Canada holds a very special place in both Harry and Meghan's hearts. Meghan lived in Toronto for six years while she played Rachel Zane on Suits. She often spoke of her love for the country which she considered a second home. The couple spent much of the early months of their relationship at Meghan's home there and in 2017, Meghan made her first official appearance by Harry's side at the Invictus Games in Toronto. In addition to celebrating Commonwealth Day, I suspect there's another element to today's event; I understand aides are already planning an Autumn tour for the Duke and Duchess. Rumour has it they hope to combine a tour of Canada with several days in the US.
The Commonwealth represents a global network of 53 countries and almost 2.4 billion people, of whom 60 per cent are under 30 years old. Supporting young people across member nations is at the heart of Harry and Meghan's work. Last week, the Duchess was appointed vice president of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust, of which Harry is president and the Queen serves as patron. The trust is very much in its infancy - it's going to be fascinating to see how Harry and Meghan develop it in the years to come.
Kensington Palace said: "The UK is home to a dynamic and vibrant community of expat Canadians. Up to 500,000 Canadians currently live in the UK, a figure that reflects the strong, historic and enduring bond between the two countries."
They were welcomed by Canada's High Commissioner to the UK Janice Charette.
The Duchess received a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
The event was held at Canada House on Trafalgar Square.
The High Commission of Canada in the UK provides consular assistance to Canadians abroad and works to promote Canada in the UK. The Greek Revival building has served as the office of the High Commission of Canada for almost a century.
It was officially opened by Harry's great-great-grandfather, King George V, in 1925. The King said: "Canada is a great country: alike in the literal sense of vast extent from 'sea to sea' and great in achievement and in promise: and it is right and necessary that its official representatives here should be housed in a manner worthy of the Dominion and adequate to the discharge of their ever-growing and important duties."
Harry and Meghan talked to groups of young Canadians from a wide range of sectors including fashion, the arts, business and academia.
The Duchess met with young people involved in fashion and the arts.
Rebecca English reports in the Mail:
'When they met Michelle Keller-Hobson, who works for a Canadian investment firm, Wealthsimple, that encourages people to save and invest with as little as £1, Meghan asked what proportion of customers were women. Ms Keller-Hobson said 38 per cent in the UK but explained the figure was higher in Canada. She said women in Britain often had less money to invest because of the gender pay gap and other factors. Meghan, an ardent feminist, told her: 'It's so important what you are doing. Keep it up.'
They talked about their experiences as expats as well as opportunities for young people working in the Commonwealth.
The couple met young people making maple taffy (maple syrup cooled on snow to make sweets) as part of a traditional ‘Cabane à sucre’ or a ‘Sugar Shack’.
This young boy impressed with his creation :)
More from the Mail Online:
'Does anyone want one?' Meghan asked the 30 children vying to see how many they could eat of the sweets, which are made by pouring hot maple syrup on ice and then rolling it onto a 'popsickle' stick. 'How many have you had?' she asked one little boy. 'Seven? Oh my goodness.'
She gave her own taffy to a nine-year-old girl, Elodie-Rose Duguay-Inegbese, from Shippagan, New Brunswick, who had only eaten two. 'It was really fun and Meghan's really pretty. She was very kind and I liked talking to her,' said the little girl, whose mother Sylvie works at the high commission.
The high commissioner told the royal couple: 'We trust that your visit to Canada House today has served as a reminder of happy times spent in Canada. We do kind of claim you.' 'I'll take that!' said Meghan, laughing. She fondly reminisced about her time in Toronto, asking all the young people she met where they came from and which districts if they were from the city. 'Everyone here seems to be from Toronto,' Harry, 34 said. 'It's such a great place, his 37-year-old wife replied.'
Time for a group photo.
Harry and Meghan signed the visitors' book.
They were given gifts for Baby Sussex including a maple leaf babygro and little moccasins.
Below, a full video from the engagement.
The Duke and Duchess departing.
The Duchess chose a gorgeous bespoke ensemble by Erdem. The choice of designer was a fitting one; Canadian Erdem has been established in London since 2005. Meghan has been a fan of his designs since she lived in Toronto. The rich bottle green coat and dress are crafted in wool fabric and feature black floral beaded embellishment. As with many of Meghan's recent maternity choices, the look has a 1960's Jackie Kennedy feel to it.
The look is from Erdem's Autumn/Winter 2019 Collection (with many thanks to Japanese Ginger).
A closer look at the fabric.
Simon Perry reports:
The coat also has a fun connection to Meghan’s mom, Doria Ragland. According to Erdem, the black floral embellishments are known as the “Doria beaded rose embroidery.”
Meghan wore her trusty Aquazzura Deneuve pumps.
And carried her Givenchy black clutch.
Meghan accessorised with her Birks Yellow Gold and Opal earrings.
She wore the earrings on the day of the engagement.
And her Kismet by Milka Dangles Full Circles Bracelet.
We'll see the couple this afternoon for the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey. They are expected to arrive before 3 pm.
This is a maternity look that I can get on board with. Meghan looks so fresh and comfortable and that colour is divine on her! I love seeing new pictures of her becuase not only is she simply gorgeous but this pregnancy glow just keeps getting better every time she steps out :)
ReplyDeleteLove Avee in SA
hmm i love these outfit overall she looks amazing and fresh in these looks
ReplyDeleteCouldn’t agree more, Bluefire!
DeleteLove the look. Wondering why she does not wear her engagement ring.
ReplyDeleteMaybe her hands have swollen a bit from pregnancy? That happened with me at the end, could not wear most of my rings, including my wedding band!
DeleteShe's eight months pregnant. I dare say, speaking from past experience, sometimes jewelry gets tight at this stage.
DeleteRe:Anon @ 12:11 - either the ring is getting cleaned or her fingers are swelling from the pregnancy = my best guess:)
DeleteMost women I know don't wear their engagement ring all the time, particularly those who have a large stone or are pregnant.
DeleteWhile I am not a biggest fan of the coat (although I second that it is Canadian-born Erdem), I love love love today's makeup and hair. It is so fresh and natural and youthful. I can't say the exact difference (can anybody help?) but this is exactly the kind of makeup that I love on Meghan. Kind of brings back the wedding makeup feels for me. And also, kudos for enduring the heels!
ReplyDeleteElla
I think she isn’t wearing as much bronzer as she sometimes does.
DeleteI absolutely love this look from head to toe!!! The color is just exquisite on her and she looks utterly divine as well!!!!
ReplyDeleteAgree! The coat/dress is fabulous. The color, cut, fabric, trim, retro, yet modern. Erdem is very hit and miss for me, but this is perfection. The fit is great too. The shoes and bag are stellar too. And her hair is chic. This will be hard to top for me.
DeleteI really do like these shades of green that both Kate and Meghan have been wearing in the last months. It is such a rich colour!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very chic vintage look and the fabric is really gorgeous. I love the color, too. A great look from head to toe. I imagine a hat will be added for the service at the Abbey in a little bit.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a terrific look on Meghan. Love the coat and heels. Well done!
ReplyDeleteDuring my late stage of pregnancy I could wear my rings because my fingers got fat Megan is looking beautiful
ReplyDeletePerfect perfect perfect!!
ReplyDeleteOn behalf of her Canadian fans, wearing a Canadian designer to Canada house - I think it's a double win!
ReplyDeleteAmen to that, Sandy (from another Canadian)! :)
DeleteI agree with NovemberNanny--I love the greens, which is one of my favorite colors. Green is one of those colors that looks good on a lot of people. I love the hair and makeup today. It seems like the royal ladies have really been hitting their fashion strides lately. What fun for those of us who follow their fashion. I love pretty things!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bottle green look for upcoming spring/St. Patrick's day! The matching dress underneath is nice too. I hope this coat will get recycled (like the Morocco red Valentino and the print Dior dress) post-pregnancy. Meghan's glow is beautiful, and her face is slightly fuller, which reminds me of young Meghan pics. Wonderful event and cool to M&H interacting with the kids. --OP
ReplyDeleteThis look is an absolute winner!
ReplyDeleteThe coat looks so much better on Meghan than it does on the model. Yeah for Meghan. She looks fabulous today.
ReplyDeleteI love this colour on her. The coat is really beautiful. Love everything but the bare legs and open shoes with a coat.
ReplyDeleteShe looks nice. I’m not usually an Erdem fan but this one is good.
ReplyDeleteAt first look I did not like that coat , and it’s by .... Erdem ! I do hope she does not wear much of those things, nothing to do with her classy style , what ever this man,makes, it looks nothing but grandma’s stuff , the material looks like crap , the design is .... ugh , not 8nteresting for a second ! And still, she looks beautifull !
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of an Erdem fan, either. I don't think this outfit is very flattering on Meghan, although I love the color.
DeleteBecca , yes I do like the colour , just imagine this colour used for one of her trench coats , or ...you certainly remember how she dressed in green and beige in Ireland ? But that thing ... definitely do not like Erdem , no style at all .... anyway anyway let’s Stay positive : yes the colour is lovely on Meghan !
DeleteI love the retro vibe of this coat. Love the rich green colour and the wool material. Perfect for the cold weather. Not a big fan of all the embellishment, but I suppose it's expected of Erdem. And really it's an improvement from the runway version. If given a choice I would have just had the embroidery on the collar and the cuffs. But anyway, Meghan looks Fantastic! Her makeup today is so fresh and she looks so youthful.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I noticed some ppl in another site were criticising the fit of the coat because the collar is so far back. But I think it's a design element no? The fit is actually very well, the shoulder seams are aligned perfectly. So I don't think there's anything wrong with the fit. Is this a 60s style design in the collar?
I agree, the fit of the collar is a design feature, which you might like or not like, but it is not a fit issue.
DeleteFor me it really works to give some interest to the coat.
I like the collar design also.
DeleteOur Duchess continues to look well. I’m loving the chic vintage look - cap a pie - gorgeous!!!! Well done Meg!!!
ReplyDeleteI love this coat and matching dress. She looks very elegant and chic. I too wonder if she'll wear this at the church service. I'm thinking she might change.
ReplyDeleteMy only quibble is the weird neckline that goes really far down in the back. Otherwise, she looks very elegant today. And I love her hair -- very nicely done!
ReplyDeleteI think those are her engagement announcement earrings. She does look wonderful, and I agree that her face/makeup is glowing. (The model looks like a nightmare, though.)
ReplyDeleteMeghan is definitely glowing. She’s very good at choosing colors that are flattering. She could still use a bit of work on tailoring the fit, which I think is an ongoing issue for her. She’s got to be close to the end of her pregnancy at this point as her face looks a bit fuller. It looks good on her!
ReplyDeleteThis is my favorite maternity look for the Duchess. Elegant, classy, and every bit refined. It’s a winner.
ReplyDeleteMeghan looks so fresh and youthful!Her hair and makeup is perfection.
ReplyDeleteThis look is stunning! She can wear practically any color!
ReplyDeleteI think you meant grea-great-grandfather George V?
ReplyDeleteLove this outfit, and nice to see the opal earrings again.
Perhaps the most beautiful and stylish woman, let alone pregnant woman, in the world?! An unbelievably-cool ensemble! Who knew I could love sequin aoplique, but holy moly that dress and coat are STUNNING. The color, the cut, the neckline, the simplicity of line with the scattered embellishment....the shoes, omg she is divine!
ReplyDeleteThis must have been a super fun engagement for Meghan -- almost like visiting home, in a sense! I think Meghan specifically has a unique advantage, here, being an expat twice over. It's an extra layer that allows her to connect with others even more.
ReplyDeleteMy first thought on this ensemble was "Oh, she raided the Queen's closet today." While I adore the green color on Meghan, I am just not digging the outfit all. The fabric feels way too heavy and when it's combined with the overdone beading, it really comes off as something a grandma would wear. It's such a departure from her usual style that I was quite surprised. Good for her for experimenting, but I think we all know how I feel about Erdem after Kate's Scandinavian tour looks LOL
+1 I too Becca feel that the fabric is too heavy - especially for the dress. I too was quite surprised as I saw it as a departure from here usual style as well. The beading was an element I was expecting. If the Doria rose elements had only been on the sleeves and collar it would have been better IMHO.
DeleteThe coat looks good buttoned but given the heaviness, it doesn't hang well when open. And as someone else mentioned, the dress doesn't hang correctly.
I do like the color and the 'retro-esqe' feel of this ensemble. And it looks like a perfect event for them. Let's hope that they do undertake that Canadian trip - thoughts about when? Hoping October.
Ooo I do hope that tour isn't just speculation! I get the feeling that Meghan won't be one to take a long maternity leave and that another fall tour might be in the books.
DeleteI agree that the look is too old for her. The fabric is too heavy and the beading is too retro for me. Love the color and hair but not the dress and coat.
DeleteI love the color of this outfit, but the fabric reminds me of felt, not wool. It is too heavy and does not drape well at all.
ReplyDeleteIt feels like Meghan is really hitting the right notes in the last part of her pregnancy. The colour and material give this such a lux feel and I like the low back collar adding some interest. I can’t believe this is Erdem.
ReplyDeleteI would only have added the embellishments on the front and collar, the ones at the back made me do a double take, I thought she might have sat in something.
If I had one quibble I would have swopped today’s outfits and wore the VB this morning and the green to the Commonwealth Service. It is just begging for a hat (and even those gloves she loves to carry). Oh lets be honest I wish she just kept this on for the Commonwealth Service.
In total agreement with you.
DeleteAnd woohoo Canada! My hubby’s “true North strong and free”.
-Martine
I agree with Sandy: wearing a Canadian designer to Canada House is a double win. I also agree with Diane, this entire look is perfection! And pregnant Meghan bent at the knees so low to greet the girl in the purple dress, that Meghan is even lower than the girl. I’m not pregnant but I cannot do that. Marvelous Meghan!
ReplyDeleteRG
I absolutley LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her make-up with this look! Personally, I think she wears too much bronzer or maybe it's highlighter. But today her make-up look is PERFECTION!!! She's glowing without looking like it's the make-up that is doing the glowing. I also love the coat. Beautiful shade of green and she wears it so well. I know the royals change outfits for events that happen on the same day but it does seem like a rather expensive outfit to only wear for a short visit. Especially seeing that she can't wear this again unless she has another baby.
ReplyDeleteAnon from NJ
cant she tailor this in? this would great on her with the right tailoring and not pregnant.
DeleteIt would be interesting to see if she has some maternity pieces tailored for non-maternity use. It would be good optics budgetwise but there is a limit as too how much tailoring one can do, especially on an outfit from the final stages of her pregnancy.
DeleteShe could of course be planning a second pregnancy where we can see this gorgeous coat again.
She looks pretty in that green but I am not a fan of the sheen of the fabric or the black embellishments. Possible that the fabric looks bit less shiny in person.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Ali. The color is gorgeous and looks wonderful on Meghan. I, however, did not like the embroidery, and the fit just looked "off" to me.
DeleteThis ensemble looks lovely on the Duchess. The colour is rich and vibrant and suits her, gorgeous green. I really like her accessories, just love her shoes. She looks beautiful today.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful coat!😍 And I always loved these earrings 🤩 And her hair is fab ♥️ And I love the Commonwealth-engagements 😊
ReplyDeleteI think she looks wonderful! But I'm still knocking off a few brownie points for not wearing tights. Bare legs make the outfit look unfinished and nowhere near as polished as an ensemble. Even more so contrasted with the relatively heavy fabric and colour, which are quite wintry.
ReplyDeleteShe's a coastal American. Coastal Americans don't wear pantyhose. It's really not done among a certain class of people. She only wears them when she's at official engagements when the Queen is there, at least that's what I've seen.
DeleteBut isn't she cold? I can't imagine not wearing tights on a cold day at this time of the year - I'd freeze! I realise she is generally warm now thanks to pregnancy but still! :)
DeleteLove the color but unfortunately this outfit looks like it is a recycled old blanket. This is a big miss for me. Perhaps another Canadian designer next time? But I do love Meghan and Harry!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love this outfit, the collar design at the back is a pleasant surprise. The Royal Couple look relaxed with the children. LOL the kid at front centre wearing his Canucks shirt. Hockey and maple syrup, that's Canada right now ;)
ReplyDeleteI’m so glad to see the Duchess of Sussex happy and smiling. I agree Becca @16:02, this engagement probably felt like “visiting home”. I think the Duchess looks lovely but I’m not a big Erdem fan either. Of all the dresses worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, the gold Erdem, from the Scandinavian tour, was a total dislike for me also. I very seldom totally dislike the Duchesses ensembles because of my sensitivity to the heavy scrutiny given these very influential women of whom I both admire. Thanks, Charlotte. I enjoyed reading a very pleasant informative narrative.
ReplyDeleteFor Erderm this is beautiful. I think a retro silhouette looks so great on a pregnant body. Hopefully she never falls down the bizarre ruffled rabbithole like Kate did.
ReplyDeleteThe outfit seems nice in theory and it's a great color on her but the execution needs work. The tailoring seems way off, the dress is not fitted to her, the bodice seems too short but large, the front of the dress seems to billow forward, and the coat hangs strangely at the back on her in a way that it doesn't in the runway picture. It's almost like they just picked a larger non-maternity style with the intention of altering it down once she's not pregnant anymore.
ReplyDeleteI thought the fit was "off," too. Based on the number of new outfits Meghan premieres for every occasion, I doubt there will be too much altering of maternity outfits for later appearances--but I may be wrong! The prediction that she would add a green hat to this outfit for the Commonwealth service this afternoon proved wrong--but I loved the white ensemble she chose!
DeleteI think the color was great on her. But I agree about the fit, well lack thereof, will be better down the road for a not pregnancy piece. she does however look way better than the model on the runway!!
DeleteMeghan looks spectacular in that green coat and dress. More importantly, she looks relaxed and happy. Both Megan and Harry must be getting excited to meet baby Sussex.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice of Harry & Meghan to visit Canada House on this special Commonwealth day & see all of the activities. They both look lovely. I like Meghan’s coat & dress, green looks lovely on her. And I love the description of the embroidery, Doria beaded rose.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to have brought back fond memories for both of them. I agree with a High Commissioner Charette, we do kind of claim Meghan.
Dena
Stunning colour! I like the embellishments, and the vintage feel of the outfit, as well as the accessories. At first I thought the collar at the back looked odd, but on closer look, I realized it was a design feature. I remember this stand-up colllar look from sixties fashions. It's sort of like the off the shoulder look except moved up to the collar. I also think, with the embellishments, that it elevates this outfit to a very princess look. It seems to me that when Meghan is in motion, everything she wears looks stunning. When she is standing still, or sitting, people start seeing things to point out about the fit. It may have something to do with style choices and how they work on a body. Anyway, a delightful engagement. Hockey, maple syrup, mukluks and the maple leaf are about as Canadian as you can get!
ReplyDeleteThe Duchess’ dress could be viewed as a sartorial nod toward the linking of nations. The Commonwealth Nations. The lovely cream colour sets off her warm tones & she is ever glowing. As for the green... ...exquisite!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis green is fabulous on Meghan. I like the black beading, and the cut and design as well. She looks terrific.
ReplyDeleteR
Wow. What a fabulous post with fabulous photos. I marvel at the time it must take you to put these informative posts together. It was wonderful to watch the video and see Harry & Meghan interacting with people of all ages. They are such a harmonious couple, and their love for one another lights up the entire room. I'm happy they are doing so many good works together. Now to what Meghan wore - a big WOW. She is splendor to watch - just splendor. Her poise, style, composure and compassion are a collection of attributes that, when combined in a single person make for a remarkable individual. That's what Harry found in Meghan. I just love watching this gloriously happy young couple on this journey.
ReplyDeleteWhile the outfit is not personally my taste, she looks very regal.
ReplyDeleteI think this look was a big win for Meghan, especially the fit. The dress and coat were either you like it or you hate it, and I liked it big time!
ReplyDeleteThat coat!!! Gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI love the color.
I like the idea of the dress, but the fabric seems a bit bulky/didn’t lay right.
Overall...I’m a fan of this outfit.
I generally like the outfit and color, but don’t get the sequins for a daytime event with young people. This is almost a cocktail look, especially with the shoes and bag. It is one of Meghan’s better maternity choices, however.
ReplyDeleteI saw a news clip of the event, and noticed that the dress has pockets! I love a pocket in a dress myself, and Meghan seems to love a pocket, too! I was taking a closer look at the fabric, and as many have pointed out, it looked like the weight of felt. I reminded me a bit of "boiled wool" which was popular for a while in the nineties, if I remember correctly. Does anyone else remember "boiled wool" jackets and sweaters? We had them in Canada.
ReplyDeleteStunning from head to toe!
ReplyDelete