Thursday, March 8, 2012

Style on the Royal express: Duchess of Cambridge and the Queen board train on first day of Diamond Jubilee tour

By Maysa Rawi


The Queen and Duchess of Cambridge arrived at St Pancras station today in London to kick off the Diamond Jubilee tour around the country

The Duchess of Cambridge and the Queen gave a lesson in how to travel in style today as they kicked off the Diamond Jubilee tour of the UK.

The Royals looked a far cry from the average train commuter, causing quite a stir at St Pancras station in London.

Kate looked to the 1940's for inspiration, wearing an elegant teal suit by L.K. Bennett and James Lock hat.

The Queen wore a cerise cashmere dress and coat with black trim by Angela Kelly, and a matching hat, also by Angela Kelly.


The Royals are travelling together to Leicester by train before going on to visit various parts of the city.

Crowds stood three-deep on pavements surrounding the train station, behind crash barriers, as they waited to try to catch a glimpse of the royal party arriving in the city.

Many had cameras in their hands at the ready to try to grab quick pictures of the Queen, Duke and Duchess, while others waved Union flags and sported hats emblazoned with the union Jack flag.


Kate, who channelled 1940's old-school glamour in a teal suit by L.K. Bennett nipped-in at the waist

Kate is greeted by Station Manager David Oldershaw as she arrives in Leicester

A police helicopter hovered overhead and many officers and patrol cars bordered the roads around the station.

Inside the train station a heavy police presence monitored the area and access to the station was limited for commuters.

The royal party strolled through the recently refurbished St Pancras International station as other passengers turned to watch them and boarded the 10.15 train to Nottingham.


Kate chats with the crowds at Leicester Cathedral as she receives flowers from a young fan

Their first stop was De Montfort University, with a stop in De Montfort Square en route where they will watch cultural dances.

The Queen and Kate watched a student fashion parade at the university, where a group of six students have been gearing up for the moment they get to meet Kate.

There were more cheers inside as the royal visitors took their seats for a fashion show.

The Queen and the Duchess chatted and smiled to each other as they waited for the models to come down the catwalk.

As the show by recent design graduates from the university got under way, the Queen and the Duchess continued to exchange observations as they sat side-by-side at the end of the runway.

The Queen sat quietly as the models showed off the colourful designs. The Duchess looked closely at the clothes and swapped comments with guests around her.

The Queen was first to get out of the car as they were greeted a huge cheer from the thousands of waiting people

Outside, the royal party was greeted with more screams as they walked over to talk to the crowds.

At one point security staff had to hold on to the barriers to prevent people spilling forward.

The Queen, Duchess and Duke were greeted at Leicester Cathedral by a huge cheer from the thousands of waiting people.

The crowd, who stood nine-deep on some parts of the pavement and looked to consist of around 5,000 people, let out whoops and claps as the royal party pulled up outside.


The Duchess wore a hat by her favourite British milliner James Lock

The Queen smiled as she walked over to a group of five children from the crowd who presented her with bunches of flowers

The Queen was first to get out of the car and smiled as she walked over to a group of five children from the crowd who presented her with bunches of flowers.

Kate, waiting patiently behind, mouthed the words 'hello' to one young girl before moving forward and bending down to talk to her.

Erica Swift, 85, from Blaby, was one of the well-wishers who had been waiting at the 300-year-old cathedral to see the royals since 10am.

'I came because I want to see the Queen,' she said.

'Sixty years reign - she's a gracious lady and I admire her a lot. Nobody can beat her. I wish her all the best now and for many more years.'


The first stop is De Montfort University, with a stop in De Montfort Square en route where they will watch cultural dances


The royal party attended a service of Christian worship with participation from other faiths

The Duchess - often referred to as one of the world's most stylish women - will be presented by each of the students with a tailor-made design for a pair of shoes and choose her favourite, giving one lucky designer a kick-start in their career.

While the Queen and Kate are preoccupied with fashion, the Duke of Edinburgh will view the Square Mile project - De Montfort University's programme to help improve the life and surroundings of the local community.


The Duchess of Cambridge disembarks the train from London after Prince Philip and the Queen

The royal couple will travel around the country from March to July, by a range of means - car, royal train, aircraft and the ship Leander

Afterwards, they will move to nearby St Martins House to meet faith and charity representatives.

Lunch will be held in the Grand Hall at St Martins House and their final stop will be at the Clock Tower in Leicester city centre to receive a gift from the City.

The Queen, the Duke and the Duchess will also witness a performance on a theme of the Holi Festival, entitled '60 colours'.

Before the visit, Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: 'I am very proud that Leicester will be the first stop on the Queen's Diamond Jubilee tour.

'Leicester has an excellent reputation for hosting celebrations and I am confident we will give the royal party a day to remember.'


Crowds stood three-deep on pavements surrounding the train station, behind crash barriers, as they waited to try to catch a glimpse of the royal party arriving in the city

Nine year old of Chloe Holford, left, and Eight year old Ruby Lawrence, right, await Kate's arrival

The Diamond Jubilee tour will take the Queen and Duke from the Isle of Wight to Birmingham, and from Merthyr Tydfil to Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The royal couple will travel around the country from March to July, by a range of means - car, royal train, aircraft and the ship Leander.

The tour will finish on July 25 in the South East of England.


The tour will finish on July 25 in the South East of England



source:dailymail

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