At the age of 41, Princess Kate made an appearance in Leeds today to pay a visit to a mill that holds significance for her family. The mill in question is AW Hainsworth, a heritage textile mill that was originally owned by Kate’s great-grandfather, Noel Middleton. This mill specializes in the production of British wools, technical textiles, and various fabrics. It’s worth noting that Kate’s paternal ancestor sold the Middleton family textile business, known as William Lupton & Co, to AW Hainsworth in the year 1958. The purpose of Princess Kate’s visit to Leeds today was to draw attention to the thriving textile industry in the UK, and for this occasion, she was dressed in a dark green Burberry suit.
Kate’s choice of the iconic British brand Burberry for today’s visit is quite fitting, especially considering that she was visiting a textile business located in the United Kingdom.
This wasn’t the first occasion on which the princess donned this particular Burberry suit, as she had previously worn it earlier this year when meeting the Crown Prince and Princess of Norway.
As part of her outfit, Kate accessorized with a Laura Lombardi “Portrait” necklace, priced at £154, characterized by its thick chain constructed from interconnected round and oval links, secured by an oversized toggle clasp.
For her footwear, the princess opted for the Emmy London “Josie” Greenery Block Heel Pumps, which come with a hefty price tag of £445.
The footwear worn by the princess can be characterized as “sophisticated pointed court shoes featuring a contemporary block heel.”
According to the Emmy London website, these exquisite court shoes are known for their remarkable comfort, thanks to the generously padded insole.
Furthermore, as part of her ensemble, Kate also sported Shyla Rosalia earrings today, valued at £68. These earrings are described as the ideal choice for everyday pearl hoop earrings, often dreamed of by many.
“The ideal dimensions and breadth, gracefully crafted using round freshwater pearls. This represents our contemporary and relaxed interpretation of the indispensable pearl earring.”
Today, Kate acquired knowledge about the weaving process and AW Hainsworth’s role in producing fabric for Buckingham Palace guardsmen’s uniforms.
During her visit, the princess was treated to a demonstration of the fabric dyeing process, which appeared to capture her genuine interest.
A message was posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales’s social media account on X (formerly known as Twitter), highlighting the historical significance of the AW Hainsworth mill in West Yorkshire within the UK textiles industry and its connection to the royal family.
