Duchess of Cambridge Reopens Victoria and Albert Museum with Enthusiastic Visit

On a bright Wednesday, the Duchess of Cambridge made a delightful appearance at the Victoria and Albert Museum in Kensington, marking the venue’s grand reopening after nearly two years of pandemic-related closures.

The historic museum welcomed visitors back for the first time since December 2020, and Kate was among the first to explore its new exhibitions.

During her visit, Kate took a close look at two captivating displays: the Raphael cartoons and the enchanting “Alice, Curiouser and Curiouser.”

This gallery is conveniently located near the Cambridge family’s London home, Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace, making it a familiar spot for the Duchess.

Kate has had a longstanding connection with the V&A, becoming its first patron in March 2018.

Her initial official visit came later that same year when she toured the museum’s photography center.

Interestingly, her last trip to the V&A was in 2019 for the 100 Women in Finance Gala Dinner, highlighting her ongoing involvement with the institution.

For this special occasion, the Duchess chose a striking red checked dress by Alessandra Rich.

She completed her outfit with a stylish clutch bag and chic Jennifer Chimandy heels adorned with buckle details.

Adding a personal touch, Kate wore her Asprey Woodland charms on what appeared to be a new gold chain, featuring symbols like an acorn, mushroom, and oak leaf, all representing her family’s coat of arms.

To top off her look, she sported £17 Twisted Sphere hoop earrings from & Other Stories.

One of the highlights of Kate’s tour was the Raphael Court, which houses the remarkable Raphael cartoons.

These masterpieces, which recently underwent a nine-month refurbishment to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the artist’s death, are a set of seven full-scale designs for tapestries commissioned by Pope Leo X for the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel back in 1515.

They are widely regarded as one of the Renaissance’s greatest treasures.

Following her exploration of the Raphael cartoons, Kate turned her attention to the new exhibition titled “Alice, Curiouser and Curiouser,” which is set to open to the public on Saturday.

This vibrant display features over 300 objects related to Lewis Carroll’s beloved “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” showcasing a rich tapestry of film, performance, fashion, art, music, and photography.