Kate Middleton stuns in a red outfit as she joins Prince William in Birmingham
The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived in Birmingham today to celebrate the city’s diverse culture and meet future leaders in the arts and creative industries.
Kate, 41, looked effortlessly elegant as she stepped into Britain’s second city in a burgundy pleated midi dress, while William, 40, looked typically smart in a stylish blazer and trousers combo.
Today’s outing marks the royal couple’s first official engagement since their Easter break, which they spent with their children Prince George, nine, Princess Charlotte, seven, and Prince Louis, five.
During their journey, William and Kate, who traveled to Birmingham by train, visit the Indian Steatery, an authentic family-run independent Indian restaurant in the city centre.
The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived in Birmingham today to celebrate the city’s diverse culture and meet future leaders in the arts and creative industries
Elsewhere, William and Kate entertain designers, artists and playwrights at The Rectory restaurant on the edge of the city’s historic Jewelery Quarter.
The royal couple learns about the growth of the industry and their guests’ experiences of opening and running a business in the city.
Birmingham is home to a thriving creative industries sector, with a wide range of creative crafts, from the historic craft jewelery sector to innovative cutting-edge films and games.
After meeting, the couple will join guests for a game of interactive darts downstairs in the 180 Club before greeting the crowd outside.
The Jewelery Quarter is a hub for the city’s artistic businesses, producing up to 40 per cent of all jewelery made in the UK.
Kate and William’s outing comes after the Prince of Wales shared a message of support with Lorraine Kelly today, praising the TV personality for her bowel cancer campaigning work following the death of Dame Deborah James.
William had met mother-of-two Deborah last year in the weeks before she died at her parents’ house in Surrey, where he awarded her a Damehood and enjoyed a glass of champagne with her family in the garden.
The Royal Family shared a video on its official social media page today, writing: ‘Lorraine, Dame Deborah James would be so proud of what you and the team are doing to raise awareness of bowel cancer. Keep it up #NoButts.”
Kate, 41, looked effortlessly elegant as she stepped into Britain’s second city in a burgundy pleated midi dress
William (pictured right), 40, looked typically smart in a stylish blazer and trouser combo
Today’s outing marks the royal couple’s (pictured) first official engagement since their Easter break, which they spent with their children Prince George, nine, Princess Charlotte, seven, and Prince Louis, five
In the clip, the father-of-three said, “Hi Lorraine, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and your team for all you do to raise awareness for colon cancer with your No Butts campaign.
“As you know, I met Dame Deborah, so I know how important this was to her.”
The royal family went on to explain that many people don’t know “the signs and symptoms” of bowel cancer, adding: “If you are watching this, please take a moment to learn and listen to the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer. It can save your life.’
Dame Deborah passed away in June at the age of 40 after a five-year battle with stage four colon cancer.
After inspiring the nation, the mother-of-two was offered ladyship by Prince William shortly after announcing she would receive end-of-life care.
Clearing its agenda, the royal family traveled to her parents’ home in Woking, Surrey, in mid-May to perform a tribute ceremony at a tea party to celebrate her extraordinary life.
The royal family and his wife were deeply moved by her campaign and bravery and paid a touching tribute to the mother of two, who was survived by her two children Hugo, 14, and Eloise, 12, and her husband Sebastien.
At the time of her death, the Prince and Princess of Wales said in a tweet signed ‘W&C’: ‘We are so sad to hear the heartbreaking news about Dame Deborah. Our thoughts are with her children, her family and her loved ones.
“Deborah was an inspiring and unwaveringly brave woman whose legacy will live on.”
They have continued to support her BowelBabe Fund, praising her ‘incredible legacy’ in recent weeks after more than £11 million was raised in her memory.
William and Kate shared their support for the fund on Twitter and Instagram earlier this month, writing: “An incredible legacy that continues to impact so many people. We couldn’t be more proud of the work of the @bowelbabe Fund.’