The Princess of Wales looked ready for business in a pinstripe suit as she and Prince William ditched handshakes for fist-bumps this morning. Kate, 41, opted for the chic tailored trouser suit for the engagement, which marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush to the UK. She opted to wear her brunette tresses in loose curls hanging down her shoulders as the sun shone down on her and Prince William, also 41.
The royal couple, who are meeting with elders from the Windrush generation in Grangetown this afternoon, were greeted with a huge crowd of schoolchildren, who were waving flags from nations all around the world as Kate and William approached. They are also visiting a school which has built in Windrush lessons to its curriculum, teaching students about the important impact the Windrush generation has had on society.
As Kate beamed in the sunshine, she opted to rewear the navy pinstriped £549 Holland Cooper blazer she wore during her Windsor Castle meeting last week with Apple CEO Tim Cook, in which she, Prince William and the tech boss discussed mental health.
Upon arrival at the Grange Pavilion in Grangetown, Cardiff, the Prince and Princess of Wales were greeted by a crowd of schoolchildren who were keen to have the opportunity to meet royals. Their royal highnesses shook hands with the young royal fans, while also giving some pupils a little fist-bump or a high five.
As they said hello to the young fans, who were waving flags from Wales and other nations around the world, Prince William seemed mesmerised by a young pupil’s headband which featured two pink pom poms. Among Kate and William’s engagements today are a visit to the Grange Pavilion in Grangetown, where they are meeting members from groups including the Windrush Cymru Elders, Black History Cymru 365 and the Ethnic Minority Youth Forum for Wales.
During their visit, Princess Kate and Prince William will meet with Windrush elders and members of a youth advisory council for people of colour in Wales. They will hear about the lived experiences of the elders and the impact the generation has had in Wales since their arrival 75 years ago. The Ethnic Minority Youth Forum is a youth advisory panel for Race Council Cymru that seeks to be a voice of change for young people from minority ethnic groups in Wales.
The engagement at the Grange Pavilion is particularly significant as it marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush to the UK. The Windrush generation refers to the Caribbean immigrants who arrived in the UK between 1948 and 1971, in response to post-war labor shortages.
The Grange Pavilion itself is a community facility that was redeveloped from a previously vacant bowls pavilion. It now serves as a meeting place for various community groups, including the Windrush Cymru Elders, Black History Cymru 365, and the Ethnic Minority Youth Forum for Wales. The facility offers a community café, employment, and training opportunities, as well as a space for events and activities.
As Princess Kate and Prince William interacted with the schoolchildren and community members, their warmth and genuine engagement were apparent. Princess Kate couldn’t contain her laughter as she chatted with the young royal fans, while Prince William seemed fascinated by the unique headband worn by one of the pupils.
Overall, the engagement highlighted the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of the Windrush generation to society, while also emphasizing the importance of youth voices and representation in shaping the future.