Princess of Wales reopens National Portrait Gallery
The Princess of Wales exuded glamor in a black and white outfit as she arrived in central London this morning for a solo engagement.
Keeping with the theme of the occasion, Kate, 41, opted for a £450 Self Portrait white midi dress with a pleated skirt and a white boucle tweed jacket when she arrived at the National Portrait Gallery, which has been closed for three years for an extensive renovation program.
Radiant when she arrived, the mother of three opted for simple teardrop pearl earrings and wore her thick dark brown locks down in a bouncy hair dryer. On her feet, she opted for her trusty £620 black Aquazzura pumps, which are also loved by the Duchess of Sussex.
As an accessory, she wore a simple yet classic black quilted Chanel clutch.
Her outfit, while still chic as ever, once again celebrated the simplicity in black and white, which she had also opted for at the Order of the Garter service at St George’s Chapel on Monday.
A piece of art! The Princess of Wales looked radiant in a white Self Portrait gown with a pleated skirt and tweed jacket as she arrived at the National Portrait Gallery
The white dress with black polka dots that tied around the waist was compared by many fans to Princess Diana’s Epsom Derby look in the 1980s — and she even wore her late mother-in-law’s earrings to boot.
When she arrived at the gallery to see the results of the extensive renovation project, the princess met renowned artist Tracey Emin.
The pair were pictured talking as Kate looked up in awe at the new doors of the National Portrait Gallery, itself a work of art designed by Emin.
The doors contain 45 carved copper panels, representing ‘every woman, through time’.
After meeting the artist and architect, Kate will visit the Mildred and Simon Palley Learning Centre, which has doubled its capacity for students as part of the project.
And, of course, she’s learning about the gallery’s early childhood program, as part of her commitment to improving the development of children up to the age of five.
Emin led the Princess of Wales to the National Portrait Gallery through the doors she designed
Kate looked radiant with her curly hair as she looked up at the new doors of the National Portrait Gallery, designed by famed artist Tracey Emin (pictured)
Emin’s design includes 45 carved copper panels, representing “every woman, through time”
Kate looked regal as she chatted to a gentleman outside the National Portrait Gallery about the three-year renovation
The princess was chic as always in another black and white outfit after appearing yesterday in a polka dot Alessandra Rich dress
The Princess’s Self Portrait dress is designed to look like a two-piece two-piece, with a tweed jacket and chiffon skirt
On her feet, Kate opted for the £620 black Aquazzura pumps, which she wore prior to the coronation.
The princess got out of the car and shook hands with a gentleman on arrival at the National Portrait Gallery
Kate beamed as she strolled to the gallery, which will reopen to the public on June 22 after a massive restoration project
The details of the princess’ intricate outfit included black piping around the seams and embellished buttons
Kate appeared to be critiquing a work of art as she stood outside the gallery, about to walk through the brand new doors
The princess pushed her thick dark brown locks behind her shoulders as she arrived
The princess kept her jewelry simple for the occasion, opting for a pair of pear-shaped teardrop earrings
Radiant as ever, Kate waved to royal fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of her during her solo engagement
As an accessory, the princess wore a classic black quilted Chanel clutch bag, which matched her monochromatic theme
The Princess of Wales brushed her hair out of her face when she arrived at the National Portrait Gallery
Upon arrival, the princess sat down with children in the nursery who took part in a multi-sensory workshop inspired by the world of Beatrix Potter.
The princess chatted with three-year-old Rania’s mother during a coloring session and asked about the toddler’s artistic interests.
Rania’s mother told Kate that her daughter “loves drawing” – while little Rania seemed too engrossed in her stickers to notice she was in the company of royalty.
As the royal family viewed Rania’s brightly colored creation, she said, ‘Look! Like buzzing bees’, as the toddler nodded in the affirmative.
Kate then asked, “Who is this?” Can you remember? Is this Peter Rabbit?’
Rania, still engrossed in her stickers, replied, “Yes!” to which Kate chuckled and said to her, “Very nice!”
Developed in partnership with the London Borough of Westminster, The Gallery’s Under 5’s Program works with family centers and public daycare centers in the area to encourage creative learning.
Elsewhere, Kate will have the chance to view some of the Gallery’s new additions, such as Joshua Reynolds’ Portrait of Mai.
She will also view Yevonde: Life and Colour, a new exhibition about the life and career of Yevonde, the pioneering London photographer who pioneered the use of color photography in the 1930s.