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Kate Middleton was snapped having a kick about with a football and sipping on a beer today, as she attended Cambridgeshire County Day with her husband Prince William.
Their appointment came at the end of a long day visiting different places in the county, in a trip designed to celebrate the area.
First they attended the unveiling of their first official joint portrait at the the University of Cambridge‘s Fitzwilliam Museum, before visiting East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) in Milton, and housing charity Jimmy’s, where they heard about the work the organisation does to help homeless people.
Arriving at the Cambridgeshire County Day at Newmarket Racecourse, the Duchess, 40, and Duke, 40, received cheers from other attendees.
Soon after, the sporty pair took part in a football game, aiming to hit a target by kicking a ball, with Prince William managing to get the ball in the back of the net.
Sporty Kate Middleton took part in a football game, and despite her less than ideal outfit for the athletic endeavour, she had no problem hitting the target
Kate laughed as she struck the ball, which went hurtling into the goal, proving her sporting prowess
The royal couple appeared to enjoy their time at the event, with Kate seemingly laughing with her husband at one point, before engaging with one of the attending children
Prince William took the challenge in his stride, and was seen comfortably hitting the target with his shot
The couple appeared to roar with laughter after William kicked the ball, hitting the back of the net
After the kickabout, the royal couples then quenched their thirst, supping on beer from a stall at the event, with Kate appearing to enjoy her drink
While the duchess was seen chatting to the stallholder, William seemed keen to dive straight into the drink, and was snapped tasting it
Kate, who was wearing a recycled blue LK Bennett patterned dress, and wedge heels, also had no problem hitting the target, much to the pleasure of the assembled crowds.
The couple later quenched their thirst sampling beers at one of the stalls at the event, with pictures showing Kate beaming as she took a refreshing sip.
Earlier that day, the couple visited the University of Cambridge‘s Fitzwilliam Museum, where they viewed the first official joint portrait of themselves as it was revealed to the public for the first time.
The artwork captures Kate looking ethereal in a £1,595 emerald gown by The Vampire’s Wife, which she first wore during a historic three-day visit to Dublin in March 2020. Sporting £875 Manolo Blahnik green satin pumps, she is seen posing with her arm wrapped around a dapper William, who is dressed in a sharp suit with a blue tie.
Painted by award-winning British portrait artist Jamie Coreth, ‘one of Britain’s leading portrait artists’ who ‘focuses on the character of his sitters, evoking a sense of their presence in his work’, the piece was commissioned in 2021 by the Cambridgeshire Royal Portrait Fund, held by the Cambridge Community Foundation, as a gift to Cambridgeshire.
And while royal portraits can be something of a hit and miss affair, the couple gave their personal seal of approval to the painting.
William, 40, said after looking at the painting: ‘It’s quite big’ and told Coreth it was ‘amazing’.
The first official joint portrait (pictured right) of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge has been unveiled today to mark the couple’s visit to Cambridgeshire to celebrate the county. On their first stop of the day, Kate, wearing a blue patterned dress, and William, both 40, visited the University of Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum, left
The first official joint artwork captures Kate looking ethereal in a £1,595 glittering emerald gown by trendy designer The Vampire’s Wife, which she first wore during a historic three-day visit to Dublin in March 2020 (pictured)
The Duchess of Cambridge is snapped admiring the large portrait of her and William, painted by artist Jamie Coreth, one of Britain’s leading portrait painters
Jamie Coreth, the award-winning artist who painted the Cambridges, poses next to his portrait of William and Kate at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge
Stunning: Kate appeared radiant in a multi-coloured dress teamed with a blue coat while attending the outing with William
Kate’s brooch in the painting also catches the eye, not only because she so rarely wears one.
But it is a clearly special loan from the monarch, having been made by royal jeweller Garrard in the mid 19th Century for Princess Augusta of Hesse-Kassel, the wife of Prince Adolphus, the Duke of Cambridge.
The brooch, according to online expert The Court Jeweller, was passed to her younger daughter, Princess Mary Adelaide, the Duchess of Teck and then onto her daughter, the future Queen Mary, wife of King George V.
She loved it so much that she wore it frequently throughout her life, including the christening of her grand-daughter, the then Princess Elizabeth, in 1926, as well as the christening of her great-grandson, Prince Charles, in 1948.
The Queen inherited the brooch in 1953 and she has worn the heirloom, which features a large pearl surrounded by a cluster of diamonds and a diamond and pearl pendant suspended from the cluster, regularly ever since.
The duke and duchess met Coreth as they viewed the painting of themselves while in Cambridgeshire for a series of engagements.
After viewing the portrait, the Duke and Duchess then met with supporters of the project including the artist and Lady Sibyl Marshall – the wife of the late Sir Michael Marshall, who originally proposed the idea to create the portrait.
Members of the public will be able to view the portrait at the 206-year-old Fitzwilliam Museum for an initial period of three years, after which the artwork will be exhibited in other community spaces and galleries around Cambridgeshire.
Coreth worked to incorporate the city of Cambridge into the portrait by painting the background with the tones and colours of many of the historical stone buildings that are synonymous with it.
It also includes the use of a hexagonal architectural motif which can be seen on buildings across the university city.
Coreth said it was the ‘most extraordinary privilege of my life to be chosen to paint this picture’.
‘I wanted to show Their Royal Highnesses in a manner where they appeared both relaxed and approachable, as well as elegant and dignified,’ he said.
‘As it is the first portrait to depict them together, and specifically during their time as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, I wanted the image to evoke a feeling of balance between their public and private lives.
‘The piece was commissioned as a gift for the people of Cambridgeshire, and I hope they will enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed creating it.’ Members of the public will be able to view the portrait at the Fitzwilliam Museum for an initial period of three years, after which the artwork will be exhibited in other community spaces and galleries around Cambridgeshire.
It will also be loaned to the National Portrait Gallery for a short time in 2023 to mark the gallery’s reopening.
Luke Syson, director of Cambridge University’s Fitzwilliam Museum, said: ‘It’s incredibly exciting to be the first to be able to show the only double portrait of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge so far to have been painted, and commemorating of course their connection with Cambridge through their titles.’
The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William departing the Fitzwilliam Museum during an official visit to Cambridgeshire
All in the details! Kate teamed the patterned midi frock with a matching blue longline coat, coordinating high heels and a clutch bag
For today’s outing, Kate showcased her thrifty side once again by recycling a flowing ‘Madison’ dress from one of her go-to brands LK Bennett, which she previously wore when heading to a London restaurant.
She teamed the patterned midi frock with a matching blue longline coat, coordinating high heels and a clutch bag, while also opting for dainty drop earrings.
William said, after looking at the painting: ‘It’s quite big.’ He told Coreth it was ‘amazing’.
The Duke and Duchess both studied history of art at St Andrews University, though William later switched to geography.
William said in a Big Issue Q&A session published this week to mark his 40th birthday: ‘I studied a bit of art history at university. Had to give it up. I kept falling asleep in the lectures. Terrible.
‘We did a lot of Renaissance, which was amazing. But then once we got into modern art, I started to get a bit dozy.’
During their visit to Cambridgeshire, Kate and William also visited East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), to meet families who are receiving support as well as long serving staff member
The Duchess was pictured receiving a bouquet of roses from one of the patients at EACH, which was the second appointment of the royal couple’s day
Prince William and Kate Middleton met with James Hall (pictured, right) and his family, during their visit to EACH earlier today
The couple were snapped listening intently, as they met with families of children at the hospice today, during their day out in Cambridgeshire
Delighted: Willow Bamber (pictured, right) looks overjoyed to be painting with the duchess, during the royal visit to EACH today
Despite wearing a mask, it was clear to see that Kate was beaming, as she helped Willow Bamber (pictured, right) with her painting
The couple later got involved with helping out with artwork at a children’s hospice – with Kate telling one girl ‘don’t be shy’ as the eight-year-old painted her hand.
The couple visited the Milton branch of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), which was opened by Diana, Princess of Wales in 1989.
They were greeted by cheers and a round of applause by school children from the region, who waved flags upon their arrival during Children’s Hospice Week.
The duchess was presented with a bouquet of flowers by 15-year-old Chloe Bowes, who has a neurological condition called bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria.
Kate, who has been patron of EACH for 10 years, donned a floral face mask as she entered the hospice.
William joined her as they met three families who make use of the charity’s services, including 12-year-old James Hall, who has a genetic connective tissue disorder.
The duchess, who is known for her soft spot for children and their care, was seen engaging in some painting with the youngster
Hands on: the duchess was not afraid to get her hands dirty, and enthusiastically got stuck into activities while visiting EACH, of which she is a patron
The Cambridges met with children during their visit to EACH, which has fallen during Children’s Hospice Week. Kate has been a patron of EACH for a decade
Today’s visit to EACH marked the fifth for the Duchess of Cambridge, who has been a patron for 10 years. Here the couple are pictured meeting children
Despite a busy day, the Cambridges looked delighted to be making their second appointment in Cambridgeshire, pictured here during their visit to EACH
During their trip to EACH, Kate and William attended a small party on the lawn, so they could meet with hospice staff and thank them for their work
Kate placed her hand on James’s knee as she spoke with his mother, Claire, and his older brother Henry.
The duke and duchess were then greeted by Kirsty and Gary Carlin, whose four-year-old daughter Libby lay sleeping on the floor beside them.
After learning about her rare genetic condition, Libby’s parents offered to wake their daughter before the duke said: ‘Please don’t wake her.’
‘We know what happens when you wake a sleeping child,’ Kate added.
The couple then met the Carlson family, whose son William was lying on a bed in front of them.
The duke and duchess learned about the 11-year-old’s many complex medical conditions, including a brain malformation called lissencephaly.
The pair also took part in a small art session, where a canvas full of handprints was laid out in front of them.
Kate sat with an eight-year-old girl called Willow Bamber, who suffers from a severe neurological condition called Leigh’s disease.
The duchess invited the youngster to paint her hand, and as she tentatively started, Kate said: ‘Don’t be shy.’
Once her hand was completely covered in paint, she pressed her hand down on the canvas and was cheered as she lifted her hand up to reveal the handprint.
At the same time, William helped the children add to the canvas by sticking seaweed on it.
Before departing the hospice, William and Kate met the bereaved family of four-year-old Douglas Wright, who died from a rare cancer called neuroblastoma in February 2018.
For their third appointment of the day, the Cambridges (left) visited housing charity Jimmy’s in Cambridge. Here they are pictured meeting Eamonn Kelly, who lives in one of the organisation’s modular homes
While visiting housing organisation Jimmy’s, the couple chatted with Eamonn Kelly (pictured, centre right). He currently lives in one of the organisation’s modular homes – moveable, small-scale spaces that provide residents with separate living, cooking, sleeping and bathroom areas as well as their own front door
Eamonn Kelly (pictured, right) who lives in one of Jimmy’s modular homes, posed for a picture with Kate and William during their visit to the charity
Prince William meets Pete Dean (pictured, centre) while visiting Jimmy’s housing charity in Cambridge today
As well as meeting with tenants, Kate Middleton and Prince William spoke with partners and supporters during their visit to the housing charity
Happy: during their conversation with supporters of the housing charity, Prince William was snapped smiling as he snuck a look at Kate
Prince William is known to be passionate about homelessness, and while talking to housing charity Jimmy’s, he was pictured looking enthusiastic
As the couple sat down with the Wright family in the hospice’s sensory garden, they were told about the end-of-life care the youngster had received from the hospice.
‘It brings back all the memories,’ Douglas’s mother Jane said as she spoke about being back at the hospice.
Later on Thursday, the duke and duchess travelled to the first ever Cambridgeshire County Day at Newmarket Racecourse, and were greeted by cheers and applause from onlookers.
William and Kate both took part in a football game where they attempted to kick the ball at a target.
Kate told the crowd it would be difficult as she was ‘wearing wedges’.
After taking a shot, the duchess shook the hand of a boy who had been playing before her and said: ‘You did better than I did.’
The couple also sampled chocolate and a Jubilee beer before meeting members of the public while walking round a variety of stalls.
The event included stands from 120 exhibitors from Cambridgeshire businesses, charity, community and public sectors.
Kate spotted one woman holding a child and asked if she could hold her.
The baby’s mother, Marianne Provoost, who had travelled from the Netherlands to watch the races, said the duchess had asked to hold her child by saying: ‘I love babies.’
Her daughter, four-month-old Norah, was handed back to her, with Ms Provoost telling the duchess: ‘Enjoy your day and enjoy your children.’
The duchess was snapped smiling during her visit to Jimmy’s with Prince William today
The Duchess of Cambridge oozed elegance when appearing alongside the Duke at the University of Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum
Thrifty Kate strikes again! The Duchess recycled a flowing ‘Madison’ dress from LK Bennett for today’s engagements
The look of love! Kate seemingly couldn’t help but smile when looking at her husband, Prince William, this morning
Co-ordinated couple! The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge matched their outfits, with William wearing a blue shirt to complement his wife’s dress
For today’s outing, Kate showcased her thrifty side once again by recycling a flowing ‘Madison’ dress from one of her go-to brands LK Bennett, which she previously wore when heading to a London restaurant
After viewing the portrait, the Duke and Duchess (pictured meeting guests) then met with supporters of the project including the artist and Lady Sibyl Marshall – the wife of the late Sir Michael Marshall, who originally proposed the idea to create the portrait
Comprising of 120 exhibitors from Cambridgeshire businesses, charity, community and public sectors, the couple will visit a number of stalls and meet members of the public.
The County Day will also celebrate The Platinum Jubilee year of the Queen.
During the day there will be performances and demonstrations by choirs, bands and dancers as well as showcases from organisations including blue light services, local charities, and voluntary groups.
Kate and William will also see leading small and large businesses who are delivering innovations in areas such as medicine and science.
During the last stop of the day a Big Issue seller shook the Duke of Cambridge’s hand and invited him to visit his modular home, after telling William he heard that he had sold the magazine.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met Eamonn Kelly, 52, on a visit to housing charity Jimmy’s Cambridge, which supports people on their journey through homelessness.
Mr Kelly, who has sold the Big Issue in Cambridge for 13 years, is one of the first residents in Jimmy’s modular homes, which first opened in 2020.
Cambridge is one of the first cities in the UK to explore this solution to tackling homelessness, providing small self-contained independent accommodation for those seeking to continue their journey onto full independent living.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chat to schoolchildren when at the Fitzwilliam Museum today in Cambridge
Father-of-three William (pictured right) said, after looking at the painting: ‘It’s quite big.’ He told Coreth it was ‘amazing’
The Duke and Duchess (pictured together) both studied history of art at St Andrews University, though William later switched to geography
Kate paired her statement garment with a matching blue longline coat, while also opting for dainty drop earrings
Mr Kelly, originally from Belfast, told William: ‘I heard you’re a Big Issue seller?’
The duke replied: ‘Well, I gave it a go.’
Shaking William’s hand, Mr Kelly told him: ‘Well I work for the Big Issue, I sell in Cambridge.’
He then invited William and Kate into his modular home where they spoke at length.
Afterwards, they spoke with those involved in the project about how to tackle homelessness, and as they returned to their waiting Range Rover William spotted Mr Kelly again.
‘There he is,’ called out William.
‘Eamonn, come here, I’ll have a photo with you.
‘Who’s got your camera?’
Mr Kelly posed for a photo, standing between William and Kate, thanking them for it.
Kate made the most of the pleasant weather by donning a long, lightweight coat as she attended the event in Cambridgeshire today
During the trip, the couple were snapped talking with local schoolchildren while they were leaving the Fitzwilliam Museum
The Duchess of Cambridge was photographed looking pensive during the trip today, as she and husband Prince William engaged with children outside the museum
The Duchess paired dainty diamond drop earrings with her outfit, and natural, pared down make-up, for a look that was fresh and chic
Who is Jamie Coreth: the artist behind the Cambridge’s portrait who ‘focuses on the character of his sitters’
Jamie Coreth (Young Persons winner) poses in front of his award-winning portrait of ‘Dad Sculpting Me’ in 2016
Jamie Coreth, an award-winning artist, is considered one of Britain’s leading portrait painters.
After graduating from Oxford in 2010 ,with a degree in Archaeology and Anthropology, he studied at the London Atelier of Representational Art and the Florence Academy of Art.
Jamie graduated from the Academy in 2014, after both studying there and at the same time, working as an Art History lecturer and assistant tutor.
He was awarded the Young Artist Award at the BP Portrait Awards at the National Portrait Gallery in London in June 2016, for his portrait Dad Sculpting Me, a painting which depicts Jamie’s father, the sculptor Mark Coreth, sculpting Jamie.
Two years later, in 2018, Jamie’s portrait of former soldier turned sculptor Mark Jackson, titled Broken Bodies, was accepted into the BP Portrait Exhibition.
He was shortlisted for the BP Portrait Award in 2020, for his piece Portrait of Fatima, which was used for the cover of the catalogue and the National Portrait Gallery’s marketing campaign.
According to the artist’s website, he ‘paints with an intelligence and originality. He focuses on the character of his sitters, evoking a sense of their presence in his work. His technical facility sits in harmony with a modern vision’.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Kelly said: ‘They’re down to earth people, they’re very genuine, they’re interested in you as a person, not your past or your future.
‘You can’t get any better than them two people.’
The Cambridges last visited Jimmy’s in 2012 when they opened a hostel for the charity.
Service user Pete Dean, 59, met William and Kate in 2012 and spoke with them again on Thursday’s visit.
The duke told Mr Dean: ‘I can’t believe it’s been 10 years Pete.
‘I sat in your room, I sat on your bed talking about what you’d been doing in your life.’
After speaking with the Cambridges in private, Mr Dean, who now has his own flat, said: ‘They proper remembered, it was nice.
‘He said he’d come and see me in another 10 years.
‘I had a right long chat with them.
‘They’re really nice people.’
Mark Allan, chief executive of Jimmy’s, said the Cambridges’ visit ‘means a lot’ and William and Kate were ‘genuinely interested in tackling homelessness’.
Everyone living in one of the modular homes at Jimmy’s is provided with a significant support system through the charity’s expert team, helping them to tackle issues around mental health, employment, addiction or reconnecting with families.
The charity said all of this is vital to ensuring that, once someone is in a home, they can remain in it.
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