Princess Kate Visits To Textile Factory Once Owned By Her Ancestors
The Princess of Wales, Kate was elegant in a dark green suit today as she visited a textile mill in Leeds which was once owned by her family.
Kate Middleton, 41, appeared in high spirits as she arrived at AW Hainsworth, a family-owned heritage textile mill which was established in 1773 and manufactures British woollen cloth, high-performing technical textiles, and iconic fabrics.
The mill also has a special family connection to royal – her ancestors owned the business, at the time known as William Lupton & Co, before selling it to AW Hainsworth in 1958.
During her visit, the mother-of-three, who has long been interested in her own family history, received a tour of the mill, as well as gaining a deeper understanding as to her ancestors’ connection to the business.
In one humorous moment, Kate was shown a mannequin, named Oliver, who was dressed in the King’s Guard military uniform made by the mill, calling it ‘amazing’ to see how the garment had been constructed.
Kate rewore an elegant forest green trouser suit by Burberry for the outing in Leeds, pairing the trendy jacket and pants with a white blouse.
The Princess first wore the trendy two piece when she welcomed Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway to the UK in March.
During today’s engagement, she paired the outfit with matching heels and chunky gold jewellery.
She opted for a set of gold earrings from sustainable British jewelry brand Shyla London, which – fittingly – ‘prides itself on being ethically motivated’ and strives to combat the pollution and climate change caused by fast fashion.
The royal mother-of-three also rewore her £234 gold necklace from Laura Lombardi, a piece which is more of a statement piece than the jewels she regularly chooses.
READ: Why Does Princess Kate Continue Wearing Suits?
She first wore the chain when visited Radio 1 last year, where she paired it with a gold heart locket.
During today’s visit, she swept her hair into her signature bouncy blow dry style, and opted for a natural makeup look.
Arriving at the factory, she learnt about the manufacturing process of textile – from yarn to fabric – and how traditional machinery and techniques are the backbone of today’ s industry.
She also met with a number of the company’s apprentices, alongside their mentors, who are passing down generations of specialist skills.
Later, she will visit the new state-of-the-art on-site laboratory which the company is using for cutting-edge innovation and product development.
The Princess will also meet with Professor Stephen Russell, the Founding Director of Future Fashion Factory (FFF), to learn more about the importance of innovation in the textiles industry as it looks to the future.