With Kate Middleton's anticipated due date approaching, we're diving into all the details of what to look forward to in the royal baby's first year. Taking the monarch's traditions and Prince William's upbringing into account, we've compiled a short guide filled with the fun milestones, special dates, and adorable photo ops we may be seeing in the coming months. As we await the birth of the royal baby, get excited with a glimpse into the future heir's first year!
Kate Middleton made her final public appearance on the weekend when she attended the Trooping the Colour parade in London. She has wrapped up her official obligations before she goes on royal maternity leave ahead of the July birth of her baby. With that in mind, we're taking a look back at all of the Duchess of Cambridge's pregnant appearances over the past several months. From her first step out of a London hospital after undergoing treatment for acute morning sickness to her and Prince William's fun visits to Scotland and a Harry Potter set in London, Kate didn't scale back on her royal work while carrying her unborn child. Click through to take a look back at all of Kate's official engagements while working her baby bump!
It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the royal wedding, and now Kate Middleton is about to give birth to her first child. We can't wait to see the photos of Will and Kate's first born — but until then, we're taking a look at Kate's best outfits throughout her pregnancy. Watch on to see all the highlights!
While many royal weddings don't garner the attention of Prince William and Kate Middleton's big day, they don't lack in lavishness. Last weekend, Princess Madeleine of Sweden married US banker Christopher O'Neill in Stockholm, Sweden, and it was far from a modest affair. The princess was dressed in a lace gown designed by Valentino Garavani, and the designer was among the many VIP guests that included other royals from around the world, like Princess Charlene of Monaco and England's Prince Edward.
Madeleine and Christopher's nuptials were part of a long tradition of elaborate royal weddings around the world. Last year, the tiny country of Luxembourg treated its Crown Prince Guillaume to an extravagant affair when he married Belgian Countess Stephanie de Lannoy. The celebration, which reportedly cost around $650,000 and was funded by taxpayers, spanned multiple days, and included a guest list packed with kings, queens and other royals from around the world. In Brunei, Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah, the fifth daughter of Brunei's sultan, married Pengiran Haji Muhammad Ruzaini at her father's 1,700-room palace in front of 3,000 guests. A state dinner followed, and Queen Elizabeth II even sent her best wishes.
These royals make up some of the lesser-known but just as regal royals of the world. And just like the Brits, they know how to throw opulent weddings for members of their families. From the wedding for the future emperor of Japan in 1924 to Grace Kelly's Monaco spectacular in 1956 to Will and Kate's big day on April 29, 2011, here is a guide to the world's royal weddings over the years.
Kate Middleton made what many believe will be her very last public appearance today in London when she attended the Trooping the Colour parade. She wore a pale pink Alexander McQueen coat as she rode alongside Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince Harry at the annual event that serves as a belated public celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's birthday. Prince William and Prince Charles did not ride with Kate's group as they were taking part in the military ceremony alongside Anne, Princess Royal. Prince William is the Colonel of the Irish Guards while Charles is the Colonel of the Welsh Guards and Anne is the Colonel of the Blues and Royals, so they all rode in the ceremony on horseback. Later, the whole group met up, along with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and other royals, to look out from the balcony at Buckingham Palace. Notably absent was Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who is still recovering in the hospital after undergoing surgery. Princes Harry and William paid their grandfather a visit at the hospital yesterday, fueling speculation that he was on the mend.
The Duchess of Cambridge's visit to the Trooping the Colour comes just two days after she made her final solo appearance on Thursday in Southampton. She was on hand to christen a Princess Cruises ship, which, interesting enough, Princess Diana also did in 1984.
Already a style favourite, Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, has continued to entrance us with her stylish maternity ensembles. Her latest is another testament to that polished-meets-fashion-conscious aesthetic — the Duchess chose a monochrome leopard-print Hobbs coat for her final solo pregnancy appearance yesterday when she christened a Princess Cruises ship in Southampton, England. True to form, she accessorised with understated black pumps and a coordinating fascinator.
See close-ups of her sweet ensemble, plus some of our other favourite fashion moments from the duchess, right here. From her stunning teal Jenny Packham gown and Issa wrap dresses to her perfect Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen-designed wedding dress and countless tartan-print coats, it's virtually impossible not to fall a little bit in love with Kate's easy elegance.
Kate Middleton made her last solo official appearance as a pregnant woman yesterday when she christened a Princess Cruises ship in Southampton, England. She covered her baby bump in a leopard Hobbs coat as she smashed a bottle of Champagne over the ship, named Royal Princess, while the Royal Marines Band and Irish Guards played music. Singer Natasha Bedingfield will also sang at the event. The cruise company's CEO shared his excitement about Kate christening one of his ship's in a statement, saying, "We are delighted that the duchess will launch our new ship and can think of no better way to celebrate our company's British heritage and our commitment to the country." Kate is in good company when it comes to christening Princess Cruises ships, as Audrey Hepburn, Sofia Loren, and the late Princess Diana have all named vessels for the line. Diana even christened the first Princess Royal ship back in 1984.
The Duchess of Cambridge has been deemed the godmother of the ship and will take a tour of the new vessel, and will later reportedly host a gala dinner with guests from her various charities. While this marks Kate's final solo engagement, she may make one final official appearance on Saturday when she attends the annual Trooping the Color at Buckingham Palace. Don't forget to check out all of Kate Middleton's official appearances as a pregnant woman!
What a week it's been! We got off to a romantic start, with elusive couple Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively finally stepping out together as a married couple at the Chime For Change concert in London, while Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie also walked a red carpet together after a huge few weeks in the spotlight. Jay-Z, Beyoncé and Pharrell Williams looked like the coolest crew around when they attended an anniversary party, and Miranda Kerr kept her little son Flynn in a tight grip while they strolled around New York. And who is Katie Holmes kissing? Jump in to see all these pictures and more from th busy week!
There's not much time left before the royal baby arrives, and Kate Middleton and Prince William have been getting their practice in with lots of sweet kiddie time. A big part of the duke's and duchess' duties are working with children and carrying on the legacy that Princess Diana left with her extensive charity work. Over the years, they've visited hospitals, schools and orphanages, and shown just how great they are at interacting with their smallest fans.
We couldn't be more excited for the royal baby, and as Kate and Will prep for parenthood, we're taking a look at their cutest moments with children all over the world. These photos are sure to make you smile — click through to see them all now!
Kate Middleton put her growing baby bump on display when she attended a service celebration for the queen's 60th coronation anniversary in London yesterday. Kate wore a nude Jenny Packham dress and matching coat, as well as her trusty L.K. Bennett heels, as she entered Westminster Abbey alongside Prince William and Prince Harry, who met up again after attending a bachelor party together in London on Saturday night. While the queen's actual 60th anniversary was on Sunday, the royal family decided to celebrate that day with a small private ceremony and save the public service for Tuesday. However, the 60th anniversary hasn't been without public fanfare as England has been celebrating the queen's Diamond Jubilee since February 2012.
Kate's appearance at the anniversary service may be one of her last public engagements before she gives birth in July, as it was recently reported that Kate Middleton will go on maternity leave on June 14. Her last solo event will take place on June 13 when she will christen a cruise ship.
