Style

Sombre Catherine cuts an elegant figure in royal blue dress

Nov 01, 2018

Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine paid a surprise visit to London's Imperial War Museum on Wednesday dressed in an elegant royal blue dress. Source: Getty

The Duchess of Cambridge is out again for her second engagement this week, but while she went casual for her Coach Core visit yesterday, this time she looks very glamorous.

Ahead of Armistice Day, Catherine made a surprise to London’s Imperial War Museum on Wednesday to pay her respects to those who had fallen during the war, but also to her family.

The mother-of-three wore a royal blue, long-sleeved dress by British designer Jenny Peckham with nude, suede heels for the occasion. Her elegant outfit was paired with a simple nude Mulberry clutch, silver watch, and her signature blow-dried wave.

Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine paid a surprise visit to London's Imperial War Museum on Wednesday dressed in an elegant royal blue dress. Source: Getty — Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine paid a surprise visit to London’s Imperial War Museum on Wednesday dressed in an elegant royal blue dress. Source: Getty

During her visit, the duchess viewed letters relating to her great-grandmother’s three brothers who all died during WWI. Her family’s letters, which form part of the museum’s documents archive, have provided both an insightful yet poignant account about what her relatives would have experienced during their time on the front line

Catherine was shown several of the documents including a letter of condolence to her family from the Keeper of the Privy Purse at Buckingham Palace.

“Lionel was here the day before yesterday for a bit, & I have seen him two or three times in the last few days.” – a letter from Maurice to his father, 24 May 1915.

The Duchess views several documents relating to her relatives’ experiences, including the brothers’ letters home. pic.twitter.com/WR89GeJhTr

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 31, 2018

Catherine’s great-great-grandfather, Francis Martineau Lupton, had five children including three sons Francis, Maurice and Lionel. Sadly, each of the brothers was killed in action over a period of three years: Maurice in 1915, Lionel in 1916 and Francis in 1917.

Their sister Olive, who was as a nurse in the Voluntary Aid Detachment, is the duchess’ great-grandmother.

The royal also toured the First World War Galleries and met with historians, curators and a fellow descendant of a WWI soldier.

This telegram from Noel Middleton to the family, informs that Francis’ body had been found.

“Bad News Francis Body Found Near Taylor’s Killed Instantaneously Bomb Saw Norman Yesterday And Grave In Churchyard” pic.twitter.com/G5zE6LgYse

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 31, 2018

It’s been a busy week so far for the duchess who paid a visit to the Coach Core Essex program in Basildon with Prince William on Tuesday.

The royal couple visited Coach Core to learn more about the sporting organisation, which helps young people who are not in education, employment or training to build a career in sports coaching.

Catherine looked at ease as she ditched her smart blazer and got stuck into a game of tennis with a group of school children, while Prince William showed off his throwing skills by launching a foam javelin across the sports hall. The couple also went head to head in a game of boccia, a seated game where competitors have to throw a ball as close to a target as possible.