• The Duchess of Cambridge attended the 2019 Beating Retreat, a royal military concert, in a cream Catherine Walker coat, an Irish Guards shamrock pin, and nude heels.
  • We last saw the Duchess of Cambridge at the US state banquet with the Trumps earlier this week.

Kate Middleton was among the attendees at this year's Beating Retreat, an annual concert held by the Household Division, the seven British army regiments serving the queen. The Duchess of Cambridge was taking the salute at the annual event, which a member of the royal family usually does at the military celebration. Her husband, Prince William, did the honours for the first time in 2014. This time, it was Kate's turn.

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The duchess appeared in a white coat by Catherine Walker with a mauve clutch by Mulberry and neutral suede heels. She kept her hair up in a chic bun and accessorised with a gold shamrock pin in a nod to the Irish Guards.

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Beating Retreat ceremony
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Kate Middleton arrives to the 2019 Beating Retreat.
The Household Division "Beating Retreat"
Mark Cuthbert//Getty Images

The Army in London proudly shared her arrival on Twitter.


Kate has already stepped out this week, albeit for a much more formal engagement. She and Prince William attended the US state banquet for President Trump, where they joined a number of other royals including the Queen, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Anne, and others.

BRITAIN-US-POLITICS-DIPLOMACY-ROYALS
VICTORIA JONES//Getty Images

At the time, Kate also opted for white, wearing an elegant feathery gown by Alexander McQueen. She also wore the Lover's Knot Tiara, one of Princess Diana's favourites, and a deep blue sash signifying her appointment as a Grand Dame of the Royal Victorian Order. (The Queen just honoured her with the title in April.)

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If Kate's cream coat has inspired you to buy a lighter cover-up for summer, here are a few of our favourites to shop now...

Barnaby Reversible Trench Coat
Aligne Barnaby Reversible Trench Coat
Credit: Aligne

Opt for a modern twist on the classic trench by going for a two-in-one reversible version. Set to be a sell-out this season, snap up this laid-back-luxe spring staple that you won’t want to take off come summer.

Soft Quilted Coat
Boden Soft Quilted Coat
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Credit: Boden

Perfect for transitional days, Boden’s oversized quilted coat with its large pockets is perfect to sling on for the school run or a fresh spring stroll. Try the ‘sandwiching method’ by pairing this coat with cream jeans and denim top – always a styling combination win.

Beamwind Checked Wool Blend Coat
Seasalt Beamwind Checked Wool Blend Coat
Now 60% Off
Credit: Seasalt

This coat brings practical and playful elements into pure springtime harmony – it’s a checked wool fabric but in a lighter, short version that allows warmth yet versatility. Perfect for layering over either a thick cableknit jumper or white tee.

Wool Barrel Coat
The White Company Wool Barrel Coat
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Credit: The White Company

The White Company has offered the very best in wool coats for years – minimalist and clean. Wear with straight-leg ankle-grazer jeans and heeled boots.

Rubber Funnel Neck Rain Parka Coat
Marks and Spencer Rubber Funnel Neck Rain Parka Coat
Credit: Marks and Spencers

You can never trust the British weather, so get ahead of springtime showers and snap up this affordable parka with M&S’s Stormwear technology.

Long oversized cotton trench coat
MANGO Long oversized cotton trench coat
Credit: Mango

It wouldn’t be a coat edit without a classic trench. Mango’s oversized version is a more modern twist that can be worn over any outfit for instant polish. Roll up the sleeves and accessorise with pointed boots and gold hardware.

Collared Car Coat
& Other Stories Collared Car Coat
Credit: & Other Stories

Utility was the S/S 24 trend seen everywhere on the runways this season and now it’s coming to high-street stores. Style the functionality of Arket’s midi length coat with polished accessories, such as aviator sunglasses, leather gloves and gold jewellery.

Khaki Ida Short Quilted Coat
Whistles Khaki Ida Short Quilted Coat
Credit: Whistles

With March and April still bringing the chill, Whistles’ lightweight quilted coat will ensure you stay cosy and warm no matter what the unpredictable British weather throws your way – perfect if you need to walk the dog twice a day!

Detachable Collar Leather Bomber
Albaray Detachable Collar Leather Bomber
Credit: Albaray

Albaray brings us a well-made leather bomber with detachable shearling collar. This spring coat will soon earn pride of place in your weekly outfit rotation.

Belted Double-Faced Wool Wrap Scarf Coat
Gap Belted Double-Faced Wool Wrap Scarf Coat
Credit: Gap

Matching scarf and coats are the quickest and chicest way to layer up this spring for women on the go. Gap’s elegant scarf drapes securely and stylishly on those cold but sunny days, just don’t forget your sunnies to complete the look.