On Tuesday, the Princess of Wales undertook a deeply personal engagement by visiting a textile mill in Leeds, known as AW Hainsworth, which holds a significant historical tie to her ancestors. Kate Middleton’s paternal lineage traces back to the ownership of the wool manufacturing and trading enterprise, William Lupton & Co. In 1958, her great-great grandfather sold the family business to AW Hainsworth.
Prince William’s spouse has maintained a longstanding passion for highlighting the significance of the textile industry, and her visit provided her with an opportunity to further explore this interest. Here are some of the finest photographs from Kate’s day out.
Princess Kate made a stylish entrance at the textile mill dressed in an olive green Burberry power suit. Her choice of a corporate yet chic ensemble is increasingly becoming her recognizable fashion statement. We had a conversation with royal fashion specialist Miranda Holder to understand the reasons behind Kate’s recent preference for suits. Discover her insights in the following article.
The royal mother adorned herself with gold hoop earrings and a gold chain necklace as her accessories.
Before greeting her welcome party, she experienced an uncomfortable incident when she paused to adjust her shoe.
Kate chuckled at the incident and proceeded into the textile mill, which has its origins dating back to the year 1738. Her great-grandfather, Noel Middleton, held a position as a director at this mill. Noel was married to Olive Lupton, Kate’s great-grandmother, and together they had three sons: Christopher, Anthony, and Peter. Notably, Peter is Kate’s paternal grandfather and the father of Michael Middleton.
The Middleton family and their descendants played a role in the transaction involving the sale of William Lupton & Co. to AW Hainsworth.
AW Hainsworth continues to be a historic textile mill with a legacy of manufacturing British woollen textiles and fabrics, serving a diverse clientele that includes fashion and home decor brands as well as the Armed Forces.
Furthermore, their fabrics had the honor of being showcased during King Charles’ recent coronation in May and were also featured in Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation back in 1953.
During her visit, Kate, who has maintained a deep passion for emphasizing the significance of the textiles industry, was provided with a comprehensive tour of the mill. She had the opportunity to observe the traditional machinery and techniques that are still in active use today.
AW Hainsworth continues to be a historic textile mill with a legacy of manufacturing British woollen textiles and fabrics, serving a diverse clientele that includes fashion and home decor brands as well as the Armed Forces.
Furthermore, their fabrics had the honor of being showcased during King Charles’ recent coronation in May and were also featured in Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation back in 1953.
During her visit, Kate, who has maintained a deep passion for emphasizing the significance of the textiles industry, was provided with a comprehensive tour of the mill. She had the opportunity to observe the traditional machinery and techniques that are still in active use today.
The royal seemed to derive immense pleasure from her trip to the textile mill, engaging in conversations and sharing laughter with the staff as she toured the facility.
Kate received insights into the crucial role played by the textile industry in bolstering the UK economy, with a focus on its ongoing transformation towards sustainability. Additionally, she explored the recently established, advanced on-site laboratory responsible for product innovation.
The royal displayed her usual engaging and sociable demeanor throughout the visit.
Towards the conclusion of her visit, she was introduced to Oliver, the mannequin dressed in an attire that Kate has likely encountered on numerous occasions in person: the uniform of a royal guardsman.
