Kate visits mill linked to Middleton family as Princess gives subtle nod to iconic British brand

Princess Kate

Princess Kate wore a Burberry suit in Leeds today

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Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 26/09/2023

- 12:26

Updated: 26/09/2023

- 14:04

The Princess of Wales wore a green Burberry suit in Leeds today

Princess Kate, 41, stepped out in Leeds today to visit a mill with a personal family connection.

The AW Hainsworth heritage textile mill was originally owned by Kate's great-grandfather, Noel Middleton, and it manufactures British wools, technical textiles and other fabrics.


Kate's paternal ancestor sold the Middleton family textile business, named William Lupton & Co, to AW Hainsworth in 1958.

The princess's visit to Leeds today is about highlighting the UK’s thriving textile industry, for which she wore a dark green Burberry suit.

WATCH NOW: Princess Kate arrives at HW Hainsworth in Leeds

It is fitting that Kate chose such an iconic British brand for today's visit, particularly as she was visiting a textile business based in the UK.

Today was not the first time the princess wore this Burberry suit, as she previously wore it to meet the Crown Prince and Princess of Norway earlier this year.

Kate accessorised with a Laura Lombardi "Portrait" necklace, which costs £154 and has the following description: "Thick chain assembled from interlocking round and oval links, and secured with an oversized toggle clasp."

The princess chose to wear her Emmy London "Josie" Greenery Block Heel Pumps, which sell for a whopping £445.

Princess Kate

Princess Kate wore a Burberry suit

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Princess Kate

Princess Kate looked beautiful for the personal visit to Leeds

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Princess Kate

Kate wore a £154 gold chain necklace today

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The princess's shoes are described as "elegant pointed court shoes with a modern block heel".

The Emmy London website reads: "Thanks to the luxuriously padded insole, these gorgeous courts are so comfortable."

Kate additionally wore Shyla Rosalia earrings today, which cost £68.

Their description says: "The Rosalia earrings are the dream everyday pearl hoop earrings.

Princess Kate

Kate learnt about her familial links to the textile mill

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Princess Kate

Kate seemed very engaged with her visit to Leeds today

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Princess Kate

Princess Kate wore £68 earrings today

PA

"The perfect size and width, elegantly formed with circular freshwater pearls. This is our modern and casual take on the essential pearl earring."

Kate learned about the weaving process today and also how AW Hainsworth made the fabric for guardsmen's uniforms at Buckingham Palace.

The princess was given a demonstration of how the fabric is dyed, which she seemed really interested in.

The Prince and Princess of Wales's social media account posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: "The historic AW Hainsworth mill in West Yorkshire is part of the fabric of the UK textiles industry, and it even shares some family ties."

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