Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamare checking off another royal first.
William, 40, and Kate, 41, immersed themselves in the maritime heritage of Cornwall on Thursday, marking the couple’s first official joint visit to the region since becoming the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall following the death ofQueen Elizabeth IIin September.
The Prince and Princess kicked off their visit at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth and, after being briefed about the rich maritime history of the southwestern tip of England, they were shown a poignant project in the workshop. Locals are working on the refurbishment of theKiwi, a 14-ft sailing dinghy that was presented to the late Queen and her husband,Prince Philip, as a wedding present from the Royal New Zealand Navy.
Kate Middleton and Prince William.Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Kate Middleton in Cornwall on Feb 9, 2023.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales.Chris Jackson/WPA Pool/Shutterstock
The royal couple then watched pupils from a local school taking part in a model boat race. Students said that Kate was better thanPrince Williamat the activity, tellingCornwall Livethat “William crashed a lot.”
Benicio, a student who got to shakePrince William’s hand, told the outlet, “We got to teach them how to ride boats and competed against them, which was really good.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton.Chris Jackson/WPA Pool/Shutterstock
One of the museum’s volunteers was a familiar face: Kate’s former history teacher from her prep school, Jim Embury. The Princess of Wales gave him a big hug.
“The things you taught me, I now teach to my children,” she told him, according toCornwall Live.
Embury said of Princess Kate, “She was a fantastic student, and it was a great class.”
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Outside the museum,Prince Williamand Princess Kate greeted well-wishers, shaking hands and posing for selfies with members of the public. Kate even knelt down to speak with a young girl sporting a tiara!
A toddler wearing a sweater with hearts on it also caught Kate’s eye, with the royal interacting with the youngster.
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales.Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images
The second stop of their day was at The Dracaena Centre to learn about the support and services that the organization provides to local people with a mission of building a healthy, happy and mutually supportive society. The organization serves both Falmouth and Penryn, supporting around 10,000 people a year with services like family and youth support, children’s activities, legal advice, sports and fitness and community food programs.
Ben Birchall-WPA Pool/Getty Images
In addition to hearing about how The Dracaena Centre has supported parents and promoted their children’s development through play and creativity, Kate participated in doing a lively rendition of “The Hokey Cokey.” She danced along with children in a circle, doing choreographed movements.
Prince William and Kate Middleton.Ben Birchall/AP/Shutterstock
WithPrince Williambeing particularly focused on the issue of homelessness, there was an opportunity for them to chat with representatives from St. Petrocs, an independent charity working with individuals experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness in Cornwall.
Henry Meacock, chief executive of St. Petrocs, toldCornwall Live: “They both demonstrated a deep knowledge of homelessness. They’re very genuine and have a keen interest.”
Towards the end of their day, the couple visited the NHS Wellbeing and heard how they are providing community-based mental health and wellbeing support across the local area.
Kate Middleton and Prince William.Hugh Hastings/Getty Images
The Duchy of Cornwall also has another role for William and his family: as is tradition, the estate — which owns property, farmland and other assets — provides an income for him as heir to the throne and pays for the family’s staff and official business.
In recent years,Prince Williamhas been shadowingKing Charles IIIand making quiet visits to the Duchy, learning about the 130,000 acres of land with 160 miles of British coastline in 23 counties of England and Wales.
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The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall in Falmouth.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Prince Williamhas visited the areasince he received the title, but this was the first time he and Kate had done so in an official capacity. And they aren’t strangers to the area in their private downtime. William and Kate have taken their three childrento the area’s Isles of Scillyfor summer breaks, andPrince Williamhad several beachside holidays in Cornwall alongside his brother,Prince Harry, when he was a teen and in his early 20s, enjoying bodyboarding and surfing and hanging out with friends.
source: people.com
