Prince William and Kate Middleton make their first joint official visit to Cornwall
DIY Duchess of Cornwall! Kate recycles Hobbs coat from 2012 for first visit to her duchy as she and William help refurbish sailing boat gifted to the Queen as a wedding present
The Prince and Princess of Wales – also titled the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall – have made their first joint official visit to the county since taking on their new roles.
William, 40, and Kate, 41, visited the harbour town of Falmouth on Thursday to learn about the area’s maritime heritage at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall before visiting a local community centre.
During their visit to the museum’s workshop, they helped those working on the refurbishment of the Kiwi, a 14-foot sailing dinghy which was presented to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip as a wedding present from the Royal New Zealand Navy.
Looking effortlessly elegant, mother-of-three Kate sported a chestnut brown Hobbs coat she first debuted in 2012, teamed with matching knee-high boots and a red outfit underneath. William looked dapper in a navy blazer and coordinating jumper.
In November, William made his first official visit to Cornwall since taking on the Duke title, where he met staff, volunteers and young people at Newquay Orchard, which offers environmental education, employability training and community events.
The Prince and Princess of Wales laugh as they attempt to refurbish a boat during their tour of the National Maritime Museum Cornwall
William became the heir apparent – and known as the Prince of Wales – after the death of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of his father Charles to the throne.
He also inherited the title Duke of Cornwall and is now the Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge. Kate is now known as the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge.
The museum is located in Discovery Quay and is celebrating its 20th birthday this year, having been established in 2003.
It features fifteen galleries, a boat building workshop and interactive exhibits, making it a popular destination for families and tourists across Cornwall and beyond.
Kate and William heard from a group of young people who are taking part in the ‘Young and Talented Cornwall’ scheme which provides financial support to help young people from across Cornwall fulfil their potential, regardless of their financial means or background.
In total, the fund has given out almost £350,000 to some 275 individuals in the past ten years – supporting future Olympic medal winners, international rugby players, and musicians now playing in major orchestras, among others.
Finally, the Duke and Duchess watched pupils from a local school taking part in a model boat race before departing the museum.
Yesterday, the Princess of Wales visited a college in Derby alongside Captain Preet Chandi MBE to celebrate the Army officer’s return from her solo expedition across Antarctica.
Kate was patron of Capt Chandi’s expedition, where she broke the world record for the furthest unsupported solo polar ski expedition in history after covering 922 miles in 70 days and 16 hours.
Joyful: The Duchess of Cornwall, 41, laughs as she helps to refurbish a boat during the museum visit
Royally good sports! Kate and William helped a team refurbishing the Kiwi, a 14-foot sailing dinghy which was presented to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip as a wedding present from the Royal New Zealand Navy.
The Prince and Princess of Wales (pictured) – also titled the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall – have made their first joint official visit to the county since taking on their new roles
Looking effortlessly elegant, mother-of-three Kate sported a chestnut brown Hobbs coat she first debuted in 2012 for the outing, teamed with matching knee-high boots
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Get set for the cold snap in a Hobbs coat like Kate’s
This Hobbs coat is an old favourite for the Princess of Wales, so we weren’t surprised it made another appearance this winter!
It’s from Hobbs, and although it’s over ten years old, the good news is the high street brand has got something very similar in stock.
You really can’t go wrong with an autumnal colour like this chestnut brown. We love the leather buckle belt and matching detailing on the cuffs too. Doesn’t it look great for a visit to Cornwall with a burgundy Kiltane knit, matching skirt and brown Gianvito Rossi boots?
So with Kate in mind, shop the lookalike winter warmers we’ve tracked down for you at Winser London, Calvin Klein, Karen Millen and Ted Baker.
The Prince and Princess of Wales speak with well-wishers ahead of their tour of the National Maritime Museum Cornwall
The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall during a walkabout together in the county today
William, 40, and Kate, 41, visited the harbour town of Falmouth on Thursday to learn about the area’s maritime heritage at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall before visiting a local community centre
In November, William (pictured right) made his first official visit to Cornwall since taking on the Duke title, where he met staff, volunteers and young people at Newquay Orchard, which offers environmental education, employability training and community events
One person meeting the Princess of Wales appeared to curtsy upon the royal couple’s arrival, pictured
William looked dapper in a navy blazer and coordinating jumper when joining Kate in Cornwall
Adding a touch of glitz to her look, mother-of-three Kate opted for a pair of dainty earrings
Kate (pictured) is now known as the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge
Beaming: The Princess of Wales was all smiles as she arrived in Falmouth alongside William
Looking typically stylish, the royal mother-of-three opted for a white £69.99, double-breasted blazer from Zara for the engagement. Kate debuted a now favoured red version of the jacket in 2020.
The visit to Landau Forte College in Capt Chandi’s hometown kicks off the Army officer’s UK-wide tour of schools, during which she will share her story with the next generation.
During the outing, Capt Chandi, dubbed ‘Polar Preet’, made a speech to students about her expedition and was joined by Kate in presenting an award to Simrat Soggi, one of the winners of the officer’s national school logo competition.
The princess joined students as they took part in some activities which bring to life the expedition and how Capt Chandi prepared for it, including some examples of how she trained and the types of food she consumed.
Kate sported a red ensemble underneath her statement coat, which was cinched at the waist with a dainty brown belt
The royal couple arrive at The National Maritime Museum where they will learn about the rich maritime heritage of Cornwall
Kate (pictured) and William heard from a group of young people who are taking part in the ‘Young and Talented Cornwall’ scheme which provides financial support to help young people from across Cornwall fulfil their potential, regardless of their financial means or background
The Princess of Wales added a smattering of glamorous makeup to her features for the outing
Finally, the Duke and Duchess watched pupils from a local school taking part in a model boat race before departing the museum
At the museum, the royal couple (pictured) will learn about the rich maritime heritage of Cornwall
Kate is known to be a fan of recycling outfits, and today wore a coat she first debuted in 2012
All smiles! A beaming Kate appeared in great spirits as she attended today’s engagements
Stylish: The Princess of Wales’s statement coat featured elegant pockets and a dainty belt
While at the school, Kate attempted to pull two tyres attached to a harness, which weighed 44lb (20kg) each, and which Capt Chandi pulled along Derby’s roads during her three-year training period to simulate the weight of her sledge.
Kate admitted: ‘I need to do some training,’ when trying to pull the tyres.
Finally, Capt Chandi and Kate chatted to a group of Year 11 and Year 13 students about building resilience and mental wellbeing in all aspects of life.
Speaking to pupils, Kate said: ‘(Capt Chandi) has been a huge inspiration to me and it’s been great to see her journey and what she has been able to achieve in the year she has been working towards this incredible goal.
‘I really hope it inspires you all to believe in yourself, to push boundaries and to really work on your own resilience because there are such strong messages that really help support your emotional and mental wellbeing.’