Skydragon, once again you took the words right out of my mouth (or fingers in this case). Ridiculous that someone would think that the Duchess and Countess are trying to "upstage" the event. I think all the ladies looked very nice for the event. I hardly think they both got together via phone that morning and said "what hats can we wear so we'll get our pictures taken?"
Also, I agree....I don't think there should be an issue about Prince William not attending the festival evening. As you pointed out, he was quite a distance away and probably could not make it back in time, unless he wanted to do so via helicopter or private plane and then imagine the uproar that would have caused. It we really wanted to point fingers at royals not attending, then perhaps we should chastise the Duke of York for not having his daughters attend either event (Oh wait...they couldn't make it since I'm sure they were at Whisky Mist or Bijouis!
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