Prince William's Solo Engagements, Talks Fatherhood, Kate's Cooking Lessons, Charity Auction + More

We have a packed post for you today with news on William's solo engagements, Kate's reported cooking lessons, Kate's mentor's wife speaks, Great Gatsby Fever, Charity Auction and royal gnomes...yes gnomes.

Prince William has been busy over the past couple of days carrying out engagements in support of causes close to his heart. Today, William joined forces with Prince Charles hosting a high-profile conference at St James's Palace to focus world attention on the urgent battle to end illegal trade in wildlife.

The Prince of Wales Website

I was shocked and dismayed to read wildlife poaching and trafficking has reached new heights. Wildlife losses have reached unsustainable levels with some African elephant populations facing the possibility of extinction within a decade because of ivory poaching. Both black and white rhino are under attack for their horns and wild tiger numbers across Asia have decreased by 90% in the last 100 years.

WWF

William's patronage Tusk Trust expressed the importance of the conference via Twitter.

Tusk Trust Twitter Feed

To mark the conference Clarence House changed their twitter profile photo for the first time.

Clarence House Twitter Feed

Prince Charles and Prince William, alongside Environment Secretary Owen Paterson addressed guests from 26 of the countries particularly affected by illegal wildlife trade, calling for a global partnership and urgent action to reduce demand for endangered wildlife products, a stepping up of law enforcement against the criminals involved, and help for local communities to find an alternative to illegal wildlife trade.

During his speech at the conference The Prince of Wales mentioned becoming a grandfather:

'I'm very sorry my own father cannot be here today as he's been involved for so many years in conservation. That fact that my son is here too, in order to support his ageing father is hugely appreciated. 

We face one of the most serious threats to wildlife ever, and we must treat it as a battle. As a father and soon to be grandfather, I find it inconceivable our children could live in a world bereft of these animals'. 

And Prince William said this:

Paul Harrison Twitter Feed

William and Charles were shown some of the products that result in poaching.

Sky's Paul Harrison Twitter Feed

It's an incredibly important cause and I for one am so glad the Princes are behind it. Prince Charles announced a Head of State meeting in Autumn to discuss solutions. You can find out more about the campaign here and look out for the hashtag  #endwildlifecrime on Twitter for news and updates.

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Yesterday, Prince William and Prince Harry carried out a joint engagement supporting a charity very close to their hearts. The Princes were delighted to officially open the Help For Heroes recovery centre at Tedworth House in Wiltshire.

With the arrival of Baby Cambridge less than two months away, fatherhood was very much on William's mind. The Duke was presented with a white babygro with the words "My Daddy Is A Hero" by two-and-a-half-year-old Jenson Boggi. Whilst talking to Jenson's father, Corporal Josh Boggi, he revealed he is very much looking forward to fatherhood.

More from the Mirror's Story:

'"Are you looking forward to it, Sir?" asked Corp Boggi, a triple amputee from Berkshire. "Very much so", said William, who is due to become a father in mid-July.

The Duke refused an offer to get some practice in by holding Corp Boggi's two-year-old-son, hastily saying: "No, no, you're very kind." William revealed he received words of advice from parents at the centre. "All the mothers have been looking at me, just you wait, just you wait, long sleepless night".'

Military charity Help For Heroes runs four recovery centres across the country which form part of the Defence Recovery Capability - a partnership between Help For Heroes, The Ministry of Defence and The British Royal Legion. The recovery centres are there to inspire, enable and support our wounded, injured and sick, and their families, for the rest of their lives. The centres provide a "launchpad-to-life" where the wounded and their families can access psychological, financial and emotional support.

The Princes met members of the wounded community and their families and heard first hand the positive impact the centres provide. They were both presented with customised hoodies with William also taking one for Kate.

You too can own a Help For Heroes Hoody. The zipped jacket is available in a variety of colours for £30 at the charity's online shop and the best part: all proceeds go straight to Help For Heroes. The hoody is 50% cotton and 50% polyester, easy to wear and machine washable.

Help For Heroes Online Shop

William gave a poignant speech at the centre:

'The British public's unprecedented response to the likes of Help For Heroes, the Royal British Legion and countless other service charities was a heartfelt response to that sense of death felt by countless tens of thousands of people - in fact, the whole nation - who wanted to show support and gratitude.'

During a Kate engagement, this is usually the part where we discuss Kate's outfit, so for today we'll just say both Princes looked simply dashing in their blue suits. I'm sure you'll agree! :)

They paid tribute to Help For Heroes by wearing the organisations £2 Wristband.

Help For Heroes Online Shop

There's a great video from the visit, well worth checking out.

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Meanwhile, Kate has been spotted out and about grocery shopping at her local Waitrose in Kensington. 

@Demi_D16 Twitter Feed

Perhaps the Duchess was shopping for ingredients for new recipes she is reportedly learning from new Italian housekeeper Antonella Fresolone. US Weekly reports:

'Fresolone worked for 13 years at Buckingham Palace where she was well known for her "delicious" Italian cooking. Among her specialities? Homemade pasta and freshly baked bread.

The Duke and his wife hired Antonella three weeks ago, during which time she has been teaching mom-to-be Kate how to make "a number of new dishes" in the small kitchen at Nottingham Cottage.'

We know Kate enjoys cooking and baking, as it's been previously reported the Duchess baked cupcakes for William and his RAF colleagues regularly, and she is frequently spotted grocery shopping around the Kensington area.

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The Daily Mail's Richard Kay wrote a very insightful piece called 'Kate will not wilt like Diana says mentor' in which Sir David Manning's (you may recall we discussed Sir David during our 'Kate Loves: The Royal Staff' post) wife quashes rumours her husband was brought on board to instruct Kate in royal protocol.

'Contrary to popular belief, the Duchess doesn't need any help in that department at all. says Lady Manning, Sir David's wife, who writes thrillers under the name Elizabeth Ironside.

Let me tell you, the Duchess is interested in everything and doesn't need any encouragement or etiquette instruction. She knows what is required all by herself. I've heard it said my husband is instructing her on protocol, but that's wrong. He's a mentor.

I've only met her a few times but I have been very impressed. I can't talk about the Royal Family, but I do wish people would give the Duchess credit where it's due.'

Her husband - a former ambassador in Washington and former Prime Minister Tony Blair's foreign policy advisor - is a valued member of William and Kate's staff. He accompanied the couple on their first joint tour in 2011 and has been an unpaid adviser to William and Harry for four years. Very interesting comments from Lady Manning!

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Baz Luhrmann's adaption of The Great Gatsby has been hugely successful and influential, particularly in terms of fashion. Two of Kate's favourite designers have paid homage to the dazzling movie with window displays featuring a selection of 1920s inspired gowns.  Below we look at The Temperley London window on Bruton Street.

Temperley London Facebook Page

And the Jenny Packham window at Harrods. So many divine possibilities for the Duchess!

Jenny Packham Facebook Page

Harrods also commissioned one of Kate's go-to milliners, Vivien Sheriff, to capture headwear of the iconic era.

Harrods Facebook Page

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Another week, another exciting  Baby Cambridge Fundraiser activity raising funds in aid of Kate's patronage East Anglia's Children's Hospices. This week, the fundraiser is auctioning a Royal Favourite Lot on eBay containing two stunning items.

The first is the beautiful L.K. Bennett Alexia Clutch. The patent leather, sky blue clutch retails for $350 and is not available on the L.K. Bennett US site so it is a particularly wonderful opportunity for US residents to snag the piece at a reduced price. The Alexia Clutch is brand new and was donate by a very generous anonymous donor.

L.K. Bennett

The second is a lovely pair of Cornelia James Pure Wool Gloves with Side Bow. Cornelia James has held a Royal Warrant since 1979 and has a long association with the Royal Family. The £52 gloves are available in pure wool and a cotton style which is perfect for summer!

Best of luck to all bidders and don't forgot you can donate to the fundraiser by visiting the Just Giving Page.

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The Chelsea Flower Show is taking place at the moment with a number of royals in attendance. While William and Kate couldn't be there a couple of lookalike gnomes have been making the headlines!

The Times of London Twitter Feed

Finally, a selection of photos of William and Kate at William Van Cutsems wedding are now available to view at the Daily Mail.

Kate Loves: Issa

When William and Kate's relationship became public knowledge, the eyes of the world focused on the then Kate Middleton and soon magazines all over the world were focusing on her style. What was Kate wearing? Who were her favourite brands? Women are all over the world became interested in Kate's style and over the years her status as a style icon grew until she became one of the most influential style icons of our generation.

One fashion label played an undeniably pivotal role in influencing and defining her style until 2011: Issa.

Issa's creative director Daniella Helayel grew up surrounded by sun, sea and the stunning nature of the Brazilian coast line. The distinctive prints the designer has become known for have clearly been influenced by Daniella's roots.

'Nature was very generous to Brazil and is enveloped by unique landscapes and dazzling colours. My collections are designed to reflect the effortless elegance and the laid back lifestyle the country is known for. I love making women feel glamorous and chic and always design with comfort and confidence in mind.'

Ms Helayel completed her studies in New York and worked as a fashion consultant and buyer before moving to London where she was inspired by the city's eclectic energy and diversity. In 2001, Issa was born, and since then Daniella's collections have been embraced by celebrities including Madonna, Scarlet Johansson, Eva Mendes and Sharon Stone. But it was primarily Kate's love of the brand's versatile dresses that introduced the them to millions.

Kate chose a beautiful, floor-sweeping coral gown for the Boodles Boxing Ball in 2008. It was the first time we had really seen William and Kate together at a glamorous event and Kate certainly made quite an impression. It remains one of her best looks to date in my opinion. In 2009, Kate chose a very similar halter-neck Issa gown when she hosted a table at the Saatchi Gallery to raise money for the Starlight Children's Foundation.

RCFA

Kate has displayed a selection of eye-catching dresses at society weddings in recent years including the black Issa dress with sheer panels she wore for the wedding of Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly in 2008. It was an important day for Kate; not only was she attending the wedding of Prince William's cousin, she also met the Queen for the first time.

Hello! Magazine

Lady in red Kate opted for a silk jersey Issa dress for the wedding of Emilia D'Erlanger and David Jardine-Paterson. It was a chic, sophisticated choice for Kate and simply perfect for the occasion.

Hello!

In October 2010, William and Kate attended Harry Meade's wedding in Gloucestershire. The tanned couple had just returned returned from Kenya and speculation was rife in the papers they were secretly engaged (of course, it wouldn't be confirmed for almost another month). Kate wore a cobalt blue dress by Issa, her first custom made garment by the brand, signalling the strength of the fashion relationship.

Much to the delight of royal fans all over the world, the long awaited engagement announcement of Prince William and Catherine Middleton finally happened on November 16, 2011. It was an immensely exciting and daunting time for Kate who gave her first ever public interview. What does one wear for such a momentous occasion? Kate chose a Silk Jersey Wrap Dress by her go-to designer Issa.

The British Monarchy Flickr

Something many noted immediately was Kate's engagement ring. The oval blue sapphire surrounded by a cluster of 14 diamonds belonged to William's mother, the late Princess Diana. Speaking about his decision to give it to Kate, William movingly said: "It's very special to me. As Kate's very special to me now, it was right to put the two together. It's a way of making sure my mother didn't miss out on today." The Issa dress complimented the striking ring wonderfully.

AP

The dress was a marvellous choice for Kate. The ruched detailing on the neckline was stunning and the length was appropriate yet still young. The dress is crafted from pure silk and features wrap over panels at the waist providing a truly flattering fit. The wrap dress is a signature of Issa's and remains available today for £499 at Harrods, The Editeur and Les Nouvelles.

Issa London

Issa was one of the first labels to experience "The Kate Effect" and the demand for Kate's engagement dress and publicity following the announcement was transformational for the brand. It was recently revealed it was almost too much for the business to handle:

'Demand was so huge that the business couldn't cope. If Kate wears a Zara dress, these huge companies have the backing to follow through. Issa was basically run by interns, students and Daniella.'

Days before the royal wedding Kate was photographed shopping in London wearing a short-sleeve Issa Black Wrap Dress with a v-neckline. At the time fashion experts were predicting Kate would choose Daniella Helayel to design her wedding dress.

And the day before the royal wedding, a radiant Kate arrived at The Goring Hotel wearing her Issa bird print dress.

During William and Kate's first official joint tour of Canada in June/July 2011, Kate brought back the bird print dress for a youth reception.

Canadian Heritage Flickr

On July 1st, William and Kate celebrated Canada Day with the regal Duchess electing to wear a rich purple wrap dress by her favoured designer Issa. Kate wore her hair up to display the exquisite detailing and the neckline of the pretty frock. 

Canadian Heritage Flickr

The event marked the final occasion Kate publicly wore clothing by the brand.

Canadian Heritage Flickr

I regularly receive emails from fans of Kate asking why the Duchess no longer wears Issa clothes, the answer is very much an obvious one. In July 2011, it was announced Camilla Al-Fayed bought a majority stake in the brand:

'The daughter of ex-Harrods owner, Mohammed Al-Fayed, purchased a 51 per cent stake in the label which was thrust into the public consciousness after Kate Middleton chose to wear a slinky blue dress for her engagement photo call.

 Al-Fayed's title will be chairwoman and she will oversee the commercial expansion of the brand, while Helayel (who continues to hold a 49 per cent stake), will remain as creative director.'

No doubt the Al-Fayed name is one most of you are familiar with. Princess Diana was tragically killed in a car accident in 1997, with her then lover Dodi Al-Fayed, son of Mohammed Al-Fayed. Following the tragedy Mr. Al-Fayed made a number of accusations against the Royal Family, branding the Duke of Edinburgh a "nazi" and a "racist" and publicly blaming the Duke and MI6 for the death of his son and Princess Diana. In a television documentary he burnt the royal coat of arms that used to adorn the wall of Harrods.

Speaking on The Hour, Mr. Al-Fayed controversially said:

'To know that your child has been slaughtered by a bunch of gangsters calling themselves the Royal Family and the head of the British royal family himself, calling himself Prince Philip, he's a nazi at the core, well known racist.'

Naturally there is bad blood between the Queen and the Al-Fayed's and the notion of Kate wearing clothing from a brand owned by Mr. Al-Fayed's daughter is simply unthinkable. Will we see the Duchess publicly wearing Issa again? As long as Ms. Al-Fayed is chairwoman, I would say definitely not.

I imagine it was a difficult decision for Daniella Helayel to strike up a partnership with Camilla Al-Fayed. The brand is doing incredibly well but losing a loyal customer with the status and influence Kate has is a major loss for any brand. It is a terrible pity, in my opinion, because it was a wonderful fashion relationship and one I expect would have continued otherwise. Daniella's wrap and printed dresses suited Kate's frame and remain some of her best looks.

PA

The Duchess has gone on to forge excellent working relationships with designers such as Sarah Burton, creative director of Alexander McQueen, Jenny Packham and Emilia Wickstead. Let us know which of Kate's Issa looks are your favourites?

Kate's Day of Home Decor Shopping + Top Designers' Maternity Sketches

The Duchess was out and about home shopping in the upmarket area of Chelsea London yesterday. The photos are available to view at E! Online. Pop over and take a look and let us know what you think!

Kate shopped at the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour where she was spotted browsing for lighting. Perhaps pieces for Kensington Palace's Apartment 1A or Anmer Hall, the couple's new country home.

@GlossInterior Twitter Feed

The Design Centre Chelsea Harbour  is described as "the world's premier design centre" catering for all one's home décor needs. The dazzling space provides the perfect environment for 90 showrooms and over 500 international interior brands. It is the largest of its kind in Europe.

My Fashion Connect

One can also enjoy a look through specialist design titles in the bookshop or have a spot of lunch in one of the relaxing cafés. According to the E! story Kate had breakfast in the Dome Café.

Design Centre Chelsea Harbour

Kate left with a bag from fabric store Turnell and Gigon. The prestigious brand carries a royal warrant and distributes a collection named after royal residence Clarence House. You may recall Kate was photographed shopping there last July and reportedly left with a selection of samples and swatches. Turnell and Gigon carry beautiful fabrics. It's no surprise it's a favourite of the Duchess's.

Australia's New Idea Magazine/Princess Diana Frances Tumblr/Turnell and Gigon

The Duchess purchased a rug in a shop on Lots Road, known for stocking vintage and contemporary furniture. Max Casimir shared the sighting as well as his sense of humour. :)

@MaxCasimir Twitter Feed

The lovely ladies over at the What Kate Wore Facebook Page quickly identified Kate's tweet jacket as a Zara piece. The grey wool military blazer features gold buttons and is thought to be from the brand's 2011 collection, and is unfortunately sold out.

eBay

It is thought Kate's flat shoes are Mint Velvet Taupe Suede Plimsolls. The Duchess was seen shopping in Anglesey last week and onlookers noted she was wearing plimsolls. These could very well be the same pair. They are available in sizes 4-8 for £79.

Mint Velvet

Kate accessorised with her Aquacutum Club Check Scarf. The luxuriously soft scarf is currently available at John Lewis.

John Lewis

And injected a pop of colour into the look with the very pretty Gold Plated Azuni Earrings. The £22.50 cornflower blue earrings are available at John Lewis.

Azuni

Kate carried her grey Tod's D-Styling Tote.

Tod's

The Duchess also wore a white top, light blue jeans and wore her hair in a pretty updo. I quite liked the whole look; perfect for a relaxing day of shopping. What do you think?

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Our next segment is one the fashionistas among you will enjoy! Kate is currently in her third trimester and has thus far avoided maternity wear instead opting for non-maternity pieces with the occasional bespoke piece from one of her favourite designers. Naturally, the world's top designers would love to dress Kate's bump, but what would they design for the Duchess?

The talented folks over at Women's Wear Daily asked a selection of designers to sketch a design for Kate and share their creations. The Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel design is quite different to anything we've seen Kate wear. I couldn't imagine the Duchess opting for a low cut garment, but Karl said, "I think this design is very much in her taste." The salmon Chloé piece seems a much more likely choice for Kate.

Karl Lagerfeld & Chloé

Nanette Lepore and Nina Ricci's offerings.

Nanette Lepore and Nina Ricci

Donna Karan's blue creation is beautiful. The designer said, "This is a dress she could wear forever, at any age, at any stage, during and after pregnancy." While Andrew Gn's black and white egg shaped dress is definitely a possibility for the Duchess.

Donna Karen and Andrew Gn

One of Kate's favourite British designers, Amanda Wakeley, chose:

'a softly draped cocktail dress from our spring collection, but in an exclusive made-to-order mallard green... a shade I think would be amazing on her colouring... it is youthful yet demure with a beautiful embellished shoulder.'

We also look at Vera Wang's design, Huishan Zhang's floaty dress. Lela Rose's cream frock with black beading and Lorry Newhouse's ruffled creation.

Amanda Wakeley/Vera Wang/Huishan Zhang/Lela Rose/Lorry Newhouse

A true variation of garments in terms of design and colour. I would love to hear your favourites and which dress you think would suit Kate's style best.