Proving her sense of frugal fashion once more, the Duchess of Cambridge turned to an old style favourite to help brave the rainy weather on the remote island of Bella Bella during the royals’ continuing tour of Canada.
On day three of the trip, Kate pulled out her well-loved Penelope Chilvers knee-high brown boots to complete her wet weather outfit. Hand crafted from Spanish leather and constructed with a sturdy rubber sole, the boots – which cost US $674 (NZ $926) – have been in the royal’s closet for 12 years and last made a fashionable appearance during the couple’s trip to Bhutan earlier this year, when Kate donned them for a five-hour hike in the Himalayas alongside husband Prince William.
Today, the Duchess paired her boots with a Holland and Holland jacket, Zara jeans, a blue sweater over a blue-and-white plaid shirt and earrings by Canadian designer Pippa Small for her first official engagement of the day at the Bella Bella community hall.
Kate has owned her trusty knee-high boots for 12 years.
The Duchess wore them during the royal tour to India and Bhutan earlier in the year.
There, the couple were greeted with a warm welcome from the Heiltsuk First Nation as well as a large crowd of well-wishers, whose enthusiasm remained unchecked despite the rainy weather.
Kate and William were in good spirits too, with the prince quipping, “The rainforest. It wouldn’t be authentic without the rain.”
The royals were likewise delighted with the welcome they received, as young children from the community put on a special performance for their honoured guests.
Kate looks on in delight as a young performer makes her way across the floor.
The royal couple both sported casual looks for day three.
Afterwards, Kate’s trusty boots proved to be both a fashionable and practical choice as she and William braved the torrential downpour for their arrival at the Great Bear Rainforest (the world’s largest temperate rainforest), which is home to the Kermode (Spirit) bear as well as whales, dolphins and other marine life.
While the gloomy weather meant a planned aerial tour of the rainforest had to be cancelled, the couple went ahead with a walking tour through the area instead. They marked their visit with the unveiling of a plaque celebrating the rainforest’s inclusion in the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy, a network of forest conservation initiatives spanning all 53 countries of the Commonwealth.
Giving a speech about the QCC, William said: “Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to be here today as the Great Bear Rainforest is officially committed to the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.”
“I would like to thank the Heiltsuk First Nation community for so welcoming us to their home. Her Majesty has asked me to convey her sincere thanks to the Government of British Columbia, and the Federal Government of Canada for nominating your innovative Ecosystem-Based Management programme in Great Bear to be part of The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy network.”
Prince William gave a powerful speech about the importance of The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy network.
Today, as on day two of the royal tour, Kate and William left their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte in the care of their nanny at Government House in Victoria, where they are basing themselves throughout the trip.
The couple are expected to fly back to rejoin their children this evening for a reception hosted by the province of British Columbia.
Next up on the itinerary is a visit to Yukon where Kate and William are expected to meet students from the University of British Columbia, sample the best local wine and cheese and explore the picturesque town of Carcross and then Montana Mountain.
The royals have a jam-packed itinerary for their week-long tour of Canada.
