Duchess Kate & William make a surprise visit to Derry in Northern Ireland

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It’s true that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge love “surprise” visits and events. Most of the time, those surprise events are simply announced to the Royal Rota and the information is embargoed. Sometimes it’s a genuine surprise, which always amuses me – out of nowhere, a Keen event, usually timed to “one up” a certain couple. Today, William and Kate are in Northern Ireland. This was known to the Rota, but the news was embargoed until the Keens arrived. This is actually normal operating procedure for royals visiting Northern Ireland specifically. While relations are nominally better, the fact is that no royal wants to give anyone in Northern Ireland any notice of their movements.

These are photos of William and Kate arriving in Derry/Londonderry (the name is disputed) for a day of activities. They’re visiting Ulster University’s Magee Campus, they’re taking part in a “Culture Shock” event, they’re tasting local whiskey, and they’re “spending the day meeting young people and hearing how organisations are engaging across communities to promote positive relations.” Basically, a day of Being Keen. I do wonder when this trip was organized? It feels thrown together, like Kensington Palace staff put it together late last week. Gee I wonder why. Desperados, I’m telling you.

As for Kate’s ensemble… um, a heavy turtleneck and a pantsuit? I wonder if there will be concern-trolling about how warm she must be on what looks like a perfectly pleasant day in Derry. And yes, the jacket has buttons! But it’s surprisingly “sleek” for Kate.

True story: while in Northern Ireland, William is the Baron of Carrickfergus. Kate is Lady Carrickfergus. They visit Northern Ireland so infrequently that they barely get to use those titles.

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174 Responses to “Duchess Kate & William make a surprise visit to Derry in Northern Ireland”

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  1. Scorpion says:

    Lmao…….
    Poor likkle Kitty, Meghan has her shook 😂😂😂😂

    • Elizabeth Regina says:

      Well you can’t blame her. No one expected meetings with the UN and world leaders, being received by the New York Mayor and Governor AND getting one of the loudest roars from a crowd of 60,000 people but hey do you boo boo kitty.

      • MMadison says:

        Hey it was short notice. They couldn’t find any world leaders to meet with so Northern Ireland would have to do….British Press will treat it as if they had a meeting with Biden and UN Sec. General regardless…..meanwhile, how’s the whiskey Kate?

      • BayTampaBay says:

        Just check out Kate’s pantsuit outfit on another site. The turtleneck and the shoes are navy blue not black.

      • Jais says:

        The cut of the suit looks good but I despise the color. Maybe some people like this bright purple and it does stand out but I would prefer this in another color.
        I know that many women wear suits and turtlenecks but Meghan literally just got massive press in a suit and turtleneck last week. They’re not exactly alike and diff colors but still. If it were me, I’d be embarrassed to show up in something so reminiscent of what my SIL just wore. But clearly that’s not Kate.

    • L84Tea says:

      The outfit alone speaks volumes.

      • BayTampaBay says:

        I really do not think this pantsuit looks bad. I do not like the turtle neck as I would have worn a V-neck or scoop-neck T-shirt but overall this look is not bad. IMAO, Kate looks much better in slim fit trousers as opposed to wide-leg pants that she swims in. The proper fit on this suits really enhances the effect. The buttons on the jacket do not bother me as they are the same color as the suit and not gold or silver.

      • Harper says:

        Meghan wore a dark turtleneck in NYC. So that’s what Kate had to wear too.

      • Courtney B says:

        I’m with you @BTB. I like it and love the color. Don’t mind the turtleneck because I love them myself. Lol At least she wasn’t in national colors. Much sleeker and more flattering. And her hair’s in a decent ponytail. This is the look she should’ve had visiting the military base.
        I still don’t quite get the fuss over Meghan’s coat. I thought she wore something too heavy. Didn’t comment because it was Uber-minor. And it’s her preference. Maybe she runs cold. And people said it was warm that day. It all seemed fairly minor to have kicked up a fuss. Just like the Time mag cover. But I don’t think commenting on clothes is necessarily’concern trolling’. As is often pointed out, this is a gossip site with bitchy in the title. As for Kate, her turtleneck looks lightweight. And it was 55 degrees for anyone wondering. Most people around her had coats/jackets.

      • Mac says:

        I used to have a suit this color and I loved it. Wore it to death.

      • BayTampaBay says:

        @Courtney B – I agree with you.

        “Bitching” about clothes, style and/or a particular look is NOT body shaming or attacks on one character.

      • Green Desert says:

        @Bay – I agree, I actually like the purple suit on her. Great color. I’m with you on the shirt choice too. Instead of the turtleneck a v- or scoop-neck would have been way better. I feel like she never gets it quite right!

    • Cessily says:

      I was waiting for the Lady Dior bag…

  2. Elizabeth Regina says:

    What is the point of the visit?

    • Belli says:

      To remind people they exist.

      • kelleybelle says:

        Yes, Harry and Meghan got too much press in New York, lol. Baldy’s idea no doubt. Probably the reason for the bold colour of her pants suit, but it doesn’t look bad. At least she didn’t do green to death this time.

    • L84Tea says:

      Just more of the tit for tat game. I hope they’re prepared to work because if they actually are going to attempt to one up H&M every time they do something, they’re gonna be really, really tired.

  3. Nina says:

    They can visit all they want, the majority of people in Northern Ireland absolutely hates them and anything RR related

    • Fortuona says:

      Well 1/2 the population does not and that is the problem

    • Emma says:

      The English were very brutal to the Irish so yeah. (I’m Irish-American.)

      • Kfg says:

        Welp according to Twitter 70% of Ireland want the BRF to Eff off. Lolol they’re being roasted!!! Lolll

      • Fortuona says:

        But it is 2 diffrent countries there it is not just ‘Ireland’ . So where does this 70% come from if they are mostly from the Republic why should the Royals care wht they think

      • Nina says:

        Fortuona, you obviously don’t know or don’t want to know history. Royals should care what Republic thinks because good relations between ROI and NI are crucial for peace in NI. Just last year there was unrest in Derry as you well know. It’s in the interest of both countries on the island to maintain peace and many people with Irish nationalities will see RR visit as provocation. Please don’t play ignorant

      • GraceB says:

        I think for people to keep quoting statistics to build arguments about whether people in NI or ROI like or hate the Royals is generally pretty useless.

        It’s not even about the Royals. The UK is a mess. Europe is a mess. There are so many different political and social issues going on, which really have nothing to do with the Royals because the Royals do nothing anyway. We can talk about the political power they have in theory, but in reality they have no function.

        People are unhappy with their leadership throughout the EU, and they don’t know what to do about it. Caught up in that old human trait of self interest, many people think that focusing on their small part of the world is the answer, and others take advantage of that. You have Brexit, Scottish Independence, the issues with NI, Catalonia, Sweden, the Netherlands.

        We even have counties in England wanting independence.

    • NariB says:

      Nina where are you getting this nonsense? The majority of people in the North don’t hate the royal family. They have practically no relationship to them. This isn’t the 60’s-90s, they have very little influence in their daily lives, even sovereign oaths are mostly gone. Irish people (from the South) for the most part just find the idea of a monarchy, any monarchy as odd, but aside from a few hardline nationalists, most people like the drama that always seems to surround the royal family in the same way as Home and Away or Fair City are popular. Our taxes don’t do go to them so we really don’t think about them much. I would see or read nothing about them if they weren’t constantly all over this site.

      “many people with Irish nationalities will see RR visit as provocation” If they do I can nearly guarantee they are not from Ireland, this is a pretty ridiculous statement.

  4. Seraphina says:

    That purse clutching is her pacifier. I like her look here. Only critique is all the color. She is drab and the color is not.

    • Chrissy (The Original) says:

      (Shrug) At least she’s not clutching it against her crotch like she normally does. She finally looks like she lives in the 21st century with the lines of the suit. No sister wife dress or jeggings? Colour me shocked. She actually looks professional or maybe it’s just that Iove anything purple. Baby steps….

    • Bettyrose says:

      I really like the concept and cut of this suit. The color is an abomination but she’s getting closer to hitting the right notes with her style. Personally I don’t care if a woman is a fashionista if they get it right. Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi have iconic styles because they get it right. Not everyone can also be trend setters like Michelle Obama and the Duchess of Sussex.

      • Seraphina says:

        Unfortunately her work is so subpar that all we can focus on is fashion with this royal by marriage. Now, if she worked and didn’t get fashion – I would be ok with that BUT all she needs to do is focus on FASHION and she can’t even do that. Add to it all the stylists, tailors and the like – it really is astonishing. How obtuse is she???

      • bettyrose says:

        @Seraphina – I hear you on that. I just like a well tailored pants suit so much I felt I needed to offer some praise. I hate the color, but otherwise this is a fashion win for a working woman. She’s not a working woman, but if I had a job that necessitated well tailored suits, I would go for something like this in more mature colors.

      • Seraphina says:

        @bettyrose, agreed.

    • StartupSpouse says:

      I actually think she is copying Queen Letizia, not Meghan, which is fine because I think suits like this are appropriate for a work event. I like them more than her Little House on the Prairie cosplay.

  5. Splinter says:

    A pantsuit? Well, well..

  6. Laura-Lee MacDonald says:

    Huh!!! Two outfits on Kate that I like! Well, I’ll be damned. She’s not in green, so anything else is a win, but I love this colour on her. Now I’m actually anticipating her next event! Perhaps she getting better advice on dressing? I hope so.

    • Margaret says:

      Just to see what she will wear, that you paid for?. Tennis, cinema, and whiskey and chip tasting?. Cost of attire, transportation mode please, and what is the purpose of the trip. What are they offering the people?. Photo ops, and listening per usual to problems that they offer no solutions. All you can say is because her clothing cost are higher you will be watching her more. Really???.

      • BUBS says:

        Phew! Like…

      • Lorelei says:

        @Margaret, we need to know exactly what the temperature is, and then a complete breakdown of why Kate’s outfit is or is not appropriate for the weather.

        Then we need a full cost breakdown of every single thing she’s wearing, down to her ponytail holder. And analysis as to whether this outfit is too expensive, considering the taxpayers are funding all of it.
        🚨 Her engagement ring MUST be included in the final tally even though it was bought and paid for before she was born.🚨

        Then we need an UPDATE on the temperature and again, full analysis of whether or not she might be hot or cold and why.

        Then we need all of these same stories reran tonight and tomorrow.

    • Lady Esther says:

      ikr? What is happening? Nice professional suit and ponytail, not a huge fan of the color but at least it’s not green, good basic clutch and shoes (for her). I did hear that her stylist is on mat leave again, so maybe Kate is getting better advice from a different stylist like the last time 😉

    • Elisa the I. says:

      hahahaha, came her to say the same. 2 good looks from her in one day! Maybe she does have a new stylist??

  7. The Hench says:

    I always find Williams outfits a bit odd in these situations. He looks like he tried to turn up wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and a shirt with brown loafers and somebody pointed out that wasn’t smart enough so they threw him a jacket and he had to borrow somebody else’s tie. I mean, what the hell is that tie? It’s like one restaurants keep to stick on people when you turn up without one.

  8. Ella says:

    Wow, love this pantsuit. What is happening?? Also, I have family in Ireland and I visited them a couple weeks ago and was wearing turtlenecks, lol. Highs in the low 50s during the day. I wonder how long this trip had been planned tho…hmm.

  9. Amy Bee says:

    It’s very difficult to refrain from making comparisons between Kate and Meghan because we know how Kate used to dress before Meghan came on the scene. Meghan was accused of breaking protocol because she wore pants. To see Kate today, there’s no way to dispute that she copies Meghan.

    • MMadison says:

      Because Kate believes it’s the “clothes” and not the work that drives Meghan’s success. So moving forward expect that Kate will copy Meghan more frequently on the clothes not the work.

      • Marilee says:

        And thank god for that. I don’t think I can handle any more of those 80’s secretary or Little House on the Prairie dresses she loves to wear.

      • Becks1 says:

        @Marilee – don’t worry, they’ll be back. You know she has a whole closet of that stuff just waiting to go.

    • SarahCS says:

      Oh she clearly took her Meghan in NCY look-book and tried to combine as much as she could.

    • Courtney B says:

      Tons of royal women wore pants before Meghan. Just not the queen and usually Kate. That’s why the ‘protocol’ squawking was so obviously not about protocol.

      • Jan90067 says:

        TQ’s worn pants, but at Balmoral or Sandringham. Just NEVER for “official” events. Same for Margaret. Anne has worn slacks *occasionally*, but mostly on her “off” time as well.

      • Courtney B says:

        @jan yes, I meant official since that’s what we were discussing. Off duty, yes, the queen frequently does. But Anne, Sophie, Diana, the duchesses of Kent and Gloucester and more have frequently worn them. That’s why it was so obvious there was no protocol prohibition. Same with foreign designer labels, no pantyhose, wearing black etc. There were some traditions (mostly the black) but even they had fallen away save for the queen.

      • Dee says:

        The Queen wore pants on the Royal Tour of Canada in 1970. She’s also worn them on other occasions, such as a royal tour of New Zealand and a state visit to Zambia. She just prefers to wear skirts.

      • Becks1 says:

        Of course there was never royal protocol about women wearing trousers on official engagements. That’s AmyBee’s point.

    • Lorelei says:

      @AmyBee and she’s wearing black— is she going to a funeral? If not, who does she think she is, wearing a black turtleneck?!

      @Becks, exactly. They don’t even *try* to hide the hypocrisy.

  10. Steph says:

    Why do the waists on her pants always look like that? Like she’s wearing pleats but never is… anyways, she’s trying so hard to copy Meghan

    • Lilibetp says:

      I’ve noticed that, too, and I think they make her pants looser to avoid any suggestion of camel toe.

    • Jan90067 says:

      Kate has a long torso. So just like the dresses she wears where the waist looks too high on her, pants don’t fit at her “natural” waist. I think she buys a larger size to hike up to look like a higher waistline, and aren’t tailored *well* enough so they would fit well in the crotch area. I’m sure she tailors the legs to show off *her* legs though (that’s why she wears jeggings so often IMO).

      Actually, a couple of darts in the front would’ve solved this (my grandfather was a tailor, and I got *lots* of lessons on fit 😊 ).

  11. Belli says:

    Another day of engagements all about listening and learning and hearing.

    It’s always so… passive.

    They just exist from place to place, wearing some clothes.

    • Sure says:

      “They just exist from place to place, wearing some clothes” – THE perfect description of royalty.

    • Harper says:

      Kate had to go out last night and then get up and out early today. She is going to be exhausted again.

      • Jan90067 says:

        She will disappear for a couple of weeks now. Don’t expect to see much of her until mid/late October. Then there’ll be the Nov./Dec. crush to get the numbers up before they take off mid Dec. until Feb.

    • Lorelei says:

      @Belli that might be the best and most accurate description of these people that I’ve ever heard! 👏

      How is their “work” today connected to other “work the Cambridges have done in the same area? Will there be any follow-up? Are there any tangible benefits to the people they’re meeting today?

  12. mariahlee says:

    The color is giving Barney. I hate it.

    • Ann says:

      LOL. Barney flashbacks….not good. I was so glad when my son aged out of that show. That said, I think Barney was pretty much Grape Purple and this is more…..Mulberry? It’s not the best color on her but I don’t mind it.

    • Lorelei says:

      @MariahLee, yes! Thank you! In general I tend to like colors like this, but I disliked her suit today in particular and that’s why. It’s the exact same color as freaking Barney.

  13. FancyPants says:

    Good for her, a pantsuit that fits properly and isn’t the colors of a flag and her hair is pulled back from her face.
    “…how organisations are engaging across communities to promote positive relations” what does that even mean? What organisations? Positive relations between whom? Are charity organisations in Northern Ireland know to fight each other like a gang war?

  14. Sofia says:

    I actually do like this outfit and unlike the golden dress, I think she’s pulling it off. If I had to critique, I would say I am not completely sold on the black turtleneck. If it was just a simple black shirt, I think it would look even better (but again, I pretty much do like it already!)

  15. Chrissyms says:

    Ummm…I am usually an apologist for Kate’s ensembles but to me this is horrendous. It has 80’s Diana vibes in the worst way. As a couple they seem happy and breezy. That’s all I got.

  16. Esmerelda says:

    To be fair to poor Keen here, most jackets have buttons ^__^
    But the suit, both its color and its fit/cut, looks absolutely terrible. It’s terrible beyond description, truly.

  17. Noki says:

    Her hairline looks odd.

  18. girl_ninja says:

    So basically the only way to get the racists to work is when Meghan and Harry are in the news and making an actual difference? Interesting.

  19. BUBS says:

    The race to overtake the Sussexes will be the death of William and Kate. One can simply never win at life this way. It’s too much of everything, all at once, without purpose or direction. It will not end well.

    • Kfg says:

      Every time they do ish like this, republicans get more support so keep it up. Going to Ireland during a pandemic surge, when the island is having supply issues bc of brexit is really immature and honestly shows how little regard they have for Ireland.

    • Lorelei says:

      @Bubs, it will end with Kate hospitalized for exhaustion

  20. Zebz says:

    Kate is so blatant. Her desperation to be like Meghan is beyond the pale. More evidence that William is obsessed with Meghan. No way would she be doing this if William didn’t care about Meghan. He wants what Harry has: Meghan.

    • Carito says:

      yessssss so much yes!!

    • Zebz says:

      For someone that is apparently disgusted and repulsed by all things Meghan, he sure doesn’t mind when his wife looks and acts like her! He looks happier here with her in a Meghan outfit then he has with her in months if not years. I’m positive that what mike Tyndall said, they all sit around balmoral hating on her, is in part to convince William to not try to get with a woman like her. I think it’s clear to the entire family how badly William wants Meghan. It’s like he is obsessed with everything she does.

  21. Lizzie says:

    It must be so exhausting playing catch up. Did they come to walk around? Don’t see any of these young people they are supposed to be hearing from.

  22. caitlin says:

    Now if only she could inspire Kate to do meaningful work – v.s. watching movie premieres & drinking whiskey in N.I.

  23. Crowned Huntress says:

    The Single White Female cosplay is getting creepier by the day.
    It feels malicious to copy every look that Meghan has worn and was torn apart in by the press because she’s a biracial American while Kate grins manically and is praised highly for being the silently grinning white Duchess.

    If only she could copy Meghan’s work ethic and ability to make an impact wherever she goes. 🙄

  24. Becks1 says:

    Ah, this makes total sense. William and Kate were probably told they were going to NI last week and they got pissy because “work” so that’s why Charles let them attend the Bond premiere, as kind of an advance reward for going on this trip.

    I like the color of this but not for a pantsuit, and I don’t like the tapered looks of the pants. But overall its not a bad look and its certainly better than a lot of things she has worn.

    How did they get to Northern Ireland???

    • Lorelei says:

      @Becks, William is very committed to environmental issues, so they must have either ridden there on bicycles and/or swam.

    • Duch says:

      @becks – you probs my ring read this given late posting, but your comment about them sailing there cracked me up.

      I enjoyed your timeline, alas, I think the Bond thing was announced before the NYC trip?

  25. rawiya says:

    No wonder she didn’t have any engagements for two months: Meghan was on maternity leave. I like the suit. It fits her nicely. I also like it because it’s 1000% something I’d expect Meghan and Queen Letizia to wear. But you know what? If it starts with Kate copying their wardrobe and ends with her copying their work ethic, then I’m all for it!

    • Becks1 says:

      The timing IS curious, right? Kate basically took off the entire time Meghan was on maternity leave and came back right as Meghan and Harry started working publicly again. I know Kate worked in June but not really.

  26. Scorpion says:

    They are in good company.

    There seems to a shortage of clowns in NI 🤡🤡🤡🤡
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-58733754.amp

  27. Wiglet Watcher says:

    Always a shock to see late so heavily photoshopped in one spread (recently tennis) and another event being this one. Her eyes and skin are different. Even her hands here show they were photoshopped for the tennis pictures!

    I wonder how long the Cambridges will try to keep up with the Sussex. Once the Sussex get rolling the Cambridges will definitely Tap out for this strategy of events to steal spotlight.

    • JT says:

      Kate looks very different in these photos than she does for the Bond premiere. So all of the “Kate looks the best she has in years” in the last thread are just people admiring the photoshop….which is sad. The “real Kate” never gets the same amount of praise.

      And I also think that when H&M start really working, the Keens will pull back. They have never been able to maintain a steady work schedule and they won’t be able to keep up with the Sussexes. W&K’s tit for tat game has been “easy” because Harry and Meg have been low key, but if NYC is any indication, the Cambridges will be left in the dust.

      • Beach Dreams says:

        It’s honestly bizarre to see folks (at least here) still falling for the photoshop trick. We know how heavily edited her pictures tend to be…and yet there’s still plenty of comments saying how refreshed and radiant she looked at the Bond premiere (lol). I guess to be fair, a decent amount of those comments are from new posters or Kate sympathizers trying to influence commentary, but still…

  28. Kviby says:

    Can’t stand this colour in large quantities. Whether on women men or home decor i find it so aesthetically unpleasant. It could be fine on an accessory or in a painting, but not in large swaths. I think Meghan has worn an all or mainly purple look once or twice as well and I hated that too.

  29. Nyro says:

    The Single White Female is string with this one. But just matchy matchy enough for Keen, lol. I guess suits are totally fine for royal women now. Because before, it was not only a breach in protocol but a signal to feminists and Marxists that one was going to bring down the monarchy from the inside.

  30. Sleepless says:

    Its 7 degrees here today, windy with the occasional rain.

    Its Northern Ireland centenary in October so a visit would be expected.

  31. Kit says:

    Well well well yet another bad copy of her SIL, she always looks so old fashioned in these suits, what is de story again with de thick black belt, her bag doesn’t go with this suit either, one with a handle would of suited this better, another miss !!!!

  32. Nicole Fox says:

    Aww, visiting one of their original colonies, how cute.

    I’m just imagining Michelle from Derry Girls giving them a…warm welcome 🙂

  33. Lexistential says:

    WOW. That is some obvious Meghan and professional-person cosplay, but unlike Meghan’s taste for neutrals and actual professionalism, that color is giving me Joker vibes and William is totally mismatched.

    RuPaul could wear that suit. Kate can’t.

  34. Psyren says:

    So just another photo op? Ok then. Do they ever do anything that actually benefits anyone other than themselves? Do they ever donate anything or organize anything or…?

    • Christine says:

      This is my new obsession, finding out if they have ever donated anything or been useful at all, to any organization. As far as I can tell, the answer is they have never done anything that actually benefits anyone. It is such a waste, that these two lazies are given any attention at all.

  35. Amy Bee says:

    I’ve seen some tweets from the Royal rota and they’re just fawning over Kate and it’s made me think about the hostility these same people have for Meghan. What Meghan and Harry talked about in the Oprah interview was just the tip of the iceberg. She was in a situation where the family, staff and press were all hostile to her and she and Harry really had no other choice but to leave.

    • BUBS says:

      RR’s fawning over Kate is standard procedure. She poses no threat whatsoever and happily goes along with the company line! Meghan has a mind of her own…an intelligent one at that!

    • Becks1 says:

      The hostility was really strange. Like, I get if they wanted Kate to be more popular. I get if they think that the Cambridges should be the bigger stars. I get if they dont want to fawn over Meghan the way they do over Kate as a result. I get that Kate and William may be more willing NOW to play the PR game with children photo ops etc than H&M were/are.

      But the level of hostility – the GLEE at the idea that royals didn’t like Meghan, that she was being mistreated in the royal family, made fun of, etc – that’s something that just kind of makes me scratch my head. I know that a huge part of it is racism, and xenophobia, and other factors – but there still always seemed to be something else there, something almost like Meghan killed their dog or something. And they were like that BEFORE she and Harry issued that statement about the press and they sued the MoS etc.

      They took Meghan’s popularity personally in a bad way and it resulted in this hatred of her that just really makes them all look pathetic.

      • Rapunzel says:

        Becks- I always thought the hostility was due to Meghan being Hollywood. They expected a Hollywood starlet who would act like a Kardashian and play major ball with them. They wanted an insider, someone press friendly in the family to give them inside access.

        The minute Harry released the letter telling the press to lay off his then girlfriend (very early in the relationship, if you recall) they knew they weren’t getting that and got mad.

  36. Colleen says:

    They don’t care about anything in NI until they need a photo op 🙄

  37. Over it says:

    Does Meghan know there is a B in England always trying to steal her looks?

    • Layla says:

      @over it at this point, I don’t think Meghan gives a sh*t. It’s the behaviour of wannabes. Let her carry on that way. She’s only embarrassing herself.

  38. Carmie says:

    I’m just super relieved she didn’t theme dress this time, the potential for major political offence was STRONG here.
    Also thank you for using Derry/Londonderry above, while I call it Derry, the sensitivity is appreciated.

  39. BelleBoo says:

    Do the royals have internal polls like U.S. politicians? I wonder if they are as damning as I assume. Also – Charles has an event the same day?

  40. Laylau says:

    Expect a flurry of these unannounced engagements. This is the Keenests in all the land’s way of trying to catch up with Sussex Success. More turtlenecks and monochrome’s outfits coming your way!

  41. LP says:

    Looks like Kate got a brand new wardrobe during her 2 months of “vacation”
    It’s so creepy how she’s literally copied everything Meghan since they left. Wow.
    We haven’t seen any coat dresses in ages from her.

  42. Marivic says:

    Not liking her posture. She looks like a man.

  43. Merricat says:

    N.I. does not benefit from Brexit at all. It will take more than a surface visit from the Keens to deal with that predicament.

  44. GuestWho says:

    Weren’t Edward and Fiesta in N. Ireland last week? I think the fact that both couples are visiting within 10 days of each other shows that this second trip was tossed together for positive “work” exposure for Dull and Duller.

    • MMadison says:

      Yes…it’s obvious this was a last minute whatever you want to call it from the Keenbridges. Also did you see in the People Article that they now have….CHICKENS!….LOL. Also Meghan had on a burgundy pantsuit with a turtleneck and now Keen has on a purple pantsuit with a turtle neck….

  45. one of the marys says:

    In the celebitchy photos of the movie premiere and this visit she looks relaxed and happy to be present, William does not. I think his superiors have slapped him down; no divorce, show up to work, get your face out there

    • Sid says:

      She probably looked relaxed and happy because a flashy movie premier is exactly the sort of “engagement” that she loves. Anything that is fluffy and fun, she is all smiles. Anything that involves real work or effort, well, you know.

  46. Ann says:

    Carrickfergus! I love that song. The first time I heard it was in Season One of Boardwalk Empire. It’s just haunting. Boo, don’t like William and Kate ruin it for me.

  47. Suze says:

    I’m apparently in the minority, but I like that plum color on her, it suits her complexion and her (current) darker hair. I’ll echo someone above and say I would have liked the pantsuit better with a v-neck blouse instead of the turtleneck, but that’s just nitpicking.

    That being said, what on earth is William wearing? Those pants look like 10-year old Dockers that have seen much better days, and the tone difference between them and the jacket is just enough to be jarring.

  48. Bendy Windy says:

    I like what Kate is wearing. I would wear the hell out of this. And I’m frequently bone cold in “pleasant” weather. I dress for my comfort. Sorry if my sweater in August bothers you. Lol.

  49. Nicki says:

    Oof – that’s really not her color. And all that listening that the royals do on these outings. So helpful.

  50. Eurydice says:

    I had a suit like this in 1993.

  51. Keira says:

    Great look on Kate, especially glad to see her wearing a thick heel. I do wish she would wear short jackets to elongate her legs.

  52. Beth says:

    Oof, that suit color is wearing her, not the other way around. All I can think of is “You’re turning violet, Violet!”

    • Jaded says:

      It’s bilious isn’t it…normally she looks good in vivid colours but you could see that pantsuit from outer space.

  53. Sue Denim says:

    looks like a purple people eater to me lol (google for the song btw, it made me smile)

  54. Linda says:

    I love the suit and the color is stunning on her.

  55. AmelieOriginal says:

    Interesting to see Kate wearing more slacks/pantsuits lately. She was wearing so many prairie dresses over the summer and now it seems she’s “back to business.” It’s interesting to see how her wardrobe has shifted these last few outings. I’ve never seen her wear trousers so many times in quick succession. Also I’m guessing Northern Ireland is probably windy (someone confirm this?) so it makes sense to wear trousers instead of breezy dresses she usually is fond of wearing.

    Btw Northern Ireland is much farther north latitudinally/geographically than NYC, so yes, it makes sense that the temperatures are cooler at this time of year. Meghan wearing a heavy coat/turtleneck in 80 degrees (I was in NYC last weekend the same time as Meghan and I was wearing shorts/t-shirt!) is not comparable to Kate wearing a turtleneck when it’s 55 out. Not to mention everyone around Kate seems dressed for cooler weather too. I think Californians just can’t deal if it’s not less than 80 degrees out.

    • Rapunzel says:

      There were people in coats around Meghan in NYC. And she took her coat off when she got hot.

      Stop with this coat policing nonsense.

      And as a lifelong CA resident, Californians can definitely cope with below 80 weather. Many CA cities on the coast don’t even have AC cause it rarely gets above 80s. I guarantee Meghan’s time in Montecito, near the beach, and Canada, have prepared her to know how to dress.

      • Becks1 says:

        @Rapunzel the coat policing is SO OLD. People wear what they want .If you’re comfortable in shorts and tshirts, then wear them. Meghan seemed comfortable in everything she was wearing.

      • Rapunzel says:

        Becks- and the “CA folks just can’t handle cool weather” nonsense is old too. It’s so inaccurate.

        As I said, lifelong CA resident, from the very hot, dusty, Central Valley. We get 110-120 in the summer, but it gets freezing in the winters, sometimes down to the teens. And guess what? We hate the motherf–king heat! We constantly gripe about it and go to the coast to escape it. It’s hard to understand if you don’t live it, but major heat, all the time, is oppressive. When it’s in the 100s almost everyday and it’s June’s just starting, and you can’t touch your car door handle and steering wheel on the way home from work cause your car is so hot, it’s the pits.

        People from hot climates generally want cool and don’t get cold that easily.

    • Kfg says:

      On the east coast last week it was cold in the mornings and did not hit 80 until 4pm if it did. I wore a jacket bc it’s cold. Anything below 85 is chilly.

    • Lizzie says:

      Nice try but not buying what your selling.

  56. QrsGeorge says:

    Obviously they flew to Ireland today since they were at the movie late last night… hmmmm did they use their environment-damaging, fuel-thirsty helicopter or a PRIVATE PLANE? Were they driven to the venue in GAS GUZZLING SUV’s? I wonder white the media isn’t talking about their means of travel. Strange.

  57. Barbie1 says:

    Kate looks lovely and seems to be having a good time. They should visit more often and work those diplomatic skills. I weep for the loss of William’s once beautiful hair.

    • BUBS says:

      Kate needs to dig deep within and find her true authentic self. It’s the 21st century. Smiling, waving and wearing clothes doesn’t cut it anymore. Whatever happened to her one-room children’s center? Who is she? Why is she on this earth? What will her legacy be? Can she be defined outside of the confines of the family she married into? I’ve laughed a lot on posts about her but at almost 40, I do feel sorry at the trajectory of her life. Yes, the British media props her up for nothing but is she okay with that? Look how she mumbled with Dr Biden! Doesn’t she feel any shame that she’s reduced to laughing histerically in new clothes? Sheesh!

      • Marivic says:

        @Bubs you are so right. At 40, Kate is an empty vessel. She hasn’t done anything to live her life for others. What a waste she is.

    • Jaded says:

      She’s got the diplomatic skills of a potato. Remember the disastrous round-table with Dr. Biden? And I’m not shedding one tear over William’s once beautiful hair…his jealousy and spitefulness is what’s ruining his looks.

      • Barbie1 says:

        The jealousy is so dissapointing. Meg and Harry were a great look for the monarchy. Added alot of charm and glamour. It’s a pity

    • Lizzie says:

      This is what they always do, show up and have their pictures taken. I’m missing anything diplomatic going on. Just big grins for the cameras.

  58. L4frimaire says:

    All this fan girling over purple pants ( which are slightly too short btw), and garish gold dresses, but these are the same crew that are putting out nasty stories about pug faced Tindall wanting to attack Harry, still smearing Meghan and saying how they bent over backwards to do f*ck all and grumbling nonsense about private jets and how dare they meet dignitaries. Still the same rot at the core. Then they take everything they do and have attacked and ridiculed, then co-opt it. Notice no more crying stories in the press. But hey, cute ponytail and wow, a suit. Really shaking the table there.

    • BUBS says:

      And we all know William and Kate certainly didn’t paddle a canoe to N.I. But hey, the vitriol is only reserved for the ones who are actually out there making a difference in the world and not on taxpayer money. The Rota is a joke!

  59. MY3CENTS says:

    Just wondering how they got there? since as we know they are so eco conscious.

  60. Lizzie says:

    Who wore it better, Barney or Kate?

  61. Lory says:

    The Daily Fail has a story calling her “Duchess Doolittle” because of her visit to a petting zoo today. I don’t think they get the irony and I will henceforth be calling her this forever.

  62. Margaret says:

    Her big event today was holding a tarantula, with that strange deranged grin on her face. Willie boy held a snake today oh goody, goody what big fun.
    Charlotte holding a butterfly, now mommy and daddy at the petting zoo. Working so hard for the people. They could have took a trip in London, and did this photo op.
    This is such a pathetic attempt at work. WHAT IS THE POINT OF THIS FIELD TRIP, petting zoo really. I hope the people like what they wear, because you should you are picking up the tab.

  63. L4Frimaire says:

    Is this visit to Derry to show some support to the Unionists? They really got jacked by Brexit. My in-laws live in Ireland ( Relublic) and they are not experiencing any of the logistical and supply side issues plaguing Britain right now. A lot of think them they’re getting exactly what they deserve.

    • A says:

      This is precisely what it is. It’s not to support the Unionists exactly, bc even the Unionists in Northern Ireland are ticked off at the way Brexit was handled, and how it’s separated them economically from the rest of the UK (even though this is actually better for them, they don’t care, they’d rather be a part of the UK and dealing with the supply issues, go figure).

      It’s more to remind Northern Ireland that just because their grocery stores are fully stocked doesn’t mean they can get funny ideas about having a referendum and separating from the UK and reunifying with Ireland. Although, if you ask me, W&K are just more of a reason for the Northern Irish to just be done with the UK for good.

    • NariB says:

      We don’t have shortages but there are loads of knock on effects here. Building supplies are more expensive, we are trying to do renovations on our house and it is a pain as a result. It is harder to get stuff shipped over or buy online from the UK. There is a lot more form filling to be done on any import or movement between Ireland and Britain.

  64. Kat says:

    JFC, no wonder I have a headache today.

    Go home, losers.

  65. Margaret says:

    If it is to show support, they need to put down the tarantula, and snake, and get on with buisiness. Fun and games come pretty high to call it work. But then I am not paying for the photo ops., clothing, security, and Transportation. Lord knows people complained about the Sussexes cost and they were actually working, and being productive.

  66. PrincessK says:

    It was not a ‘surprise’ visit but well planned secret visit because Ireland is not really safe for royals.

  67. HeatherC says:

    I have questions

    1. How did they get to NI?
    1A. If they took a plane, was it private and how many bathrooms did it have?

    2. How did they get to their transport to NI? (helicopter?)

    3. Who is watching the children? Do they have enough bathrooms for the tots?

    4. How many bathrooms do any of the buildings they passed have?

    5. How much did the outfit cost? The jewelry? (And please include Big Blue)

  68. The Recluse says:

    Do these royal women never wear practical shoes when they do these events?

  69. Margaret says:

    I love this outfit on Kate. Well, apart from the colour. I can’t stand the colour but the jacket and trousers are perfect on her and she should wear this sort of thing for most of her daytime engagements. I would suggest more appropriate footwear though. And I am disappointed to note that no-one has taken my advice to burn all William’s brown suede shoes.

  70. A says:

    First of all, the fact that these f-ckers referred to it as Londonderry (yes, yes I know the name is disputed, but for me, there is no f-cking dispute when it comes to British imperialism, sorry), is in and of itself just staggering to me. Why. Why.

    Second of all, nice try to Boris Johnson and the BRF, but this is not going to work. This trip wasn’t just put together last minute with the intention of one-upping Meghan and Harry. It was put together to try and play nice with Northern Ireland in the on-going aftermath of the absolute shambles that is Brexit. These geniuses were sent over for that reason, and that reason alone, and it was to beg the Northern Irish to not think about splitting off from the UK.

    Northern Ireland, iirc, is still in the customs union with the EU, even though they are technically not a part of the EU bc of Brexit. As a result, they’re doing far, FAR better than the rest of the UK in terms of having fully stocked grocery stores and whatnot, while the rest of the UK is dealing with shortages. The comparisons, naturally, are prompting the question of why the f-ck Northern Ireland should continue to be a part of the UK. I’m guessing that the British Foreign Office’s answer to that question is, well, Will and Kate. You can make of that answer what you will.

  71. SnoodleDumpling says:

    You know, I was just happy she wasn’t wearing green, but then I thought “might as well check to see if purple is some major symbolism over there”…

    I’m pretty sure most people aren’t going to care, but the particularly rabid Unionists are probably going to take it as a nod to the bright purple star on the Orange Order flag and the Williamite-Jacobite War in Ireland.

    It’s the same purple that is STILL being splashed all over the Orange Orders’ regalia and buildings. And it’s not just “oh they’re both purple”, it’s EXACTLY the same purple. She might as well have been wearing orange. Not good.