By Daily Mail Reporter


Happy couple: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were in good spirits as they spoke to the Dean of Windsor, Reverend David Conner, after a service to mark Prince Philip's 90th birthday at Windsor Castle


Her choice of clothes is already one of the most scrutinised in the world.

But the Duchess of Cambridge is also following a fine Royal tradition: to reuse favourite items as much as possible.

Yesterday at a church service to mark the 90th birthday of the Duke of Edinburgh, Kate wore the same periwinkle blue Jacquard coat dress that she sported to the 2009 wedding of her husband’s close friend, Nicholas van Cutsem.

Pristine: Catherine, pictured with Prince Harry looking on as she greets the clergy, wore a blue Jacquard coat with colour-matching hat and dress


On her feet were the nude £175 LK Bennett heels that both she and her sister, Pippa, have been seen wearing on several occasions recently – most notably on Derby Day.

By dusting down the old, she echoes the policy of the Queen and the Princess Royal - both of whom take great delight in getting the most out of their wardrobes.

Kate, Zara Phillips, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie all tottered into St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, braving whipping winds and driving rain, for a church service to mark the landmark occasion.

Re-run: The Duchess wore the same coat when she and attended the wedding of Nicholas Van Cutsem and Alice Haddon Patton before she was married, right, but teamed it with a different dress and hat


Zara arrived with her mother, Princess Anne but without fiancé Mike Tindall who is currently on his stag weekend in Miami.

Zara’s brother, Peter Phillips, did, however, fly back from the Tindall holiday for yesterday’s service, which he attended with his wife, Autumn Kelly.

His wife-to-be was wearing a pair of black stilettos with a hidden platform sole so high that she was barely able to make the short walk from her official car to the church.

Dazzling accessories: Catherine wore diamond and sapphire earrings which coordinated with her engagement ring, which first belonged to Prince William's mother Princess Diana

Room for one more: Prince Harry arrived and quickly ducked under the umbrella Prince William held aloft for his wife, who was wearing her family favourite LK Bennett heels


The group had been due to walk down to the chapel from the castle but the bad weather meant cars were called instead.

Beatrice and Eugenie looked pretty but frozen in chiffon summer dresses. Beatrice, 22, was forced to take refuge behind a police protection officer as she struggled to smooth down her dress which was whipped up by the wind.

Bride-to-be: Zara Phillips attended without fiancé Mike Tindall, who is currently on his stag weekend in Miami

Family affair: Princess Anne, left, arrived at the service with her Zara, while her son Peter attended with his wife Autumn who wore a blue suit with black high heels


Lord Freddie Windsor’s wife, the actress Sophie Winkleman, looked stunning in an oversized cream straw hat and nipped-in jacket.

Sophie, 30, whose husband wasn’t present, was accompanied by her in-laws, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.

She flashed a dazzling smile at the cameras rather than studiously ignoring them like the rest of the Royal pack.

The man of the hour, Prince Philip, arrived last with the Queen, who was dressed in sky blue and aquamarines, and looked remarkably cheerful given that he had insisted he didn’t want a fuss.

Stylish: Lady Frederick Windsor, the actress Sophie Winkleman, pictured left with her father-in-law, Prince Michael of Kent, didn't let the wet weather stop her wearing a summery cream dress

Smart: The Duchess of Cornwall, pictured with her husband Prince Charles, also opted for cream


In accordance with his wishes, the 50 minute service only saw the briefest of references to his birthday, which was actually on Friday.

The Dean of Windsor sparked laughs among the 750-strong congregation when he told them during his sermon that although the ‘modest and self-depreciating’ Duke had made clear he didn’t want to make a big deal of the event, it was important to pay tribute to his years of service to both his wife and the country.

Birthday boy: The Queen, Prince Philip and the Dean of Windsor David Conner look delighted after the religious service to mark the Duke of Edinburgh's 90th birthday

My husband and I: The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh looked happy and relaxed at the service

Rain, rain, go away: Meanwhile, Sophie, The Countess of Wessex, looked glum as she braved the conditions


Afterwards the entire gathering, which included family, friends, foreign royalty, estate and household staff, charity representatives and members of the polo, carriage driving and shooting fraternities, headed back up to Windsor Castle for a champagne reception.

After the 45 minute event, 100 close family members – including the Prince’s Mountbatten relatives – enjoyed a lavish private lunch.

All smiles: Lord Linley and Lady Sarah Chatto arrive




source:dailymail