The News
A Royal Kickabout: Catherine and William Celebrate Cambridgeshire County Day
Today, the Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine, was spotted enjoying a laid-back afternoon at Cambridgeshire County Day, where she kicked around a football and savored a cold beer alongside her husband, Prince William.
Their visit marked the conclusion of a packed day dedicated to celebrating the vibrant community of Cambridgeshire.
The couple's busy schedule began with a significant milestone—the unveiling of their first official joint portrait at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.
This event was highly anticipated, as it showcased a stunning artwork that captured their essence as a couple.
Following this, they made heartfelt visits to East Anglia's Children's Hospices and the housing charity Jimmy's, where they learned about the impactful work being done to support homeless individuals in the area.
As they arrived at Newmarket Racecourse for County Day, the Duke and Duchess were met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
The atmosphere was lively, and it didn't take long for the royal pair to join in on the festivities.
They took part in a friendly football game, where they aimed to hit a target by kicking a ball.
William scored a goal, much to the delight of onlookers, while Kate also showcased her athleticism, hitting the target effortlessly.
Dressed in a stylish recycled blue LK Bennett dress paired with wedge heels, Kate looked radiant as she engaged with the crowd.
After the game, the couple decided to cool off with some refreshments, sampling beers from one of the event stalls.
Photographs captured Kate's infectious smile as she enjoyed her drink, embodying the spirit of the day.
Earlier in the day, the unveiling of their portrait at the Fitzwilliam Museum was a highlight.
The painting, which had been kept under wraps until now, features Kate in an elegant £1,595 emerald gown designed by The Vampire's Wife.
This gown was first worn during their memorable three-day visit to Dublin back in March 2020.
In the portrait, Kate is seen with her arm lovingly wrapped around William, who looked dapper in a tailored suit complemented by a blue tie.
The artwork was created by Jamie Corriff, a renowned British portrait artist known for his ability to capture the character and presence of his subjects.
Commissioned in 2021 by the Cambridgeshire Royal Portrait Fund, the piece serves as a gift to the people of Cambridgeshire.
While opinions on royal portraits can vary, both William and Kate expressed their admiration for the painting.
William remarked on its impressive size and described it as “amazing” after taking a closer look.
The couple's approval adds a personal touch to the artwork, making it even more special.
One striking detail in the portrait is Kate's brooch, a rare sight since she seldom wears such accessories.
This particular piece, on loan from the monarch, has a rich history.