Kate chose a Carolina Herrera coat for today’s Grenfell Tower national Memorial Service.
The service was at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
A BBC video of Kate, William and Harry.
Firefighters arriving at the Cathedral.
As we shared in Tuesday’s post, 71 people were killed in the June 14 fire as flames rapidly engulfed the 24-story building.
Messages and prayers on a memorial wall created hours after the fire.
The idea for today’s memorial service was initiated by those who survived the blaze, and families of those who were killed.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall at the service.
Today’s multi-denominational service was designed to “focus on remembering those who lost their lives, on providing messages of support for the bereaved, and on offering strength and hope for the future, for those of all faiths and none.”
The St. Paul’s website noted that “…more than 1500 people affected in various ways by the Grenfell Fire have come together exactly six months on, to remember the tragic events of that day and the 71 lives lost.”
More from the St. Paul’s news release:
Designed with input from the Grenfell community, the service was a mix of sights and sounds, with the Al-Sadiq and Al-Zahra Schools Girls Choir, oud player Rihab Azar and the Ebony Steel Band, joining the Cathedral Choir and Organ.
Harry and Kate talking with those attending the service.
Prince William speaking with one of the attendees.
I’m not sure the photo above shows the woman referenced in this next paragraph, but I *think* it is. From The daily Mail:
Ms Mendy was one of those who met the Duke of Cambridge as the service drew to a close.
She said William had asked to be invited to the service, and that she had asked him if he would consider becoming a patron of her new group, Humanity 4 Grenfell.
She said: ‘He’s shown a lot of worry – I can see the compassion and the empathy he has. It’s his borough and he feels it.’
You will recall that Kate’s engagement Tuesday at the Rugby Portobello depend on included mothers and children who survived the fire; they benefit from the help offered by the Trust.
From The Guardian’s coverage:
A hour-long national memorial service on Thursday, before probably the most diverse congregation ever seen at St Paul’s, saw emotions spill over, with lots of wiping away tears during music, prayers and a minute’s silence to remember the 71 people who died and hundreds made homeless.
From The daily Mail:
As the service ended, the Grenfell banner was held aloft and carried out of the cathedral, followed by survivors and bereaved holding white roses…
Many carried photos of their loved ones.
From Bishop Graham Tomlin’s address at the memorial:
“As we come to the end of this tough year, as we celebrate Christmas, as we step into a new year, nothing can remove the memory of that night – nor do we want to forget those dearly loved people who were lost.
Kate, William and Harry as they leave the somber service.
Two days after the fire engulfed the high-rise, the Queen and Prince William met with rescue workers, firefighters, and survivors.
They were at a momentary shelter. a lot more from The Telegraph:
The Queen appeared close to tears as she visited a rest centre helping those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.
The Duke told another volunteer: “That’s one of the most horrible things I have ever seen.”
The Royal foundation of the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry set up support 4 Grenfell, a dedicated space for charities helping the community. lots of of the charities providing help are familiar names; they include The Art Room, Child Bereavement UK, Winston’s Wish and Place2Be. As part of Support4Grenfell William and Harry visited the Al-Manaar Muslim cultural Heritage Centre in September. Below, Prince William speaking with Omar Ali, whose brother Mohammad al-Haj Ali (a Syrian refugee) died in the fire.
Once again we effort a tough turn to the topic of what Kate wore.
The Duchess returned to designer Carolina Herrera for today’s style.
A look at the back.
The double-breasted coat looks like a wool or wool blend, with a fitted bodice and flared skirt, stand collar, decorative flaps at the side from which pleats fall, and metal buttons.
Here is a view of the coat alongside a product shot I digitally lightened to better show the details. The style is shown in a 2017 lookbook. A idea of the Tiara today to Michelle of Perth fashion for her skill identifying the coat.
This is the second Carolina Herrera coat we have seen the Duchess wear. You can see the similarities between today’s style and the garment worn during the Canada excursion in 2016.
There is a dress worn underneath the coat, but I’m not sure it’s one we’ll be able to identify. There are a few photos showing the fabric and I will take a look at them later today.
UPDATE: Tiffany C. messaged me to share her belief Kate is wearing the Roland Mouret Manon dress underneath the coat. Tomorrow when I am back at the desktop (where the photos on my hard drive are) I will see what I can put toogether in terms of pictures.
Kate accessorized with her ‘Frome’ clutch by LK Bennett.
And the ‘Georgia’ suede heels from Jimmy Choo.
Her hat hasn’t been identified yet, but the same Michelle who IDed the coat suggests it may be a bespoke John Lock piece.
Kate also wore navy gloves that I haven’t had time to look into; I don’t believe they are one of the Cornelia James styles worn by the Duchess previously.
The sapphire and diamond earrings were also worn.
We’ll leave you with this piece from the BBC with people reading letters they wrote to those killed in the fire.
LINKAGE:
Read more about the service on the St. Paul’s website here
The express story is here; The daily Mail’s coverage is here; The Telegraph’s story is here; The Mirror’s post is here
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