Duchess Kate breaks out some maternity jeggings & looks surprisingly modern

The Duke and Duchess attend a SportsAid event at the Copper Box in the Olympic Park

Welp so much for all of those Duchess Kate-defenders who constantly argued that: A) Kate was being hampered by some kind of “rule” that she should only wear dresses and skirts to events and B) that it would be incredibly uncomfortable for her to wear slacks, trousers or jeggings while pregnant. These are photos of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Copper Box in Olympic Park. They were doing an event for SportsAid, “helping young British sportsmen and women aspiring to be the country’s next Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth and world champions.”

For this appearance – likely one of her last, if not THE last of her pregnancy – Kate decided to wear a surprisingly modern look. Maternity jeggings, a simple floral blouse by Hobbs and a repeat of a coat by Goat. Look at her, mixing and matching separates! I hope Meghan Markle is proud of how far Kate has come in just a few short months. The Hobbs blouse is apparently non-maternity, so I guess Kate just got it a few sizes too big, maybe. Or maybe it has some stretch to it, because she’s mega-preg and due within the next month.

Anyway, she looks very cute here and not like she’s attempting to look like Betty Draper from Mad Men. Good for her.

The Duke and Duchess attend a SportsAid event at the Copper Box in the Olympic Park

The Duke and Duchess attend a SportsAid event at the Copper Box in the Olympic Park

Photos courtesy of WENN.

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132 Responses to “Duchess Kate breaks out some maternity jeggings & looks surprisingly modern”

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  1. Umyeah says:

    Ugh trying to squeeze pregnant feet into heels is hell, I would be wearing runners everywhere

    • Eleonor says:

      I have to say it: her committment to heels at this point is epic.
      Btw: She is doing a lot of work lately…and ger husband? Nobody has news?

      • Imqrious2 says:

        He’s there in the pic with her! Lol. Also, he did investitures the day before (knighted Ringo, among others).

    • Wiffie says:

      I was 9 months and basically due at Easter with my second and I felt so hideous, like a fat pink egg. I wore my comfiest heels to Easter and just got teased and laughed at for “trying” so much, it broke my pregnant heart and I cried. I hoped to feel pretty and ended up more insecure, despite being perfectly stable and comfortable in wedges. I can’t hate her for it. If she can take it, so be it. If she can’t, she’ll figure it out and wear flats next time. Probably makes her feel longer and leaner, and I think she looks cute. She’s a grown woman; she can do whatever she wants.

      • Snazzy says:

        Oh Wiffie I’m sorry you went through that. People can be such assholes

      • Embee says:

        How awful, Wiffie. I cannot stand how people feel free to say things to pregnant woman they’d not dare say to someone not expecting. It’s abhorrent.

      • OriginalLala says:

        people are so mean!

        I, for one, am impressed anytime women rock high heels. I’m totally incapable of it (last time I did, I injured myself!) so I’m always in awe of women who can rock high heels effortlessly!

      • LizLemonGotMarried (AKA HufflepuffLizLemon) says:

        Wiffie! I’m SO mad on your behalf right now! Who are the idiots who think they have the right to say that kind of thing to you? I’m sure you looked absolutely adorable, very pregnant or not.

        I was still wearing a maternity suit and heels at 38 weeks due to a high-profile meeting that I needed to attend, and I definitely caught some comments from other employees. But heels make me feel powerful as they put me over 6 feet, and I negotiate better and speak better when I feel powerful, so they could all bite me. I was still working at 40 weeks (I have issues, and the kid was late), and someone had the audacity to tell me, “Wow, you’re huge-aren’t you ready to have that baby?” I almost punched him square in the nose.

      • Umyeah says:

        Wiffle im so sorry that happened to you. Personally my feet ballooned and i couldnt fit into my cute shoes but some days i tried just to feel cute.

      • NeoCleo says:

        I’m sorry that happened to you. I don’t judge anyone who is going through pregnancy for the way they dress as long as they are comfortable and that includes heels. I couldn’t do it, but then I’m not great walking in heels under most circumstances. People are so judgmental about women, especially when they’re pregnant and I’ve been guilty of it myself. I was shopping with my mom some time ago when we saw a woman who was clearly very late into her last trimester and looked like she was carrying multiples. I said to my mom “Why is she out when she’s so far along? Isn’t that risky?” My mom told me to MYOB–pregnancy is not a disease and no one can be expected to just hang in the house day in and day out waiting for labor. I never forgot that lesson!!

    • Lela says:

      Do royals have a rule about heels vs. flats I wonder?

      • Becks says:

        No. If she can wear sneakers, flat boots, etc, she can wear ballet flats if she wanted. She doesn’t want to, which is fine. Heels don’t bother some women.

    • Mrs. Wellen Melon says:

      Flats would be so much cuter with this outfit.

    • FLORC says:

      Some women prefer heels during any stage in pregnancy. That Kate wears heels in her casual attire so often makes me think this is just her wearing what is comfortable for her.

      That outfit is cute. Yea it’s jeggings, but it looks great.

    • Deedee says:

      She wears heels to look closer to William’s height, methinks. She’s worn flats on occasion, and I agree, they would’ve been much cuter and would’ve balanced this outfit better.

      • Lexa says:

        I actually think she sticks to heels and wedges because she’s long-waisted and has comparatively short legs, so the shoes give the illusion her legs are longer. I think this is why she doesn’t tend to wear pants, too—easier to disguise her proportions in a dress or skirt.

    • Stini says:

      Word. I’m only four months gone and was shuddering at the sight of those spindly things. Runners for me till I give birth.

  2. Astrid says:

    Nice outfit for late stage pregnancy. Wish I looked that good at nine months

  3. Shelley says:

    Looks stylish and age-appropriate for a change. However, it reinforces that she does not have any original thoughts whatsoever.

  4. Bridget3481 says:

    This is the best I’ve ever seen her. Her hair length and color looks great, that coat looks amazing. She should really take a look at this styling and use it as a template in the future.

  5. Seraphina says:

    I’m just going to repeat what everyone been saying these days: she looks happier, the weight seems to do her wonders and I think she might be enjoying some competition with the newest female added to the Firm. A lot of you get up and I agree we shouldn’t set them up that way, but MAYBE, Just maybe she does get her knickers off by having completion. Her sister is out and she has the next heir so really, she is at the top. So now MM, yup. Let start the race.

    • minx says:

      Agree. Maybe the more she does it, the more she finds she’s enjoying it. She looks very happy at these engagements.

  6. Jay says:

    Cute!

  7. Imqrious2 says:

    She looks young, chic, and is just glowing. This look gets a big 👍🏻 From me.

  8. minx says:

    It’s a win!

    • Lela says:

      I agree. But I still think pants during pregnancy suck, suck, suck. Even maternity pants!

      • minx says:

        I hated them and only occasionally wore leggings. Some women don’t seem to mind them.

      • Lela says:

        I hate them too, I’m currently pregnant and every time I have to put on pants I want to scream

      • Bridget says:

        I didnt mind the pants themselves, but I couldn’t get maternity pants to stay over my belly no matter what I did. They always slid down and I hated it.

      • LizB says:

        I splurged on upscale maternity jeans and by god, they were the most comfortable pair of jeans I ever owned. Made my butt look amazing, too. I lived in them during my pregnancy!

  9. Renee2 says:

    Her hair looks really good here.

    Remember when it was considered tacky to wear high heels with jeans?? I used to hate it myself and then somewhere along the line it became less offensive to me. I don’t mind it now and have done so on many occasions…

    • Hazel says:

      I remember way back when Diana wore heels with jeans. I thought it looked odd,but then she was an aristo/princess & I just figured they did things differently. I think sneakers work best, but that’s just me.

  10. Wiffie says:

    We were pregnant at the same time for both of my previous pregnancies, which was unnecessarily disheartening for me then because we were the same size for about 9 minutes each time. She looked at birth how I did first trimester alone and it made hormonal me feel petty. (I’ve since relaxed) I’m surprised she shows so much more this time than the last 2, though it’s common for later pregnancies. I liked the experience of having the big belly though (I guess), and wonder if she does too?

    • Millenial says:

      I was pregnant with my son when she was pregnant with Charlotte. Her 8 1/2 months looks like my 5 months, and it kind of made me feel petty, too.

      • Ib says:

        Don’t feel bad -she is both quite tall and has a super long torso. The majority of women, who aren’t taller than average or long torsoed, the baby has nowhere to grow but “out”

      • Cate says:

        Don’t feel bad for sure! I am built like Kate–tall and long torso. I also managed a cute little bump during pregnancy and never (even at 39 weeks) looked super duper pregnant. It was 100% due to my build and genetics, not any behavior on my part.

        Buut….I still gained 30 lbs and I still had to work hard to get it off (still working on the last few pounds, grrr). My butt and thighs have also not really looked the same since pregnancy. Oh well, life happens I guess!

    • megs283 says:

      Ha. I’ve been pregnant at the same time as her two out of three times (my first was born in October 2013, second January 2016, and third is due next week). We also got married within a month of each other.

      I SWEAR THIS IS A COINCIDENCE!! Or Kate is copying me. Totally.

      • L84Tea says:

        I had the same thing happen with me and Jenna Bush (random). She and I got married exactly one week apart (I was reading about her wedding in People magazine while on the plane to my honeymoon), and she and I both were pregnant at the same time for both of my pregnancies. She and I are totally living parallel lives.

      • Argonaut says:

        no one mentioned it this time around but for the third time now kim kardashian was expecting at the same time as kate.

    • Abby says:

      I got married in January 2010 – their wedding was April 2010. They had George summer (?) 2013, I had my son fall 2013. They had Charlotte in 2015, I had my daughter in 2015. I feel a kinship with her!

      Except we are done having kids now so, the buck stopped there 🙂

  11. Blaire Carter says:

    ID on her heels???

  12. Really says:

    Kate has been so keen lately, out and about all the time. She looks really good. Very healthy and happy.

  13. Cee says:

    I love this!!! She looks professional, engaging and comfortable. Don’t care too much for the top but this is the best I’ve ever seen her for a daytime engagement.

    I really hope she keeps this up after her maternity leave.

  14. Becks says:

    She looks great. the jeggings fit and are a good length to wear with heels, the blouse is pretty, and the coat looks good. Good example of her recycling something (the coat) and making it look totally different, rather than just repeating similar outfits.

    Sometimes the jeggings don’t work IMO, but I think she can do semi-dressy professional looks with trousers/jeans (meaning she HAS done them in the past, not that she is “allowed” to) and I wish she would do it more often. I feel like she just looks more comfortable and less like she is playing dress up. I have a mental list of “top 5 looks where she wears pants” and this is going on there lol.

  15. klutzy_girl says:

    William knighted Ringo Starr two days ago and told him that Kate is due “any day now” so I’m pretty sure this baby is coming in the next two or three weeks.

    • FLORC says:

      The any day now is like saying they don’t k ow the gender. 1 of those evasive and vague answers to pregnancy questions.

      By other markers Kate is due late April. She is within a timespan where she could safely give birth. Just earlier than expected. There’s also how the baby has progressed. Some grow a little quicker.

    • Citresse says:

      Yeah this baby will arrive by April 11, that’s my educated guess. But keep in mind an educated guess is still a guess.

      • windyriver says:

        I suspect she’s due early in April, because of when Harry and Meghan scheduled the wedding. If she were due in late April, I think they would have set the date in early June.

        As you say, still a guess…

      • Lizabeth says:

        You are probably right Windyriver but early June likely would not have worked for H&M’s wedding because of the Trooping date.

  16. another kate says:

    I think this is my favorite daytime maternity look that she’s had this time around, she does look more modern. The jeggings might get a lot of hate, but here I actually think they look pretty good especially since the coat is giving her some rear coverage.

    I will also say that it’s been nice to see so much of her lately, and also to see her looking so happy. I think I’ve seen more (what appear to be) genuine smiles from her lately than ever before.

    • Becks says:

      I don’t hate jeggings on her, I just usually hate how she styles them for work events. Here the overall outfit looks really good, I think that coat really elevates the jeggings (something I never thought I would say, ha.)

    • Argonaut says:

      jeggings are a completely different story when you’re wearing something long enough on top to cover your bum, IMO. normally she’s in jeggings and tops that end at her waist, which is more exposed (without actually being exposed)

  17. littlemissnaughty says:

    She looks fantastic, top to bottom. Love the Mulberry purse as well. And I still don’t think it’s a race/competition between her and MM. I think some pressure is off and that’s why she’s more motivated and looks happier.

    • Hazel says:

      And it just occurred to me, she doesn’t have that coat buttoned up to the throat. She looks like a normal person.

      • imqrious2 says:

        I think it’s because it would be a bit tight at this point in her pregnancy. If it’s open, you can’t tell. If you look at a pic of her wearing it prior, when it was buttoned, you can see the difference in her pregnancy belly. She was a lot smaller that time.

    • leis says:

      Same. I wonder if things have felt ‘easier’ because she knows that the scrutiny is now shared between her and MM, and right now is largely on MM.

      • Veronica says:

        I agree. And the media and public have switched from beating up Kate in the comments to Sainting her and beating up Meghan.
        Carol is grinning somewhere.

  18. magnoliarose says:

    For Kate it is fine. She looks energetic and is putting in a good effort, so improvements are always a good thing.

  19. Snowflake says:

    She looks great

  20. Loopy says:

    Maybe she has always liked actually working and honouring her commitments. But being with William who is less enthuastic put her in an awkward position,She seems submissive to him and probably only did what he approved. Especially for instance if he didnt want to do something and she did,it would cast a bad light if only she showed up. But now there is no more hiding while everyone waits to see how dedicated MM will be.

  21. Beluga says:

    I think this might be my favourite look she’s ever worn on an engagement. The only way I’d improve it would be with straight leg trousers instead of skinny jeans, but that’s minor. Can I get a hallelujah!

    (And hopefully this means the tabloids will stop peddling the myth that wearing trousers/jeans at royal engagements is ‘against protocol’, thank goodness)

  22. AB says:

    The fact that she is pregnant at 36 makes me feel better about being 35 and just started trying for a second child. I thought I was too old to be pregnant again (I’ll be 36 in July).

    • minx says:

      You’re not. I had my first at 39.

    • AMA1977 says:

      I had my first at 30 and my second at 35. Most of my kids’ friends’ parents are in the same age range as my husband and me (he is 5 years older.) You’re right in the zone!! 😉

  23. Karen says:

    Fabulous! Especially after yesterday’s horrible mint green wrinkled coat with bow.

  24. MustloveHAIM says:

    She looks really cute here! This is her last engagement before the maternity leave. William had mentioned that she is due any day now.

    I am hoping that she will have a short maternity leave and will get back to work! She gotta keep this work force (whatever or whomever it is) that’s been driving her to do engagements to keep on going!

    • Imqrious2 says:

      Besides the wedding, I think she only has Trooping of the Coulors on the schedule for the summer. Other than maybe the odd out appearance, she probably won’t really start in until George and Charlotte go back to school in September (just my opinion 😊)

    • Coz' says:

      I don’t know why people insist on the fact she should have a short maternity leave just because they, or their coworkers/family members, are still working 50 hours a week while 8 1/2 half month pregnant or went back to work 4 weeks after the birth.
      I am more on the side of wishing those women could have a longer maternity leave (if it’s what they want. And also that paternity leave was more of a “thing”…

      • Nic919 says:

        Women around the world who hold actual jobs should be getting at least a year off. Kate doesn’t have an actual job and what is considered “work” for her is going out once a week for around an hour and sometimes speaking for 5 minutes. There is no reason for her to take months off from doing this once she physically recovers from birth. Sophie managed to get more engagements done the year that she almost died giving birth than Kate ever has. And Sophie will never be queen consort.

      • BrandyAlexander says:

        +2. I took almost 4 months off, and it still did not not feel like enough. My little one didn’t sleep through the night until 5 months, and even then, I was exhausted for a long time after! It felt like a really long time before the hormones and everything else felt like it balanced out in my body, and I felt like myself again. I say Kate can have as much time as she needs to recover. Just because a dr says you are fit to resume duties, doesn’t mean there isn’t other stuff going on with you.

      • Fire&Blood says:

        Do the people going +1 realise that she isn’t taking maternity leave from a normal 9 to 5 job like most working mothers but one where she goes to maybe one event a day which lasts perhaps an hour or two?? And that she can spend the rest of the day with her children??

  25. lobbit says:

    She’s so cute pregnant. I like the look, but I’ve never been a fan of the skinny pants + pumps combo. Would have loved to see her in a pair of ankle boots.

  26. Maria says:

    She looks great! And happy! The extra weight especially in the face really suits her. I hope she doesn’t get too thin after the birth.

  27. HK9 says:

    Yasss girl! This is the Kate we don’t see often enough. She looks modern, fashionable and comfortable. While I can’t weigh in on the shoe debate because I’ve never been pregnant, if she’s ok with it so be it.

  28. Lainey says:

    Kp have said this is her last one and she’s now going on maternity leave.
    And it’s probably the best she’s looked the whole time.
    Also very interesting, the past two days very little media with them and absolutely nobody outside waiting for them beside barriers up for them. Today there was a handful of children outside (like no more than 20 and that was it)

    • Citresse says:

      Yes, last appearance. And it may be the last one until the Christening if Kate gives birth at Kensington Palace.

      • Nic919 says:

        I assume Harry and Meghan’s wedding will be prior to the christening so that will likely be her first public appearance post birth.

        Considering she is doing so well right now there really isn’t any reason for her to not make a few more appearances prior to her due date. It’s obvious she isn’t having a difficult pregnancy this time (and unlikely that she had any issues with the other two either) so showing up for an hour here and there really shouldn’t be that hard to do.

      • Lady D says:

        Perhaps she wants to avoid having her water break in public? It’s not like you get a warning.

      • minx says:

        Yes, for my first baby my water broke at my farewell lunch for work. It was unexpected, he was born two weeks early. So you really never know. If Kate wants to stay home now, she should.

  29. mellie says:

    Love this outfit, I’d wear it and I’m not pregnant!

  30. OriginalLala says:

    I’m basically wearing this outfit at work today! haha amazing. but I’m in ballet flats, because heels scare me.

  31. Girl_ninja says:

    She looks great. At this point in her pregnancy it seems as though its all about comfort.

  32. Peg says:

    This is Duchess Kate last day working until Autumn, except for family functions.
    Well the last two months proves that they can both work more, want to bet that she’ll be back out before Autumn, doing public appearances?
    Kate is wearing extensions, there is a picture of her hair from the back, although hair grows Faster during pregnancy, no way the eight inches of hair she cut off, could grow back this fast.

  33. cindyp says:

    Like everything except the heels.

  34. Vava says:

    Huge improvement over yesterday’s awful ensemble!

  35. Penelope says:

    She looks fabulous! Pregnancy really agrees with her.

  36. Digital Unicorn says:

    The arrival of Megs and Ms Quinn have seen a big effort from her, she has never been this visible in the later stages of her pregnancy but I don’t expect it to last. Never does with these 2.

  37. Skylark says:

    I think she looks great (physically) and I’m all for pregnant women wearing what they feel comfortable in but, style-wise, those j/leggings with those heels are truly seven shades of awful.

  38. Kitty says:

    She looks great. But are huge crowds turning up to see her?

  39. L84Tea says:

    I think she looks great. The blazer looks fab with that top for a neutral look.

  40. Lauren says:

    She looks great! She should dress like this more often. Very flattering and modern look all around.

  41. Claire says:

    There’s no more important job than parenting your children. I don’t begrudge her for taking the time to be home with them while they are young. She looks beautiful always.

  42. skc says:

    Horrible…on her and everyone else that thinks this is a flattering look.

  43. Shannon says:

    I never thought there was any kind of ‘rule’ about not wearing pants. But I do kind of think she was lacking in confidence – maybe in general, or maybe just in this role. Not everyone’s cut out for that – I’d lose my f***ing mind. I do think it’s entirely possible she actually did fall in love with William and was willing to take the chance, but in these first few years she’s had some missteps and, let’s be honest, most of us would have. She seems to be gaining some confidence, and that’s great, but I definitely think she wants to be a family woman for the most part. That’s okay, some women are wired that way and it’s not as though she doesn’t have the means. I think she’s struggled to find that balance.

  44. MeghanNotMarkle says:

    I have nary a quibble with this outfit. She knocked it out of the park and it’s easily one of my favorite post-George looks. I’d love to see more of this from her (I wonder if this is the MM Effect) and would even shut my trap about the jeggings if she keeps her derriere covered.

  45. Polly says:

    It seems to me that people like this look because it’s accessible and the type of utilitarian outfit many women wear to the office, but I find it so plain and boring and not what I’d call “modern”. I think she looks better in the dresses and skirts she usually wears, even the twee ones that everyone hates 😜

  46. Reece says:

    This is one of the best damn outfits I’ve seen her wear, EVER! Head to toe. I’m shook.

    Can we call this the Meghan effect? I mean in Kate’s world trousers=jeggings so…
    This is a vast improvement.

  47. liriel says:

    Great look, great time to end pblic engagements. Wearing those heels, she really mastered the art of walking in them. For her heels are like flats. See you soon, Kate!