The Duke And Duchess of Cambridge Sign Book Of Condolences

Obviously, what everyone is wearing is not at all important in the grand scheme of things, but: Kate has had that suit for a long time (since before they were married) and I have always liked it; and there is something very comforting about that fact that, even in the face of tragedy, the French are still like, "you know what? I'm going to wear a fabulous scarf today." That sounds glib, but I don't mean it that way. I feel like there is something magic in the human spirit, sometimes, that allows us to wake up when everything is terrible and still think, "goddamn it, I am going to put on some lipstick and get it on with it." In other words: The show must AND WILL go on. That scarf is very spirited, and I raise my glass to it.

The Duchess Of Cambridge Attends The Fostering Excellence Awards

Many thoughts. Kate is wearing Saloni, an Indian designer, a choice which dovetails nicely with their recent announcement that they are going to India next year. She also wore this same Alexander McQueen belt a year ago almost to the day (at the same event she's attending tomorrow, in fact) and I know it's probably hella expensive, but it looks too daytime for me, and I think it's a little bit too narrow to add to this particular dress. ALL THAT SAID, I actually quite like the dress itself.

The Duchess Of Cambridge Attends The Fostering Excellence Awards

The color is good, it's pleasantly slightly poufy, and it seems both kind of festive but not TOO Over the Top, which is probably the right note to hit for this particular event, which was noted in Informative Caption as a "special tea party," followed by Kate giving kids awards. You can't go FULL COCKTAIL for an event honoring children. Well. You CAN, but probably should not.

The Duchess Of Cambridge Attends The Fostering Excellence Awards

In case you wanted to eyeball her earrings. I know some of you will complain about that curl, but I don't have the energy. Her hair is always, like gum, shiny perfection to me, and I feel like, just as you don't want to go Full Cocktail for kids, you DO probably want to take your hair Full Princess for them.

The Duchess Of Cambridge Attends The Fostering Excellence Awards

I always, but especially around the holidays, want you to be able to see Whatever Updo Shenanigans are happening on people's heads.

The Duchess Of Cambridge Attends The Fostering Excellence Awards

"Oh, you. DO GO ON about my up-do."

Royally Played: Wills and Kate (in Saloni)

A big day for the Duke and Duchess, and much of it was quite serious. They both went and signed the condolence book at the French Embassy, before Wills went to the French v. England soccer match at Wembley (which he had not been originally scheduled to do) in order to be present as FA President -- and, surely, as Feeling Human Person -- for the moment of silence and singing of La Marseillaise and for purposes of general solidarity through sports (his actual quote was, "Tonight's game is a chance to pay tribute to the bravery and resolve of the French people"), and Kate went to a event celebrating The Fostering Network, which (as the name implies) works with children in foster care. (As ever, HRH Duchess Kate has an excellent overview of the day's events.) (This post has been sponsored by PARENTHESIS!) We've got some extra pics from inside Kate's event, thanks to the KP Twitter: The Duchess of Cambridge and @hollywills meets #TFNAward winners pic.twitter.com/YJZK5O6Aln — Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) November 17, 2015 As always, I want to know more about THE PASTRIES. Priorities in this life. [Photos: Getty]