Coats in June? Groundbreaking (actually).
Kate Middleton stepped out on Thursday for a surprise appearance at the annual royal military concert called the Beating Retreat, and wore a gorgeous cream-colored Catherine Walker coatdress for the occasion. She also checked off a major royal first at the event.
The Duchess of Cambridge looked regal in the elegant pearl-colored coat dress by one of her go-to designers. She wore her shamrock pin for the Irish Guards, a historic piece of jewelry previously worn by Princess Anne and the Queen Mother. The brooch, by Cartier and featuring a singular emerald at its center, is often worn to military events where the Irish Guards regiment is present.
Middleton wore nude heels, carried a cream-colored Mulberry clutch and kept her hair in a sleek low chignon bun for the event.
We last saw the royal mom of three on Monday, wearing a white ruffled Alexander McQueen gown and her favorite Lover's Knot tiara (also a Princess Diana fave) to a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.
The duchess "took the salute" at the event on Thursday, a royal first for the 37-year-old. Typically, the most senior-ranking member of the royal family that's present at military events and ceremonies will "take the salute," meaning the guards and soldiers face Middleton and salute to her as they pass by. Usually, Queen Elizabeth is the one to take the salute, so it was low-key a huge deal Middleton checked off this major royal milestone.
The Beating Retreat on Thursday evening also included fireworks, horsemanship, pageantry and a parade of over 750 soldiers. The event is always held a few days before the Trooping the Colour celebration, which takes place this Saturday, June 8.
Taking the salute and wearing a wool coat in June? We guess there really is a first for everything.
