is merely a cursory overview of very strong possibilities. The first of these is the Global Summit on Mental Health Culture Change which will take place in London from 10-13 October. The London Summit gathers together key thought leaders, government officials, stakeholders, policy makers and change agents to focus exclusively on removing cultural biases that affect how we think about, talk about and address emotional well-being and mental health. The Royal Foundation is involved in the event, meaning we can expect to see the Cambridges participating. The event concludes on the 13 October with a special concert at the London Palladium.
The first day of the Summit, 10 October, coincides with World Mental Health Day - traditionally a day Kate has appearances.
On Friday, 12 October, Princess Eugenie will marry Jack Brooksbank at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.
One of the most glamorous events of the year will take place during a State visit to the UK by King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands from 23-24 October. We can expect to see senior members of the Royal family attending a white-tie State banquet in honour of the visit. As you will remember, we spent a good portion of August enjoying your fabulous submissions for Kate's gowns and jewels for the night.
Kate visited King Willem-Alexander during her first solo overseas visit to the Netherlands in the 2016.
The Royal British Legion hosts the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on 10 November to commemorate all those who have lost their lives in conflicts. The following day, 11 November, is Remembrance Sunday. We'll see Kate join royals at the Cenotaph.
That night, Koncert Sto Lat, a special concert at the Royal Albert Hall, will celebrate 100 years of Poland’s return to the Map of Europe – Poland’s Independence Day. The unique concert will celebrate the centenary with some of the most poignant and well-known Polish songs and music of the period. Poland’s finest artists will be singing not only their iconic contemporary songs but also songs from the 'Solidarity' era. Reader Marta kindly shared information that respected Polish media outlets have reported the Cambridges will be in attendance.
The Queen is to throw a party for hundreds of family members and friends to mark Prince Charles' 70th birthday on 14 November. Rebecca English confirms the bash will be private, however, we can expect to see arrival/departure snaps and hopefully a portrait of the family released afterwards.
In terms of Kate's solo work, the Royal Foundation's annual report revealed plans to collaborate with the Maternal Mental Health Alliance this year:
'Towards the end of 2018 we will launch initiatives designed to reduce the stigma of maternal mental health difficulties and improve related knowledge and understanding. We will collaborate with the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) to support new initiatives and work with other organisations within the MMHA for this purpose.'
A tweet from Gert's Royals reminded me the Duchess became the first Royal Patron of the Victoria & Albert Museum in March. An engagement should almost certainly be in the planning before the end of the year.
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Several of you have been in touch asking about Heads Together and the direction the campaign will take next. Yesterday, Prince William travelled to Bristol to launch a new initiative, Mental Health at Work, a free portal filled with information for employers and employees in the UK.
Curated by mental health charity Mind, and funded by the Royal Foundation as part of their Heads Together campaign, the website offers valuable information, toolkits, podcasts and other resources to improve mental health in the workplace. "Whether you work with 10 people, 10,000 people or just yourself, paying attention to mental health in the workplace has never been more important. Mental Health at Work is here to help you find the information and resources you need."
Half of us have experienced a mental health problem in our current job and 1 in 4 of us are struggling with these problems in silence.
'Former air ambulance pilot Prince William spoke candidly on Tuesday about absorbing the pain and suffering he witnessed on the job. "I took a lot home without realizing it," he said at a mental health event in Bristol. "You see [so] many sad things every day that you think life is like that." Speaking about his time in the emergency services, he added, "You’re always dealing with despair and sadness and injury. The attrition builds up and you never really have the opportunity to offload anything if you’re not careful."
Sitting around a table in Yurt Lush café 120 miles west of London, William noted the particular toll on first responders. "You’re human and a lot of people forget the battles, you have shut it off to do the job — but ultimately something pierces the armor." He noted that he was "stunned" that just 2 percent of people feel comfortable talking to their workplace human resources department about mental health.'
During his speech William said: "By taking mental health seriously, you can build a better team. You can be a better boss, and you can be a better colleague. And my hope is that Mental Health At Work can help you do it."
The ITV video below also shared a brief interview with Kirk. When Kirk's daughter was diagnosed with an eating disorder, his world fell apart. Support from his team at work helped him navigate through this difficult time and he's now committed to empowering his colleagues to talk about mental health and ask for help if they need it.
Speaking about meeting Kirk, William said: "He's exactly the sort of person we should be looking up to."
Just 2% of people feel comfortable talking to workplace HR about mental health. If you would like to find out more about Mental Health at Work please click here.
In other news, William attended his first event as patron of the Royal African Society earlier this evening. During a speech he revealed he will make a working visit to Namibia, Tanzania and Kenya later this month. "Like so many others, I am deeply saddened by the numbers of elephant, rhino and pangolin who have been illegally slaughtered for their tusks, horns and scales. But the illegal wildlife trade also has a devastating human impact. Too many brave rangers are tragically killed each year by poachers. Communities see their tourist livelihoods threatened. And the proceeds of the illegal wildlife trade fund broader criminal networks and threaten security. This is why I am committed to doing what I can to help end this terrible, global crime. This will be a particular focus of my upcoming visit to Africa, and of course the conference on the illegal wildlife trade taking place here in London in October."
In other news, William attended his first event as patron of the Royal African Society earlier this evening. During a speech he revealed he will make a working visit to Namibia, Tanzania and Kenya later this month. "Like so many others, I am deeply saddened by the numbers of elephant, rhino and pangolin who have been illegally slaughtered for their tusks, horns and scales. But the illegal wildlife trade also has a devastating human impact. Too many brave rangers are tragically killed each year by poachers. Communities see their tourist livelihoods threatened. And the proceeds of the illegal wildlife trade fund broader criminal networks and threaten security. This is why I am committed to doing what I can to help end this terrible, global crime. This will be a particular focus of my upcoming visit to Africa, and of course the conference on the illegal wildlife trade taking place here in London in October."
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For the final portion of today's post, we're taking a look at the latest autumn/winter arrivals from one of Kate's favourite retailers, L.K. Bennett. Elegant skirt suits, floral midi dresses, fitted sheaths and stylish accessories offer an abundance of possibilities for the Duchess. The forest-green Effie dress with a tuxedo neckline and the elegant red Hollie dress are chic options for the coming season.
The marble red, floral-print Julisa dress, the abstract blossom print Yadira dress and the midnight blue star print Filia dress.
The Elspeth patterned dress is crafted in stylish jacquard and cinches in at the waist for a flattering silhouette.
The soft wool Audry Green Coat and the French blue Verlee Coat.
The Charl Navy Cream Tweed coat is described: "Transition the seasons in style with the Charl multi-navy-cream coat. Crafted from breathable cotton-blend, it features raw-hem details and navy contrast pockets and hemline, while the heritage-inspired tweed works perfectly with tailored separates."
The effortlessly chic Cesilia Tweed Jacket and Skirt.
The Sonya blue silk blouse and the Estra jersey top.
The marble red, floral-print Julisa dress, the abstract blossom print Yadira dress and the midnight blue star print Filia dress.
The Elspeth patterned dress is crafted in stylish jacquard and cinches in at the waist for a flattering silhouette.
The soft wool Audry Green Coat and the French blue Verlee Coat.
The Charl Navy Cream Tweed coat is described: "Transition the seasons in style with the Charl multi-navy-cream coat. Crafted from breathable cotton-blend, it features raw-hem details and navy contrast pockets and hemline, while the heritage-inspired tweed works perfectly with tailored separates."
The effortlessly chic Cesilia Tweed Jacket and Skirt.
The Sonya blue silk blouse and the Estra jersey top.
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UPDATE: William and Kate received Mr Miguel Head at Kensington Palace upon relinquishing his appointment as Private Secretary to William earlier this afternoon. Miguel had been a member of the Royal Household for a decade. The Palace said: "His Royal Highness feels incredibly lucky to have benefited from Miguel’s advice and support over the last decade. He has been an outstanding Press Secretary and has been central to the decisions that have guided the establishment of The Duke's office. He has also been a valued advisor during an important period in His Royal Highness's life. He wishes Miguel all the very best for the future." Below, Mr Head with Kate's former private secretary Rebecca Deacon.
And that's a wrap! Hope you're all having a great week!
