Princess Kate once again shone as she travelled to Leeds today to tour the AW Hainsworth textiles mill, while Prince William stayed at home.
This is the most recent of many occasions this month where the star royal couple have carried out engagements alone, as Kate has been around the UK while William ventured to New York for two days last week.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams hailed the Prince and Princess of Wales as the “future of the monarchy”, and expressed his wish that they will soon return to touring together.
He told Express.co.uk: “William and Catherine and their children are the future of the monarchy. Their joint and solo events are always popular and when they champion a cause it invariably gives it a boost.
“Whilst William took a solo trip to New York, Catherine visited the Royal Naval Air Station at Yeovilton where she has been appointed Commodore in Chief of Fleet Air Arm, and HMP High Down in Surrey, which was linked to her work with the Forward Trust and ahead of Addiction Awareness Week.
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The Princess’s suit is by Burberry, as fashion expert Miranda Holder believes Kate’s recent love of suits points to her changing role in the Royal Family.
She told Express.co.uk: “It was announced earlier this year that the Palace would no longer release details of what and who Kate is wearing.
“Most probably in an attempt to focus the world’s media on the important work the royals conduct rather than their fashion choices, but despite this recent lack of information, Kate is still hailed as a fashion icon globally, with the ‘Kate effect’ bringing good fortune to the brands she champions.
“Perhaps this is why Kate’s image seems to have evolved yet again, with the Princess wearing more and more suits in her latest role, and wearing them exclusively for royal appointments since she returned from the summer break.”
The textiles mill AW Hainsworth has an interesting link to Kate’s father Michael Middleton and his ancestors, as the royal’s paternal ancestors owned the Leeds-based wool manufacturer and merchant William Lupton & Co, which was established in 1783.
In 1958, just nine years after Kate’s father was born, her great-great grandfather sold William Lupton & Co to AW Hainsworth.
During her time at the mill the Princess toured the facilities to learn more about the industry, as well as its relationship to her own family.
