Royal style & gossip: the gowns and glamour of the Garter

[QueenOfTheAndals]

Previous thread

Now that the Orange One has gone, it's almost time for a visit from the Oranje One! Yes, Queen Max will be attending next Monday's Garter ceremony. It'll be a triplicate fashion face-off between her, Letizia and Kate - who will emerge victorious?

I'd usually call pregnancy, but the hand on stomach did just look like a random positioning, rather than subconscious pat. It would be lovely, mind.

I don't like pussybows on anyone, and Kate's dress is looking a little forlorn for me. The material in the skirt and main section of the blouse are gorgeous, but I agree that this comes over too matronly.

Maybe we'll have a more modern look under Charles? HM did have glamour in her youth, but it does seem as if everyone does demure looks around her. Or is it that they are so in the centre of attention, and visible from all angles that they all avoid anything other than high necklines and long sleeves?

Kate's outfit is a blouse and skirt:

Kate has really mastered balancing on tiptoe hasn't she? Max is having a good go too. HMQ looks very comfortable in her sensible shoes!

I really like Kate's skirt but the top part looks a bit too fussy. It should either have been a bit simpler or the lace and embroidery should have been more delicate.

Oh it’s a Max win again for me...has she had hair extensions? It looks quite thick in the photos...
Zara comes a decent second, she always looks the most fun in the family gatherings, and there is genuine warmth there.
Quite like Anne’s outfit too...though I suspect it’s years old, suits her though.
Really don’t like Kate’s outfit, though the colour is very pretty, it just reminds me of Margot from The Good Life.

EleanorReally, you make that sound like a criticism.

Anne's outfit is from 2007 apparently.

I like Kate's and Zara's outfits today.
Beatrice's dress would have looked better if the skirt hadn't had the strange flared hemline as the colour is good on her.

Love Kate and Zara’s outfit today, not keen on the York girls and definitely don’t like Sophie’s.

On the subject of engagement rings - I have my mum’s ring that I would have been happy to use, as well as her Sapphire ring that she received from my dad for their sapphire anniversary. Although their marriage didn’t end in divorce and they did definitely love each other, it was not a marriage I would wish to emulate at all. But the ring is still special and meaningful to me. I also have my birth mother’s engagement ring (complicated family background) which I love. When we got engaged last year though my fiancé really didn’t like the idea of using a family ring and wanted something that was ‘a new start’ for both of us. Which I was happy with too, though I imagine at some point in the future I might wear them interchangeably.

My (new) ring pic attached because any excuse really, it’s not exactly royal standards but I love it. Can’t wait to see yours queen

Oh that’s a shit pic sorry but you get the idea!

Zara looks pregnant too in one of those photos but she probably just has mum tum, comme moi!

I actually really like Kate's dress/ skirt and top! I love the blue and I'm a sucker for a pussybow. No one with an ounce of fat could wear it without tipping into Victorian cook territory though.

Do you think the Netherlands would mind if we kept Max?
We could put her in @frugalkitty's airing cupboard along with CP Hottie.

Love Kate's dress today - makes up for yesterday's horror - although not convinced about the hat. I think those long tall dresses really suit her and I adore Elie Saab. Max is fabulous as ever. Loved Eugenie's dress although I 'd have said it was more cocktail than races. The rest were a bit underwhelming.

TracyBeakerSoYeah

Great idea re Max staying. She would make us so happy. It must be wonderful to have the whole world so delighted to see you...

Max's earrings are absolutely huge!
Anne has clearly taken something from her wardrobe circa 1972.

This pic of Eug is particularly, erm, anatomical.

Love this photo of Kate from the Standard. The photos of her and Zara chatting makes it look like they have a genuine friendship.

Anyone else spot Mike Tindall producing a miniature top ?

Given all the affection given to the Tindalls dm link.
My money is on Zara being at least 4 months gone with baby no.3

I agree Zara & Kate look like they are real friends & not just Cousin in laws!

*top hat.

I’m calling it; Baby Tindall; October / November

Our tastes are soooo different on this thread !!!
A poster will say an outfit was dreadful and then another poster will say ( about the exact same outfit) it's an amazing outfit.
Kate, Meghan, Max, Zara , Eugenie, Beatrice, Leti, Sophie and Charlotte, remember you can't please all the people all the time, but you'll always please someone.

Isn't this a fab photo of the Oranges

Everyone seems so happy & full of beans at Ascot (wonder if there is babydust in the air). It's lovely to see the RF interacting as a proper normal family.

Is it safe to ride horseback while pregnant, ?

Mary King competed at Badminton when 4 months pregnant, and a friend of mine kept riding almost until she popped. Others choose to stop as soon as they found out - I did, but I didn't have my own horse and didn't feel comfortable riding strange ones. If I'd had my own that I knew and trusted, I might well have pottered round until it got uncomfortable or until I stopped being an effctive rider.