Today’s News: Kate Looks Great, Harry Has Date

For the sake of a good rhyme, I am really glad Harry and Kate have both had outings over the past 24 hours!

Last night, Prince Harry hit the IMAX screening of “The Dark Knight Rises” in London alongside his cousin Princess Eugenie..and some blonde chick. Before I go any further, a huge thanks to @HWalesWatch, the ultimate in Prince Harry news. She never misses a beat!

 Prince hottie looked dashing in a dark blue suit and crisp white shirt, while Eugenie, accompanied by boyfriend Jack Brooksbank, rocked a trendy dress and enviable black jacket. I can imagine Christian Bale is used to undivided attention from the ladies at events such as this, but it doesn’t surprise me to hear Harry “stole the show.”

Rex/E!Online

After the premiere, the royal cousins hit the after party at  Freemason’s Hall and continued the party at the Salon where Harry was seen leaving in the wee hours of the morning. Now, a night on the town is not uncommon when it comes to Harry – so, what’s the twist? The 27-year-old bachelor was not flying solo as he made his way through the city on Wendesday night, he had a petite blonde in tow. Although the Daily Mail originally reported his date was model Cara Delevingne, it was later announce that the Burberry model was not, in fact, the woman making hearts break around the world.

Evening StandardCopetti/Photofab / Rex

So, who is the girl who’s demise I’m currently plotting? TBD. And no, I’m not serious when I say that. But seriously, who did her hair? Yikes. *UPDATE: @HWalesWatch, @RoyalForumMoron I.D. Harry’s lady as Cressida Bonas as of Thursday afternoon.

Onto a woman with seriously covetable hair, The Duchess of Cambridge. Catherine hit the National Portrait Gallery to preview the Road to 2012: Aiming High exhibit. The visit marked the beginning of many upcoming appearances for Kate in her role as an Olympic Ambassador; the visit also served as double duty as she is also a patron of the gallery. The exhibit showcases showcased world-class Olympic and Paralympic athletes, the behind-the-scenes team and even a black and white photograph of Catherine herself, playing hockey with Team GB.

As much as I would absolutely love to see this exhibit, I am thrilled with one other thing I saw today – Kate’s outfit. Holy electric blue Stella McCartney dress! I really adored this dress on Kate – bright, youthful, flattering and looked fantastic paired with black Prada pumps. Although the dress was a winner, it was the accessories that generated the most buzz – the 30-year-old royal sported the Trinity necklace by Cartier, price tag: £49,000. WOWZA. The 18K pink, yellow and white gold diamond piece (thanks @thecambridges for the description), was perfectly Olympic-themed as it beautifully displayed five rings – four smaller and one large hoop at the bottom. Also on point with the premise of the day? The fashionable duchess donned by the designer of Team GB’s Olympic kits.

James Whatling / Splash News/E! News

Jorge Herrera/WireImage/People

Getting Artsy with The Duchess of Cambridge

While the ball and chain away, the wife will…work? Wait, that’s not how the saying goes..

The Duchess of Cambridge was back to work for her patronages yesterday, just a week after making her first official solo engagement. Catherine spent Pancake Day visiting two schools on behalf of The Art Room. Last year, Kate Middleton spent Pancake Day with her fiance flipping pancakes in Belfast; my how things have changed!

First up – Rose Hill Primary School, where Catherine arrived to a crowd of well wishers. In fact, the crowds were so excited to see their beloved Catherine, Max Foster tweeted that between The Duchess of Cambridge and all of the teenage girls he wished he brought earplugs! Once inside, Catherine visited with a group of eight children as they worked on a poem.

The Duchess of Cambridge continued her day at Oxford Spires Academy School. While visiting The Art Room facilities there, Catherine met with both current and former students and heard of how the organization had imrpoved their lives. The Duchess of Cambridge aproned up and spent time with the children as they painted.

Both appearances left students, staff and onlookers in awe of Catherine as she earned high praise from all who interacted with her. The Art Room trustee Pat Norman was quoted as saying: “It’s very special that we have her patronage.” Perhaps Mr. Norman is alluding to Catherine’s strong connection to the arts; students and teachers alike commented on her knowledge and understanding of the program. As you will recall, The Duchess of Cambridge has a deep-rooted passion for the cause; she graduated St. Andrews University with a degree in History of Art.

For video of The Duchess of Cambridge in Oxford yesterday, please visit The Huffington Post and BBC News.

The Duchess appeared in a coat dress by Irish designer Orla Kiely. As usual, the brown, patterened frock, which looked stunning on Kate, had the Twitter universe fluttering with discussion. Personally, I could never pull the pattern off (most others I have chatted to agree), but Catherine wore it well. Can that woman do no wrong? I have yet to see her look bad. I was disappointed to see her hair down; it would have been nice to see it up as she wore it for the Skid Row day of arts in Los Angeles. I have to hand it to her though – if I had spent the day around paints and children with my hair down, I would come out with fresh highlights!

For more on Catherine’s outfit, check out What Kate Wore’s latest post and be sure to follow along on Twitter – the go-to source on Kate’s style.

 

All images via PopSugar.

Finally, after curiosity over the most guarded royal secret since Kate’s wedding dress, the name of the Cambridge puppy has been revelead – Lupo! Wait..what? Yea, that was my reaction too. Chances are if you placed your bets in Las Vegas, you lost big. Lupo is an adorable name;will be curious if we ever learn the meaning behind it!

 

Image Via People Magazine

 

Spotlight On: National Portrait Gallery

What is the National Portrait Gallery?

The National Portrait Gallery promotes the understanding and appreciation of not only portraits, but those artists who have contributed to British history and culture through way of art. According to the web site, the aim of the organization is “to bring history to life through its extensive display, exhibition, research, learning, outreach, publishing and digital programmes.” This national museum looks to be at the foreground of portraiture research and bringing understanding to its visitors and the media.

The Gallery was established in 1856 and currently has the world’s most extensive collection of portraits. The Collection is in London with several other other locations throughout the United Kingdom.

Why is the National Portrait Gallery of Interest to Catherine?

It is no secret that Catherine has a deep rooted understanding of the arts and as she studied history of art at St. Andrews in Scotland. The National Portrait Gallery aims to promote the history of art and how portraiture has greatly impacted British culture and history. Catherine will make the perfect Royal Patron for an organization such as this since not only does she have an understanding for the cause, but it is ingrained into who she is; Catherine will be able to speak from the heart on behalf of the gallery.

How Can I Support the National Portrait Gallery?

The National Portrait Gallery depends on the support of not only its Members and benefactors, but individual visitors, trust and other foundations. The gallery funds 60% of the operational funds and asks for donations to keep this piece of history open and available to all who wish to visit.

As an individual supporter, you can become a Member, Associate or Patron of the gallery to provide continual support of its legacy, all the while enjoying exclusive benefits. The National Portrait Gallery also accepts gifts of all sizes from its visitors as well as help with conservation. Corporations, foundations and trusts can also pledge their help. To find out more, please visit the support page on the web site.

If you are on Twitter, please follow the National Portrait Gallery: @NPGLondon.

Spotlight On: The Art Room

Over the next five days I will post on each of The Duchess of Cambridge’s chosen patronages; providing background on the organization and highlighting Catherine’s interests in regards to the cause. Today, let’s take a closer look at The Art Room.

What is The Art Room?

As described on its website, The Art Room is ” a charity based in Oxford aimed at 5 – 16 year olds who are experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties.” Currently, there are five Art Rooms in both London and Oxford which provide art therapy to the cities’ youth. The purpose of art therapy is to increase children’s overall self-awareness, strengthening their self-esteem, confidence and general independence.

Who does The Art Room benefit?

As state above, The Art Room targets children ages 5 – 16 who need the opportunity to learn and expand upon their skills outside of the classroom. These children experience learning hardships in school, whether it be due to a learning disability, emotional difficulties or perhaps they have just arrived in England and need assistance adapting. The Art Room descibres the students as having an “interrupted education;” they may be disruptive in the classroom, withdrawn from lessons and activities and even bullied by their classmates. Students are admitted into the program by way of recommendation from a teacher, the school system, psychologists or social workers and even by their parents and guardians.

Why is The Art Room of Interest to Catherine?

The Duchess of Cambridge has always had a deep-routed passion for the arts. Catherine graduated from St. Andrews University with a degree in History of Art. After graduation, Catherine continued to stay involved with the arts, from painting to photography. While visiting Los Angeles in July, 2011, Catherine, along with her husband Prince William, visited Skid Row – an impoverished community in the city – and painted with the children. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Inner-City Arts, a non-profit which provides free art education to the youth of Skid Row. The visit further fueld specualtion that Catherine would soon undertake an arts program as a chosen patronage. The Art Room is the perfect combination of both her love for art and desire to make a difference in the lives of young people.

How Can I Support The Art Room?

The Art Room is always looking for financial donations to enable the continuation of the program. If you would like to donate to The Duchess of Cambridge’s chosen patronage, please visit http://www.theartroom.org.uk/8-02-donate.html. You can also learn about fundraising events here: http://www.theartroom.org.uk/8-04-fundraising.html.

If you are on Twitter, please follow the organization @TheArtRoomUK.

To see The Art Room’s official announcement of the patronage announcement, please visit: http://www.theartroom.org.uk/7-20120105-patron-announcement.html.