Duchess Kate was spotted at the Houghton Hall Horse Trials with George and Charlotte today. It's half-term at Thomas's Battersea and I expect the Cambridges are spending the week at their Norfolk home in Anmer Hall.


An onlooker took this photo of Kate with George, dressed in green, and Charlotte in pink eating an ice cream cone (with thanks to From Berkshire to Buckingham for spotting and sharing the snap).


Houghton Hall is owned by William and Kate's Norfolk neighbours, the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley.


Coincidentally, in our last post we were chatting about the gala David and Rose Cholmondeley hosted on behalf of East Anglia's Children's Hospices in 2016. Kate and Rose have become good friends and the couple are said to be regular visitors to Anmer.


William, Kate and the children also attended the trials in 2016, with friends Laura and James Meade.


The horse trials are very much a family day out with an array of children's entertainment on offer for George and Charlotte; spinning plates, ice cream and bouncy castles to name a few. And we know the little Prince and Princess had a terrific day with the balloon animals on offer during a Children's Party in Canada in 2016 :)


Aside from sport, there are over 70 exhibitors, including country clothing, equestrian supplies, local produce and garden furniture. More on the event: "Exhilarating sporting action, a spectacular setting, entertainment for young and old, plus shopping at over 70 trade stands. Set in the magnificent grounds of Houghton Hall, Norfolk, this truly is one of the most outstanding venues within the sport of eventing. After gaining International status in 2007 the event now welcomes over 700 horses each year, including more than 350 International competitors. It hosts the only British leg of the FEI Nations Cup, a series where teams from as far afield as Australia and New Zealand battle it out to top the table come the final event at Boekelo, Holland, in October. In addition Houghton also hosts the Naff British Eventing U21 National Championships."


In addition to the Horse Trials, the Colour Space Paintings & Outdoor Sculptures exhibition by Damien Hirst is currently exhibiting at the Hall.


It turns out funds raised by the exhibition and Houghton Hall's design pop-up shop will benefit Each Anglia's Children's Hospices. Kate has been Royal Patron since 2012 and Rose Cholmondeley was announced as a Patron last week.


Below, a painting by Carroll medal winner Thomas Leveritt on display.


Kate's very pretty summery dress is the $69 ZARA Flocked Print Dress (with thanks to UFO No More). The sky blue dress features off-the-shoulder, short-puff sleeves, floral appliqu� details with a velvet effect and embroidered sequins on the front and sleeves. It's a gorgeous dress and very reminiscent of Kate's pre-wedding style.


A closer look at the floral details and belt.


Little Makes Big confirmed Kate carried their Monogrammed Tote. The brand notes the "elegant tote has been worn by Pippa Middleton, features unparalleled quality".


From what we can see it appears Kate accessorised with her Catherine Zoraida Double Leaf earrings (with thanks to the eagle-eyed Sara).


It looks like the Cambridges enjoyed a lovely day out; it's always fun to have an unexpected sighting!

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