Saturday 7 March 2020

Meghan Wows in Red For Mountbatten Festival of Music

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped out in London this evening for the annual Mountbatten Festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall.


To say these two made a stylish arrival would be quite the understatement.


The couple were attending due to Harry's role as Captain General, Royal Marines. Prince Philip passed the role to his grandson in 2017. Philip's association with the Royal Marines dated back to 1953 when he was appointed in succession to the late King George VI.


Given Harry's service in the army this appointment meant a great deal to him and following news the Sussexes will step down as senior royals, we've heard a variety of stories about Harry's future with the Royal Marines. Last month the following update was shared on the Sussex Royal website: "The Duke of Sussex will retain the rank of Major, and honorary ranks of Lieutenant Commander, and Squadron Leader. During this 12-month period of review, The Duke’s official military appointments will not be used as they are in the gift of the Sovereign. No new appointments will be made to fill these roles before the 12-month review of the new arrangements is completed." We know how passionate Harry is about his work with the military and veterans, an area of focus which will continue to be at the heart of his work through the Invictus Games and exciting new plans for the Endeavour Fund which we'll hear about in due course.


This year, the performance is marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the 80th anniversary of the formation of Britain’s Commandos.


The couple shared this lovely image as they made their way to the Royal Box.


Their favourite photographer Chris Allerton outdid himself tonight by producing the photo above and this delightful image.


A brief arrival video from Sussex Royal.


As they walked in, they received a standing ovation and applause.

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The event is especially poignant as it may be the last time we see Harry in his Royal Marines uniform. They were both visibly touched by the support tonight.

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Singing 'God Save the Queen'.

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A very nice video which captures the audience reaction.


The festival brings together world-class musicians, composers and conductors of the Massed Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines.


And sees the Royal Marines Bands showcase their incredible musicianship and pageantry. The performance features a wide range of musical styles, including music from the big screen and superb solo items, as well as traditional marches and overtures.


Musicians and are given the “West End” treatment with spectacular lighting effects.


Proceeds from the event go to the Royal Marines Charity who strive to support retired Royal Marines, their families and all those who have links to the Corps. They are very much there for those wounded or injured to offer advice and practical help every step of the way.


The other charity benefiting from tonight's event is Clic Sargent who work tirelessly to stop cancer destroying young lives. It is the UK's leading cancer charity for children and young people. Their care teams offer specialist care across the United Kingdom.


Meghan told performers during the interval she thought the festival of music was "wonderful".

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From the fitted Victoria Beckham dress at the Endeavour Fund awards to the chic Topshop and Roland Mouret outfit she wore at the National Theatre, Meghan's been debuting gorgeous looks throughout the week. She saved the very best for tonight though, wowing in a stunning red Safiyaa gown - perfectly matching her prince's Royal Marines uniform. This was an outstanding look for the Duchess, the cape-effect silhouette, the vivid shade of red and statement accessories made this one of Meghan's best looks to date.


The £1,295 Kalika gown is described as: "Made from striking red crepe, Safiyaa's 'Kalika' gown is perfect for special occasions. The silhouette flows down the back, while a subtle cutout detail tempers the volume and movement of the sleeves."


The Duchess wore a similar style gown by the brand for a State dinner in Fiji during the 2018 Oceania tour.


London-based brand Safiyaa was launched by creative director Daniela Karnuts in 2011. With a demanding career in fashion media, she needed a wardrobe that was sophisticated and polished, without being boring or dated. Searching for pieces that were flattering, combinable and travelled well led her to question why a man could go to London’s Savile Row for bespoke suiting yet a woman had to settle on fixed styles and colours. With a selection of twelve dresses and endless ambition, Daniela began her journey to fulfill her needs and those of women with similar desires as well. Named after her daughter, Safiyaa was started from there. The brand is described as "created for women by women".


Meghan accessorised with a pair of bordeaux Simone Rocha crystal beaded earrings.


They feature butterfly fastening and a crystal flowers design. From the Autumn/Winter 2019 collection, they’re crafted from bevelled spherical glass beads structured to a tiered formation dropping from a gold-tone metal post to three floral arrangements. They are available in several colours including red, blue, pink, black and white for £250.


Meghan carried the Manolo Blahnik Capri red satin jewel buckle clutch.


And completed the look with her Stuart Weitzman red suede pumps.

We should hear more about Meghan's visit to the Robert Clack School in Dagenham later tonight.

64 comments:

  1. Oh WOW!!! The Duke and Duchess are both absolutely STUNNING!! Love everything about Meghan’s outfit.

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    1. I concur!! The red just standouts and perfect choice. Like the way she chose a colour to match and blend in with Harry. In a sense kept the spotlight on him as much as possible.
      Oh, that standing ovation, so moving and could see he was obviously emotional and touched. Stripping him of his military honours was painful and the reception he has received reflects how much he meant and will be missed.

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  2. Umm...WOW. She looks amazing! I truly believe a year from now there needs to be a way to integrate them back into the fold. This does not make sense.

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    1. I reckon they’ll come back.

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  3. Wow! Gorgeous! So happy to see Meghan slaying it.

    R

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  4. She looks wonderful. I can't help thinking she's going to miss this.

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  5. I think this is the bag she is wearing!

    https://www.manoloblahnik.com/gb/capri-24614.html

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  6. Wow! That dress is art! -op

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  7. Wow!!!😍😍😍 Impeccable!!!

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  8. Meghan looks like million dollars. Absolutely amazing!

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  9. This is her best look ever!

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  10. Well, it doesnt get much better than this. A handsome man in uniform with his beautiful wife 8n a stunning outfit. Absolutely magical tonight.

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  11. Oh we will miss them!!

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  12. On a sour note I have read the current article by Jan Moir for the Daily Mail today. As I have stated on several occasions I do not know the reputation of most newspapers in the UK but let me just say the author of this particular article in my opinion is venomous. My thought is simply to tell H&M to run not walk to the nearest exit.

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    1. Theresa New York7 March 2020 at 22:50

      I have told the DM that they will have blood on their hands many times but they won't print my comments. I feel terrible that I won't see Harry and Meghan on the world stage anymore but I am glad for their sake that they are getting out. I wonder who the Mail and Piers Morgan will bully next.

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    2. In my opinion the only thing the Daily Mail is good for is pictures. Their "journalism" is trash, highly opinion based and tends to twist the truth or omit parts of it to fit the narrative they want. The leaders in gutter press Pier Morgan, Jan Moir enough said. Grateful for Charlotte's balanced reporting.

      Marie-Lynn

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    3. They have already run to the nearest exit: Canada. Smart choice. It would have been a big mistake to stay. NOTHING is worth your mental wellness.

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  13. I thought the blue dress was amazing but this one is simply breathtaking.

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  14. Wow. This dress! I wish Meghan had worn black heels or carried a black clutch to break up all the red a bit, but she looks stunning.

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    1. I thought the same thing, black shoes and clutch would have been better. Nonetheless, she looks amazing. Sharyn—USA

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  15. They both look gorgeous and happy. Long may it last...

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  16. Is this the real life?! Is this just fantasy?! :)

    Here’s what I glean from moments like these: doing what needs to be done for ourselves is HARD WORK. Making changes that people will disapprove of is so painful, many simply don’t make them. BUT, when we’re supported and connected to inner strength, we can emerge from these changes with radiance.

    Sussexes, keep on glowing!

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    1. I agree! They deserve to be happy.

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  17. Wow!!! Wow!!!! Looking forward to the full post. Thank you, Charlotte.

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  18. She is simply stunning!

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  19. Beautiful look. Would have loved to have seen her wedding jewelers (not the tiara since not a tiara moment) with this dress. White diamonds against that red dress.

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  20. Fantastic look tonight.
    I just thought the shoes are the red ones she wore in Birkenhead Jan 2019? They look identical.

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    1. I believe you are right, well spotted!

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  21. The Duke and Duchess certainly know how to bring the glamour. Meghan looks absolutely stunning and it’s great to see her in bold colours. This gown is sensational on her. How lovely to hear the audience gave them such a warm reception. That must have been very touching for Harry and Meghan. Their “royal farewell tour” has been amazing to witness so far.

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  22. I recognised the brand of that dress as soon as I saw it! I loved both gowns by Safiyaa 😍 Meghan wears colours so well! She looks really stunning & her makeup is lovely. Her husband doesn’t look half bad, either ;) I also recognised the earrings as Simone Rocha, which Kate has worn in red, also. Great to see them look so happy tonight :)

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  23. That dress! Absolutely gorgeous. WOW! I like this one more than the blue dress. It doesn’t need embellishment. The cut, the drape and the fit make the statement.

    Harry looks pretty dapper too. I’m going to miss seeing him in uniform.

    Fantastic evening for a great cause. Well done.

    -Martine

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  24. They are beloved for many reasons.
    They are an amazing couple!
    Gorgeous!
    Renee

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  25. FYI, Omid Scobie has a lovely article about Meghan’s visit to an east London school to speak about gender equality.

    https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/amp31269827/meghan-markle-school-visit-internation-womens-day/?__twitter_impression=true

    - Martine

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  26. monochromatic dressing at its best!

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  27. Oh wow! Ditto to many of the comments preceding mine.
    Sigh: Royal watching is going to be rather milk-toast after this.

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    1. I agree! They so belong in the royal realm. I'm really going to miss them and events like this!

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  28. Unreal, she has just been looking fantastic the best I’ve ever seen. Stunning.

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  29. Stunning. Meghan and Harry are really outdoing themselves on this final UK trip.

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  30. Amazing! Must be M's best look since her wedding dress. She looks INCREDIBLE! And she and Harry look awesome together, as well.

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  31. This really is a wow moment! I don't normally like all one color, but the shoes seem to blend right into the dress and the clutch has that wonderful two-=tone action going on. The earrings, although I also long for the wedding reception earrings, are dark and mysterious and a nice touch next to her amazing hair! It's wonderful that she has given us such a colorful week. Yes, Harry looked terrific, too. They are giving us such a week -- all these great memories may have to last us some time.

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  32. Wow! Just wow. They both looked incredible. But the standing ovation, the applause, and the main squeeze of attention was fully on Prince Harry! As a fellow Marine, I am so proud of him and the rest of the Marines tonight and across the US. I hope Harry comes back and rejoins the ranks and wears that uniform once more. As a veteran myself, I would never give up my military career for anyone. That must be extremely difficult for him but I commend him as he was absolutely resplendent tonight. He was absolutely happy and so joyous. That is who he is and where he belongs. The military is something that is very deep rooted for those that served and this has to be bittersweet for him. I hope he truly reconsiders but again i state, I commend the actions of a man who loves his wife.

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    1. Thank you FloridaGirl, love your comment. Meghan looks beautiful, but this is Harry's night and rightfully so. His service is one to be very proud of and this was a definitely a bittersweet moment!

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  33. An outstanding gown. Beautiful fit, cape effect I love. Gorgeous shoes and clutch. The only thing I would change are the earrings some lovely diamonds, but that is personal preference. The Duchess looked elegant and simply stunning.

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    1. ILoveElephants8 March 2020 at 16:06

      I agree, white diamonds would look stunning on a red dress

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  34. Meghan is So elegant, simple, modern, regal. It’s unfortunate that a good man who served bravely and well will be stripped of his military titles and removed from work that is so important to him.

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  35. I think Meghan's look was just perfection. The monochrome is what makes her appearance absolutely stunning, with no other colour to break up the brilliance of the red. I think the satin bag gives a nice bit of contrast, and I especially the love the colour and style of the earrings. The dress is the star, and diamond earrings would fight for attention with the dress.

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  36. oh i love the duchess looks great i love the gown she should worn blaxk heels she looks good

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  37. My God she looks stunning !! I think this is the best she has ever looked! She is a true movie star in this outfit. She looks glorious that smile, that makeup , that hair and that dress which shows off her phenomenal figure!

    Thanks Charlotte it's moments like this these royal engagements seeing this beautiful couple I sure will miss

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  38. Beautiful, I love the all red style even if I know it is not everyone cup of tea all the matching our duchesses do.
    I like her hair too, an updo it'd have made my day but she looks stunning nonetheless.


    Silvia

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  39. Best look yet for both of them! Stunning gown and great uniform!

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  40. I’m going to miss watching these two as a senior royals! This look is TOP! Everything is so perfect. I know Meghan rocks pretty much everything but this look is wayyyy beyond!

    I wish we could see a glimpse of Meghan’s bag collection! Always love her bagsssss !

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  41. WOW! Loved her in the blue but this is just stunning.

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  42. Simply gorgeous! The back of that gown is stunning!

    I’m not a fan of the earrings, but I’m not the one wearing them!

    Hope from USA

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