I like to take as detailed a look back as possible. From Tim O Donovan's year end figures for the Royal family, it's particularly notable that almost half of Kate's 2016 engagements took place overseas and with that in mind I thought it a good idea to divide the post into two parts. Today we're taking a look at Kate's engagements and other items of interest that occurred in the UK.
January
2016 began with a very special milestone for Prince George. The two-year-old completed his first day of nursery at Westacre Montessori School, a twenty-minute drive from Anmer Hall. To mark the occasion photos taken by the Duchess were released and I think we all loved them. George's low-key first day was in stark contrast to Prince William's first day at nursery, when journalists and reporters were invited to capture the moment and even invited inside the classroom to film. The relaxed photos offered a lovely glimpse into a momentous day for the future king. Kensington Palace told reporters "it all went well", but were reluctant to say if there were any tears.
On the 9th, Kate celebrated her 34th birthday with family and friends at Anmer Hall. The following day the Cambridges and the Middletons joined the Queen and Prince Philip at St Mary Magdalene Church for a service marking the 100th anniversary of the First World War Gallipoli campaign.
February
Kate carried out her first engagement of 2016 on 7 February marking the 75th anniversary of the RAF Air Cadets with a service at St Clement Danes Church in London. The event marked Kate's first engagement as Honorary Air Commandant of the organisation. In December 2015, the Duke of Edinburgh passed his patronage of the RAF Air Cadets to Kate, after 63 years serving as Air Commodore-in-Chief.
In support of Children's Mental Health Week and in her role as patron of Place2Be, Kate recorded a video message encouraging all children to get the support they need during difficult times to help them overcome challenges. The Duchess noted the need for schools to prioritize the mental wellbeing of their students in addition to academic success to allow every child to have a "firm foundation, for the happy, healthy future they deserve. While we cannot always change a child's circumstances, we can give them tools to cope and thrive". You can view the video here.
William and Kate's first joint engagement of the year saw the couple return to their former home of Anglesey for the RAF Disbandment Parade. The visit held additional personal significance for William, who served as Flight Lieutenant Wales in the role of operational search and rescue pilot flying the Sea King helicopter. During that time, William undertook a total of 156 search and rescue operations, resulting in 149 people being rescued. The service is now privatised and operated by civilian company Bristow Helicopters after it was awarded the contract by the Department of Transport in 2013. At the time, Prince William objected to the privatisation of the service and it was thought to have influenced his decision to leave the RAF.
The Countess of Strathearn visited Edinburgh for a varied day of engagements, visiting three school-based charity projects in the area. For Kate's first solo trip to Scotland, she began with a visit to St Catherine's Primary School to see some of her patronage Place2Be's work in Scotland to improve the emotional wellbeing of pupils, parents, families and school staff. From there she travelled to the Art Room's first studio in Scotland at Wester Hailes Education Centre - representing a new phase in the charity's growth. Kate opted for stylish separates including her green SportsMax coat, teamed with a black turtleneck and a Houndstooth Wool Kilt by Scottish brand Le Kilt.
For the final engagement of the day, Kate changed outfit for a 'Tennis on the Road' workshop hosted by Judy Murray, mother to tennis stars Andy and Jamie. Kate was in her element participating in exercises and a spot of tennis. Judy Murray said Kate told her she loves tennis because it's one of two sports she can beat William at. A coach from the event said the Duchess was "very competitive". I quite liked Kate's sporty attire consisting of a white Nike top, Monreal London Side Panel Track Pants and Asics Trainers.
March
Continuing with a focus on mental health, William and Kate met the inspiring Jonny Benjamin, who was saved by a stranger in 2008 as he contemplated taking his own life. In 2014, following a period of hospitalisation, where Jonny received the help he needed, he launched a social media campaign titled #FindMike with the help of charity Rethink Mental Illness to find the man who saved him. During the meeting, William said: "Someone told me five people a day try to kill themselves. I was just blown away by the statistics." Sitting on a sofa with Kate, Benjamin and Mike Laybourn, he added: "For both of us, the mental health piece has got lots of aspects. It's such a big issue that we need to do something about it. We feel it's been raised higher up the ladder. It's suddenly bubbling just under the surface. Now we need to get up to the next level, to the surface." Kate continued: "We see through the work that we do with addiction, homelessness and knife crime that a lot of it stems back to childhood."
For a visit to the mentoring programme of the XLP (eXcel Project) at London Wall the Duchess debuted a new label - Kensington-based bespoke firm Eponine London. The red and white skirt-suit was a stunning choice, featuring a boat neck and an A-line skirt. The look was praised as fresh, stylish and reminiscent of Jackie O.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and the Duke of York joined the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to celebrate Commonwealth Day by attending the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey. Another popular look for the Duchess who donned a bespoke grey Erdem coat and a wide-brimmed John Boyd hat.
The Duchess opened a new EACH charity shop in Holt, Norfolk on 18 March. Located just forty minutes from the Cambridges' country home, Anmer Hall, market town Holt has been a favoured shopping haunt for Kate over the last couple of years, with several outings to the nearby Mew Antique Emporium and local grocers. Inside, Kate tried on a few things with a hat catching her eye. Kate bought a book, Fireman Sam’s Favourite Tales, as a present for Prince George and a Beatrix Potter Tom Kitten figurine for Princess Charlotte. Kate paid £10 in cash for the items and revealed, "Fireman Sam is George's favourite" and he had asked her to look for a helicopter :)
March came to a close with one of my royal highlights of the year, Our Queen at 90. The ITV documentary offered fascinating insights into Her Majesty's life including Kate's first interview as a member of the Royal family. Kate discussed motherhood and praised the Queen's sense of duty and commitment. "Being a mother and new in my job as well, I have no idea how the Queen has managed to do it with four children as well of her own. To manage all those elements of your life, from the family as well as to the work, to the national importance of her role, I think it's extraordinary and also for so long as well. All the time William and I are so struck by the Queen's sense of duty and commitment and I think to do that by yourself would be a very lonely place to be, but I think to have the support of your husband there by your side on those occasions, and behind closed doors as well, I think is very special." Kate continued: "William and I have got quite a long way to go but it really is fantastic and to see and experience as much as they have together. It's very special."
April
Before departing for their tour of India and Bhutan, William and Kate hosted a pre-tour reception for young people from both countries at Kensington Palace. The Duchess opted for the Mary Flocked Chiffon Gown by Indian designer Saloni for the evening.
Following a hugely successful tour, the Cambridges returned to the UK where Her Majesty's birthday celebrations were beginning to take shape. A a new photo of Her Majesty the Queen with her three heirs, Prince Charles, Prince William, and the ever-adorable Prince George was released. The image was the basis for a set of stamps by the Royal Mail to mark the monarch's 90th. The foursome were impeccably matched in shades of blue for the image taken in the White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace.
The much hoped-for 90th birthday portraits of the Queen, shot by Annie Leibovitz, were released to mark the milestone. Taken on Easter Monday at Windsor Castle, the photos are a fantastic way to celebrate the day. In the first photo, HM is pictured with her two youngest grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. This is such a memorable and historic photo. We see the Queen as her official self carrying out copious numbers of duties, entertaining heads of state and so much more on a constant basis, but for this photo, we simply see her as a grandmother and great-grandmother holding Princess Charlotte on her lap with the adorable Mia Tindall holding her handbag. It was a very relaxed day with Kate and other parents taking their own snaps from the sitting. Also marking the celebrations, the Cambridges joined other royals for a private family dinner at Windsor Castle.
April was the month that kept on giving, wouldn't you agree? When we heard the Duke and Duchess and Prince Harry were to host the Obamas at Kensington Palace I think we all felt this was going to be a special event. It was a significant night for the young royals - marking the first time they have hosted a head of state without other senior royals present. This type of role will form an important part of their duties in the years ahead. It was also the first official function held at William and Kate's recently renovated Apartment 1A.
What we were not expecting was a little prince to steal the show :)
I simply adore this photo of Prince George shaking hands with President Obama in his pyjamas. Mr Obama is the first of many presidents George will meet and host in his lifetime. The entire evening was perfectly planned with thought and consideration given to every detail. George thanked the Obamas for the rocking horse given to him when he was born. The Cambridges also set out a toy dog the couple sent when Charlotte was born. The young royals have enjoyed an incredibly warm relationship with the Obamas over the years and the evening was the perfect way to reflect on that before the President Obama leaves office.
In late April, it was announced our favourite royal trio would spearhead a new campaign 'Heads Together' to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health. Chosen as the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon Charity the campaign brought together a host of mental health charities. You can watch the introductory video here.
April also brought news that has been described as one of the best kept secrets of the year. In a huge suprise, the Duchess of Cambridge agreed to grace the cover of British Vogue's centenary issue. Kate's patronage the National Portrait Gallery collaborated with British Vogue on a series of portraits of the Duchess, shot by photographer Josh Olins on the Sandringham estate in the Norfolk countryside in January, and styled by Vogue fashion director Lucinda Chambers. The Duchess used professional make-up artist Sally Branka, who persuaded her to forego her usual black eyeliner in favour of a fresher look.
With the connection to the National Portrait Gallery and the significance of the centenary celebrations it was the perfect time for Kate to grace the cover of the iconic magazine. In subsequent interviews with editor Alexandra Shulman it has been revealed it was deeply important to Kate that she was portrayed as her natural self enjoying the outdoors at Sandringham in largely casually attire, rather than gowns and tiaras at Kensington Palace. From a Burberry Trench to a Petit Bateau signature striped tee, we saw a very casual and relaxed Kate at her most comfortable in Norfolk.
Vogue wrote: "It was very clear from the outset these pictures were to be of the woman herself rather than of a figurehead, and they would be as informal as possible." Kate instantly loved the idea of being photographed in the countryside and wanted the photos to "reflect an element of her private existence".
The Duke and Duchess celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary on 29 April! How time flies...
May
May began with a gorgeous selection of photographs released to mark Princess Charlotte's first birthday. Taken by Kate at Anmer Hall, the photos offered a glimpse into Charlotte's playful personality. This one of Charlotte looking at mum is very special indeed!
My favourite photo from the set is the one below showing a smiling Charlotte pushing her walker across the lawn. It's a delightful 'family album' photo and she looks simply adorable with a pink bow in her hair.
Kate's opening of the Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace turned out to be a delightful engagement. Kate revealed news of a new member of the Cambridge family...a hamster named Marvin. A little girl asked Kate: "Are you a princess?" To which she replied with a laugh: "Just call me Kate."
From there, Kate undertook her first engagement as Patron of the Anna Freud Centre by attending a lunch reception supporting the development of a new centre of excellence for children's mental health.
That evening, Kate was pretty in pink McQueen for the 'Vogue 100: A Century of Style' exhibition. The exhibition showcased the range of photography that has been commissioned by British Vogue since it was founded in 1916. With over 280 prints from the Condé Nast archive and international collections being shown together at the National Portrait Gallery for the first time, the exhibition tells the story of one of the most influential fashion magazines in the world. Kate saw two of her own Vogue portraits for the first time with aides describing the experience as "surreal".
The Royal family gathered for a birthday party fit for the Queen on the final night of the Queen's 90th birthday celebrations at Windsor. Looking back, the combination of the red Zara jacket with the white lace Dolce & Gabbana dress was a rare miss for Kate. The two pieces somehow worked against each other sartorially speaking. With the dress, updo and the Queen's earrings, a nice shawl would have beautifully completed the look.
The following day Kate was stylish in a GOAT blouse and Banana Republic skirt for the Heads Together launch. On the day, the Palace noted "the ambitious campaign is the biggest project they have undertaken together to date, and will see them working in partnership with inspiring charities to change the national conversation on mental wellbeing". During a joint speech Kate said: "Too often, people feel afraid to admit that they are struggling with their mental health. This fear of judgment stops people from getting the help they need, which can destroy families and end lives. Heads Together wants to help everyone feel much more comfortable with their everyday mental wellbeing, and to have the practical tools to support their friends and family."
Kate brought back a favourite McQueen ensemble for a visit to Portsmouth to see how the 1851 Trust is using sailing and the marine industry to inspire young people.
Sir Ben Ainslie took Kate for a spot of sailing. The Duchess took the wheel for half an hour, steering the 45ft catamaran at speeds of up to 40mph. Ben said Kate is "certainly keen" to get George and Charlotte sailing in the future. Describing Kate as a natural sailor he continued: "We were all really impressed, she's clearly done a fair amount of sailing before. She supports the team heavily and is very involved with what we do. We'd love to get her racing with us as well if we can, we'll see." For the World Series the team is allowed to take a guest.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made their long-awaited debut at the Chelsea Flower Show on 23 May. The show is very much considered Britain's undisputed horticultural event and known globally for its spectacular floral displays. It is also considered a staple on the royal calendar thanks to Her Majesty's patronage of the Royal Horticultural Society, and the show has been attended by countless royals over the years. Since the Queen's ascension to the throne in 1952, she has only missed it five times. The day produced an abundance of gorgeous shots including this...
The Duchess brought back her cream McQueen from George's christening for the Queen's last garden party of the season at Buckingham Palace.
We saw Kate in Alberta Ferretti for a new official portrait taken in the grounds of Kensington Palace.
A busy May concluded with a family outing at the Houghton Hall horse trials, located around the corner from the Cambridges' country home Anmer Hall in Norfolk. It was very much a family affair as Kate took the children, accompanied by Nanny Maria Teresa and friends James and Laura Meade, along to cheer on competitors. Below we see Kate holding George's hand and Laura Meade pushing the pram.
June
One of Kate's fashion "Wow" moments of the year came when HRH hosted SportsAid's 40th Anniversary Gala dinner at Kensington Palace in the stunning Roland Mouret Nansen Gown. From the French designer's Resort 2016 Collection, the gown features the label's signature darts and panels providing a flattering silhouette with a nipped waistline and svelte contours. The cut-out shoulders give the graceful style a modern edge. Teamed with a pair of Cartier hoop earrings and Gianvito Rossi sandals, it was one of the most memorable looks of the year.
The Duchess was regal in Catherine Walker for the National Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen at St Paul's Cathedral. Another wonderful look and perfect for the occasion. Below, we see Kate curtsying to the Queen.
It was another glorious display of pomp, pageantry and tradition for Trooping the Colour in London. The Cambridge family appeared on the balcony together for the first time - something we expect to be an annual tradition.
William, Kate and Harry joined in to celebrate the Patron's Lunch. Months in the planning, the Mall in St James's Park was transformed for its largest ever street party to celebrate the Queen's patronage of more than 600 charities and organisations. The lunch for 10,000 guests is the first of its kind to be held in the Mall. Unfortunately classic "British summertime" weather intervened with quite a bit of rain on the day. Even Prince George said to Kate as she left: "It's not very nice out today, Mummy". Thankfully conditions cleared and it was a lovely event in celebration of HM.
Lady in red Kate wowed for the annual Order of the Garter ceremonies at Windsor Castle in a Catherine Walker ensemble first worn in Canada in 2011, and teamed with her red McQueen clutch, red suede Gianvito Rossi Pumps, a chic updo and Lock & Co. hat. The ensemble was completed by Kate's Robinson Pelham wedding earrings. The look is a stellar example of the power of accessorising to truly elevate an outfit.
The Duke and Duchess visited the American Embassy in central London to sign a book of condolences for the victims of the Orlando nightclub massacre. A source told the Mail Online: "The Queen immediately issued a statement on Sunday and spoke to the president to offer the nation’s condolences. But with such a disproportionate number of young people affected by the worst mass shooting in US history the Duke and Duchess were very keen to be able to offer the condolences of their own generation too. Prince Harry was unable to join them but he has been speaking at length to people out in Orlando privately because he spent a significant amount of time out there recently for the Invictus Games. All of them have been affected deeply by the stories they have read and heard." Prince William wrote: "With our deepest condolences and with our thoughts and prayers to all those affected." It's devastating to think of the number of terror attacks since the signing of the book of condolences in June.
That afternoon, Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus (as William and Kate are styled in Northern Ireland), attended the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland's Garden Party at Hillsborough Castle. Notably, it marked the couple's first visit to Northern Ireland since their engagement. Kate brought back a Day Birger et Mikkelsen coat she's had for over a decade (wouldn't you love to know how she stores her clothes).
William and Kate also made their Ascot debut in June. The Cambridges reportedly decided to attend the event in honour of Her Majesty's 90th birthday. Knowing how much the Queen loves Ascot, it seemed the perfect time to enjoy an afternoon at the racecourse, located just six miles from Windsor Castle. Kate's Dolce & Gabbana dress (first worn to the Windsor Horse Show) had a chance to shine on its second outing; the look had a My Fair Lady feel to it. Seeing the royals at Ascot is such a tradition, I'm hoping we see the Cambridges attend again soon...
June came to a close with the eagerly anticipated, glittering gala 'A Taste of Norfolk' in support of EACH. The event was hosted by William and Kate's neighbours the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley at Houghton Hall, with all guests invited as a special thank you for supporting the charity's fundraising efforts in the Nook appeal. Below, the Duchess and the Marchioness.
Royals fans were delighted to see the return of the rose Sequin and Embellished Jenny Packham Gown Kate wore for her first engagement following the royal wedding. I felt at the time Kate chose to wore it again almost exactly five years later because she's been on quite a journey from 2011 to 2016 - becoming a member of the Royal family and now a mother of two (Our Kate Loves post Five Royal Years in Gowns takes a closer look at that journey).
July
Barbara Casasola was a Brazilian designer I was entirely unaware of until Kate wore her chic off-the-shoulder dress to the Art Fund awards in July. The $2,210 midi dress is cut from figure-sculpting stretch-jersey and panelled with sheer mesh inserts for a sporty feel. Made in Italy, it is designed to create a flattering, feminine silhouette. A beautiful choice for the night! Kate paired the dress with a pair of Dollie sandals by another Brazilian brand Schutz. At the time, it was thought to be a sartorial nod to the Olympic games in Rio.
Kate was summery in her colour-block Roksanda dress for the women's semi-finals at Wimbledon. There was a decidedly official air for Kate's visit compared to previous years. Before matches began, HRH met tournament officials, service personnel, ball boys and girls. Of course, we now know, it was already in the planning Kate would become patron.
There was a royal surprise in store when William and Kate took Prince George to the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Airford. A spokesman for Kensington Palace said: "The Air Tatoo is a fantastic family-orientated event and the Duke and Duchess know that George will enjoy seeing the aircraft up close."
Despite the media presence and noise George appeared to have a wonderful time - eager to see as much as he could. More from People: "'They wanted to put him on the Duke's lap [at the controls], but he was having none of it. The Duchess suggested shutting the door to try to persuade him. But he was happy sitting with his mum.' Hobkirk says of the young family. 'They seemed very relaxed. The Duke said he misses flying and he wishes he could fly more and said he was envious of me.'"
Next, Kate was back in the royal box, with her Prince, to cheer on Andy Murray as he claimed his second Wimbledon men's title. The Duchess was in McQueen's print of the year 'Obsession' with a jewelled neckline and butterflies, skulls and lipstick.
Also in July, Kate, William and George surprised guests at the Special Air Service camp at Credenhill for the regiment's 75th anniversary. As it was a private event, no photos were shared. The Middleton family were thrilled with the news Pippa had become engaged to her boyfriend James Matthews. It was a huge story over the summer, and I'm sure talk of wedding plans with her sister has featured quite a bit for Kate since.
To mark Prince George's 3rd birthday, a selection of lovely photographs were released for the special occasion.
A Kensington Palace spokesman said: "The Duke and Duchess hope that people will enjoy seeing these new photographs. They would like to thank everyone for all the lovely messages they have received as Prince George celebrates his third birthday." The photos were taken by photographer Matt Porteuous at their home in Norfolk earlier this month. Mr Porteous said: "I really enjoyed the opportunity to take these photographs of Prince George. It was a very relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. I'm honoured that they have decided to share these images with the public to mark his third birthday."
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge returned to Portsmouth to see the second America's Cup World Series. The couple joined thousands of spectators to cheer on the teams.
August
August was a quiet month with the Cambridge family enjoying a holiday in France. On the 24th William and Kate carried out a day of engagements in Luton, Bedfordshire combining their interests in young people, hospice care and mental health. The Duchess sampled brownies that had been homemade for her and William. Kate talked to the teenagers who made the brownies: "So what are you making, this smells seriously good. What are you putting in? Is this just chocolate? Golden syrup? Good." She added: "When I try to do this with George at home, chocolate and the golden syrup goes everywhere. He makes so much mess. It's chaos." Kate described the brownies as "delicious".
August was a quiet month with the Cambridge family enjoying a holiday in France. On the 24th William and Kate carried out a day of engagements in Luton, Bedfordshire combining their interests in young people, hospice care and mental health. The Duchess sampled brownies that had been homemade for her and William. Kate talked to the teenagers who made the brownies: "So what are you making, this smells seriously good. What are you putting in? Is this just chocolate? Golden syrup? Good." She added: "When I try to do this with George at home, chocolate and the golden syrup goes everywhere. He makes so much mess. It's chaos." Kate described the brownies as "delicious".
Kate brought back her much loved poppy print L.K. Bennett Lasa dress for the day.
William and Kate also visited the YoungMinds helpline service. The engagement was embargoed, most likely due to the sensitive nature of the work carried out at the helpline, however, upon their arrival, word quickly spread the couple were in the area. Rebecca English was told William and Kate were keen "to see what actually happens when people seek support".
September
September began with a two day mini-tour of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The highly-anticipated trip was William and Kate's first official visit to the scenic part of South West England since their wedding. Speaking about the purpose of the visit, a spokesman for Kensington Palace said "they will learn more about the industries that operate in the isles, particularly the tourism industry and the Scilly flower trade, and hear from local people about their life and culture". Kate selected a blush Lela Rose dress.
During a visit to Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm Kate pulled a pint of cider and handed it to William, who said: "I'll fall over if I drink that."
On day two, the couple visited the Isles of Scilly where poor weather conditions caused a change of plan to their schedule. With short notice, Kensington Palace swiftly arranged an additional engagement in Cornwall for William and Kate - a visit to the Eden Project. The Eden Project is not only a popular eco tourist attraction in Cornwall but an enterprise and a charity. Inside the two biomes are plants that are collected from many diverse climates and environments. The complex is dominated by two huge enclosures consisting of adjoining domes that house thousands of plant species, and each enclosure emulates a natural biome. It was a change of pace in the fashion department for Kate who teamed her much loved Smythe blazer with a white off-the-shoulder top and printed trousers from GAP.
Who could forget Kate's face when she met one of the baby dinosaurs from the 'Dinosaur Uprising' programme? It had to be the most fun engagement of the year for me as I promptly received comments and messages asking: "Is it a real dinosaur?" They really do look convincing, don't they? :)
At St Martin's community centre, William was delighted to be presented with a picture from local children. I think this one officially wins 'Favourite Photo of Will 2016' :)
The Cambridges spent time in Balmoral with the Queen and Prince Philip at their Scottish retreat. They were photographed at Crathie Kirk for the church service. The photo that received the most attention was one of the Queen driving Carole Middleton. The fact Mike and Carole Middleton were invited shows the closeness between the two families, and isn't it just smashing to see HM behind the wheel at 90?
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| Emily Andrews Twitter/Rebecca English Twitter |
As part of the Heads Together initiative William and Kate went back to school at Steward Academy in Harlow, Essex. The Duke and Duchess participated in a 'big change' session run by a small number of students involved with the school’s mentor scheme in which older students support new ones in their first year of school.
Kate wore the Altuzarra 'Aimee' dress - another brand debut. The stretch-woven dress featured a V neckline, half sleeves, light ruching at front and inner arms, a slit, a slim silhouette and straight hem.
October
Following the Cambridges' tour of Canada, we next saw the couple on 10 October for a special Heads Together event marking World Mental Health Day. The Duchess wore Kate Spade's Encore Rose Chiffon Dress in 'plum dawn' for the engagement.
The Duke and Duchess travelled to Manchester for an 'away day' of engagements. At the Football Museum, they received a Manchester City football for George, a mini kit four Charlotte, cuddly mascots and two life-sized replica 1966 World Cup footballs, which were next to a photo of William kicking a ball when he was a child which made Kate smile.
Meeting families at Francis House, a hospice which cares for children and young adults with life-limiting conditions. The hospice was opened in 1991 by the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry attended a reception hosted by the Queen and Prince Philip for Team GB and Paralympics GB medallists from the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympic Games at Buckingham Palace. Kate wore a bespoke poppy print McQueen for the evening.
Before the reception, William and Kate met with inspirational young people at Kensington Palace ahead of BBC Radio 1's Teen Awards.
November
Kate was the leading lady at the premiere of A Street Cat Named Bob in a Self-Portrait Gown on 3 November. Based on the international best-selling book, it tells the true feel-good story of how James Bowen, a busker and recovering drug addict, had his life transformed when he met a stray ginger cat. The tale of the unlikely friendship between James and Bob has been described as "incredibly moving".
The next day Kate carried out unannounced engagements beginning with a private visit to a prison in Gloucestershire to learn more about what support is available to women prisoners and their families who live with complex social issues. Kensington Palace reported: "The Duchess met with staff from Eastwood Park who explained the complex and often diverse needs of the women they work with including mental health concerns, family breakdowns, and treatment for addiction. Her Royal Highness also met with a small number of women prisoners to hear their personal stories."
Afterwards, the Duchess travelled to the to the Nelson's Trust Women's Centre, an organisation which provides support to vulnerable women and which works closely with Eastwood Park to provide ongoing support to women and their families after leaving prison. During the meeting, Kate was taken with a four-month-old boy called Gabriel, who was with his mother, Hlengiwe Sithole.
Kate wore the black Temperley London Callas coat for the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.
And the Duchess was sombre in a repeated DVF coat for Remembrance Sunday.
Kate spent an afternoon at her patronage, the Natural History Museum, attending a tea party to bid farewell to one of the museum's oldest residents, Dippy the Diplodocus, as he prepares to go on tour. Kate appeared to have a lovely time with the children, and wore the L.K. Bennett Cersei dress.
For her second engagement of the day, the Duchess of Cambridge attended the Place2Be Awards at Mansion House, official residence of the Lord Mayor of London. During a speech Kate praised the work of Place2Be: "Tonight, we are celebrating the truly remarkable work taking place across Place2Be schools in support of children’s mental health. Without many of the inspiring people gathered here, countless children would not receive such transformational support in their schools." Kate was elegant in her black Preen Finella Dress teamed with the Queen's earrings - a winning look overall.
Finally in November, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined several members of the Royal family to pay tribute to the sixth Duke of Westminster at a memorial service.
December
The white-tie Diplomatic Reception is arguable the most glittering event on the royal calendar. It's always a treat to see Kate arriving in her tiara and gown - this year, in a break with tradition Buckingham Palace released a photo from inside the reception with the six senior royals. It's a lovely opportunity to see the monarch, two heirs and their spouses together at such a formal event - the present and future of the Royal family. Reporters described the decision to release the photo as "remarkable". It's a historic photo and very nice to see Kate's Jenny Packham gown and the dazzling Cambridge Lovers Knot tiara in a full-length photo.
Kate attended a special Cub Scout Pack meeting with Cubs from the King's Lynn district to celebrate 100 years of the Cubs. The event saw a host of activities and games on the agenda themed around looking after yourself and others physically and emotionally. Kate helped cubs with first aid and other exercises on what was a very fun evening.
William, Kate and Harry carried out a very appropriately festive engagement on the 19th - joining youth helpline the Mix for a volunteer Christmas party in support of their mental health campaign, Heads Together. They met with staff and volunteers before participating in crafts, making christmas decorations.
A very festive-looking Duchess selected the Cai Floral-Print Jacquard Dress by Vanessa Seward for the engagement. During the party, Their Royal Highnesses kicked off the Mix Annual Awards by presenting the Volunteer of the Year Award to George Yeorghaki. It's been a special year for the Mix and the other organisations involved in the Heads Together initiative; to mark this, volunteers from all the charity partners were invited. As Heads Together was the focal point of engagements at home in 2016 it seemed a very fitting way to end engagements for 2016!
The Cambridges and Prince Harry arriving for the Queen's pre-Christmas luncheon at Buckingham Palace.
The Cambridges spent Christmas with the Middletons at their Bucklebury home this year. When the family arrived at St Mark's for the Christmas morning service it was an unexpected surprise to see George and Charlotte joining their parents. It is not known for certain where the Cambridges rang in 2017, but due to their absence from the New Year's Day service at Sandringham I suspect they may have stayed in Bucklebury for the celebrations.
I have very much enjoyed looking back through Kate's 2016 in the UK with you. There's been many memorable engagements. What were your highlights of the year? The Telegraph has described 2016 as "the year the Duchess of Cambridge embraced fashion". I would certainly agree her style has changed and evolved. I'm personally pleased to see her experimenting with new designers - we saw quite a few in 2016. From a balcony appearance at Trooping the Colour to Christmas in Bucklebury there were plenty of family moments. In fact, Kate's photos of Princess Charlotte have earned her a lifetime honorary membership of the Royal Photographic Society. No doubt keen photographer Kate will be delighted with the honour.
In Part 2, we have quite a bit of globetrotting to do as we revisit India, Bhutan and Canada, Kate's first overseas solo trip and the Cambridges' family holidays. We'll also be looking ahead and discussing what we can expect on the royal front in 2017!
