The lovely Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, kicked off the Diamond Jubilee Tour of the UK with her Grandparents-in-law yesterday. Wearing a very fashionable teal peplum jacket, which she herself belted over a matching dress from LK Bennett, she was a great contrast to HRH The Queen who was a treat in pink Angela Kelly jacket and hat. Once again, Kate has shown her thrifty side as the jacket is on a half price sale at the moment, and she is getting resounding praise from all quarters as she champions the high street for affordable fashion that anyone one of the subjects of the Queen can emulate.

Kate really is the first of the royal family to take to the high street for official engagements. It shows that she is sticking to her initial commitment not to change her style too much, as well as supporting the local industry and being conscious of the national mood of economic difficulty. That she finds such appropriate pieces is really admirable and I continue to be impressed by her style and flair under these circumstances. Faultless as ever.

It would be such a bonus to have someone like this in our country. Someone to represent local fashion, inspire others to embrace local fashion and a role model who is patient, confident and socially minded. Oh, and knows how to sit like a lady. We definitely need more of that!