Today Kensington Palace shared a statement on Twitter confirming the Cambridges' plans for 2017. As expected, Prince William has decided not to renew his contract with the East Anglian Air Ambulance and will take up full-time duties in support of the Queen when he finishes his role this summer. The Palace said: "Their Royal Highnesses have loved their time in Norfolk and it will continue to be their home. From this autumn, however, the Duke and Duchess will increasingly base their family at Kensington Palace. As they have in recent years, Their Royal Highnesses are keen to continue to increase their official work on behalf of the Queen and for the charities and causes they support, which will require greater time spent in London."
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| Kensington Palace |
More from the Telegraph's report:
'The Duke of Cambridge is to quit his role as an air ambulance pilot this summer so he can take up full-time royal duties in support of the Queen, Kensington Palace confirmed today.
The Duchess of Cambridge will also step up the number of royal engagements she undertakes, and the couple will move back to London with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
With the Duke of Edinburgh in his 96th year and the Queen preparing to celebrate her 91st birthday in April, the onus has been on the Duke and Duchess for some time to take on a greater share of royal engagements.'
Undoubtedly a range of factors came into plans when making this decision. One of these was likely the fact Prince George begins school in London. I suspect it seemed like the best time to make the transition. The Palace confirmed George will begin school in London in September (the choice of school was not revealed), whilst Princess Charlotte will also go to nursery in London.
Prince William thanked the people of East Anglia for their support and said his experiences "will add a valuable perspective to my royal work for decades to come". The statement continued: "I would like to thank the people of East Anglia for being so supportive of my role and for letting me get on with the job when they have seen me in the community or at our region's hospitals. I would especially like to thank all of my collegues at EAAA, Babcock and Cambridge Airport for their friendship and support. I have loved being part of a team of professional, talented people that save lives every day. My admiration for our country's medical and emergency services community could not be any stronger."
ITV News deputy political editor Chris Ship noted the timing of the release coinciding with the presidential inaugartion in the US.
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| Chris Ship Twitter Feed |
We recently discussed the topic following The Sunday Times' Roya Nikkhah report. As I said at the time, I think this was a huge discussion for the couple. As in Anglelsey, they have loved their time in Norfolk and the privacy they enjoyed. Anmer Hall will continue to serve as a country home for the family, likely at weekend and school holidays as schedules allow, but their primary home will be Kensington Palace. With George starting school in September and HM approaching her 91st birthday, it very much feels like the time is right to make the transition. We will reportedly see William taking on a full-time schedule of duties; whilst Kate will continue to focus on George and Charlotte, we're certainly going to see a marked increase in engagements.
William and Kate make a fantastic team, they represent the monarchy with aplomb at home and abroad, and are fantastic ambassadors for Britain. I believe they can achieve so much not only for causes close to their hearts, but in modernising the monarchy while staying true to its traditions. The next couple of years are going to be particularly interesting, during which we will gain an insight into the paths they wish to carve for themselves within the Royal family. It's a period of big changes for the family, and it's also an exciting time full of opportunity.
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Best Separates Look
In today's poll, we're asking you to vote for 'Kate's Best Separates Look of 2016'. Pairing a skirt with a jacket or blouse can provide a relaxed, chic look and we saw Kate opt for smart skirt suits and stylish separates on a number of occasions in 2016. It's amazing to see how a simple piece can be elevated when paired with the right item. We're looking back on ensembles the Duchess put together for official appearances. With that, let's take a look back through Kate's looks...
In January, the Cambridges and the Middletons joined the Royal family for the 100th anniversary of the First World War Gallipoli campaign. Kate repeated her slate/claret Michael Kors suit. The Virgin Wool Plaid Blazer is described as a "vintage-inspired equestrian silhouette" with notched lapels, long sleeves, four-button closure and plaid knit print. The Guncheck Wool Trumpet Skirt is crafted from heritage guncheck wool with the trumpet silhouette offering a flattering feminine fit. Kate teamed the suit with a black turtleneck and her trusty Aquatalia Rhumba Boots.
For Kate's video message in support of Children's Mental Health Week, the Duchess wore her blue Rebecca Taylor suit. Kate first wore the jacket and skirt in April 2012 for the Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race to the South Pole, and more recently in New Zealand in 2014. The suit is from the designer's Pre-Fall 2012/2013 Collection. Both pieces are crafted in heavily textured melange weft. The jacket features frayed trim and sequin floral embellishment at the neck.
The Duchess was stylish in the Reiss Vinnie High-Neck Shirt - cut from a lightweight chiffon with a textured stripe design - and the Dolce & Gabbana Boucle Wool Blend Skirt. I loved the pairing of both these pieces and thought it a lovely choice for the day.
The Duchess debuted a gorgeous look by Kensington-based label Eponine London for a visit to the XLP mentoring programme in March. The red and white skirt suit is from the brand's Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. The top features a boat neck and three-quarter sleeves while the skirt is A-line. It's a beautiful outfit and I love the silhouette, the lines, and the gingham pattern.
HRH combined high street and designer for the Heads Together launch in May. Kate chose the cream Goat Binky Blouse with full sleeves and the Blue Geo Jacquard Midi Skirt by Banana Republic.
Kate brought back a favourite Alexander McQueen ensemble for a visit to Portsmouth to learn more about her patornage, the 1851 Trust. The nautical-looking, military-inspired look is always a hit for me; it's beautifully tailored and versatile.
For the Cambridges' new official portrait, Kate sported an ivory jacket from Alberta Ferretti's diffusion line Philosophy with a rounded collar, embroidered detailing and three-quarter length sleeves, with a pleated skirt.
The Duchess spent a rainy day on the Isles of Scilly in September and surprised us all when she chose print trousers (rather than her favoured skinny jeans) for the event. Kate teamed the GAP Bi-Stretch Skinny Ankle Pants with her navy Smythe Blazer and an Off-the-shoulder top by H&M.
An elegant Kate hit all the right style notes in a pale blue bespoke Catherine Walker skirt suit for her first solo overseas visit to the Netherlands. The belted jacket features large buttons and peplum detail, whilst the skirt falls to just above the knee. What I love about many Catherine Walker designs for Kate is the feeling of timelessness - this suit could be worn in a decade or two and still exude classic style.
Kate wore her Dolce & Gabbana Boucle Wool Blend Skirt again for unannounced engagements in November to a women's prison and the Nelson trust. The Duchess completed the low-key look with a black turtleneck.
At a fun pre-Christmas engagement with the scouts, the Duchess debuted a new brand - Iris & Ink - wearing their Grace Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater with jeans believed to be from Zara.
An excellent selection, I think you'll agree! I love the pale blue Catherine Walker skirt suit and the Eponine London look in particular. Which look got your vote? Do let us know in the comments section. :)
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Finally, a couple of sales opportunities to share with you. The updated version of Kate's much-loved Aquatalia Rumbah boots are currently discounted by 30% ($750 to $524) at Nordstrom.
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| Nordstrom |
Kate's Preen Finella Dress is significantly discounted from £1,126 to £450 at Boutique1.
Kate's Temperley London Desdemona Dress is reduced by 50% at Net-A-Porter in black. The jade version Kate wore is available in limited sizes (reduced from $1,395 to $837) at Avenue32.
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| Temperley London |
And Beulah London are offering readers an additional 10% off sale items with the code HRH10 throughout the weekend. Sale items include the pretty Pink Wool Coat, the Black Devore A-Line Dress and the Alice Print Shirt Dress.
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| Beulah London |
Wishing you all a lovely weekend and thanks for reading as always! :)
