The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge continued their visit to the Caribbean today, attending the commissioning parade in Kingston, Jamaica for service personnel from across the Caribbean who have recently completed the Caribbean Military Officer Training Programme. In a nostalgic nod to the past, the couple rode in the same ceremonial Land Rover as Queen Elizabeth and the late Duke of Edinburg did during the Commonwealth Tour in December 1953 and again in 1994.
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For this event, Prince William wore the tropical formal dress No. 1 uniform of the Blues and Royals while the Duchess topped a beautiful ivory lace dress with a new sinamay hat. The hat follows the shape of a wide, shallow saucer and is trimmed with large silk flowers both above and below the raised brim.
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It’s a lovely design that made a sleek counterpoint to the lace dress. The ivory ensemble contrasted visibly against what has otherwise been a very colourful wardrobe for Kate on this tour- maybe that was its intent?
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Designer: Philip Treacy. Dress by Alexander McQueen.
Previously Worn: This hat is new
What do you think of Kate’s new hat today in Jamaica?
Images from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 
I loved this whole ensemble from head to toe, and while it is true that she has the other two almost identical hats that could have been reworn, I can’t help but think that if she had done so, there would have been a volley of criticisms of “couldn’t she have gotten a new hat for an overseas tour?”
This is such a beautiful hat, lovely design and perfect execution (at least as far as I can see!). I think it loses its fresh edge a little because it’s a style we’ve seen on Kate before even if the hat itself is new, but it’s still a really good look.
I really like this new hat on the Duchess. It’s size and shape seem right for the occasion. The ensemble is a poignant nod to Queen Elizabeth’s stunning look of the 1950’s. If I might be a little picky, the Duchess’s shoes seemed too heavy for this dress. An elegant sandal or open toe style would have been lovely.
This is by far my favourite of this familiar style of formal hat on Kate. I think placing flowers both on top and beneath the brim balances it more, which I prefer. I love the whole look.
I’m confused the colour of this dress is white, actually described as bridal white in some articles, along with white accessories. If it had been cream the accessories would have been cream because that’s what Kate does with an outfit like this. William is wearing his tropical white outfit for the first time and seen together cream and his bright white jacket optically would have looked “off”.
Well you only need look at the photo of them together in the landrover to see there was a discrepancy between his bright white and her ivory outfit, which definitely was not pure white, however the shade might be described.
It’s a well-made hat in a shape that flatters Kate well, but it’s not as exciting for me when it’s her third one in this general shape; instead, I would’ve repeated this one (although with a different outfit):
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I’m also not a fan of the dress; I don’t think it’s streamlined shape and lace pair super well with the hat.
I’m a bit with you Jimbo (as usual!) she looks stunning and it’s a lovely hat. But it’s a triple and we’ve only seen the other two worn once.
I do love the visual reference to HM’s 50s style, and this iconic look. Embed from Getty Images
My sense is that the ivory ensemble was chosen to coordinate with William’s tropical dress uniform coat.
I think this is quite beautiful. The cream ensemble is striking and she looks elegant as ever.