Princess Kate is set to carry out two further official engagements this week by visiting textile manufacturers in Suffolk and Kent. The Princess, who made a surprise appearance alongside Prince William on the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, will tour of Sudbury Silk Mills in Sudbury, Suffolk on Thursday, September 11, followed by a trip to Marina Mill in Cuxton, Kent.
The Princess of Wales’ upcoming engagements are set to take place during the UK return of her brother-in-law, Prince Harry, who has returned to his home country to carry out a number of key charity visits – including attending the 20th anniversary of the WellChild Awards. Kensington Palace said the Princess’s visit would “celebrate the unique skill, creativity and craftsmanship of British textile manufacturers.”
It reads: “Her Royal Highness’s visit will highlight the rich heritage of the British textile industry and celebrate the joy found in working in the creative industries.” It said Kate has “long been passionate about the importance of the British textiles industry and its role as part of the UK’s cultural and creative voice.”
The Princess of Wales will first visit Sudbury Silk Mills in Sudbury, Suffolk, a family-run weaving mill that has been at the forefront of jacquard weaving and an integral part of the British textile industry for over 300 years.
She will then visit Marina Mill in Cuxton, Kent, a family business which set up in 1967 and has since become known for hand designing and screen-printing furnishing fabrics.
The Princess has long had a connection to the fashion industry that stretches beyond her impeccable sense of style. During a visit to the A W Hainsworth mill in Yorkshire back in 2023, Kate had the chance to learn more about her family history.
Her paternal great-grandfather, Noel Middleton, helped to sell the family business, William Lupton & Co, to A W Hainsworth after more than 160 years in business.
And, proving that the family connection still runs in her veins, Kate grabbed handfuls of freshly-woven Merino wool fabric during the visit and declared: “I love the feel of it and the smell of it!”
The two visits will take place on the final day of Prince Harry‘s return to the UK.