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Duchess of Cambridge Visits Victoria and Albert Museum Amid New COVID Guidelines
On a recent Thursday, the Duchess of Cambridge made headlines as she donned a face mask for a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Her trip was focused on the new exhibition, “Faye Birge in London: Romance to Revolution,” which has been drawing attention for its remarkable collection.
The museum’s curator praised Kate for her sophisticated eye for detail, highlighting her genuine interest in the art displayed.
Dressed in black wide-legged trousers and a stylish paisley print blouse by Ralph Lauren, which retails for £139, Kate adhered to the latest health guidelines.
With the emergence of the Omicron variant, face coverings have once again become mandatory in shops and on public transport across England.
This week’s tightening of restrictions emphasizes the importance of wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces, even where not legally required.
During her visit, the Duchess took the time to appreciate the exhibition, which boasts the largest collection of Faye Birge’s iconic imperial Easter eggs displayed in a generation.
Many of these exquisite pieces are being showcased in the UK for the very first time.
Among the standout items are three impressive contributions from the Queen herself, including the colonnade egg, the basket of flowers egg, and the mosaic egg.
Accompanying Kate on her tour were V&A director Tristram Hunt and curator Kieran McCarthy, who guided her through the exhibition.
After the visit, McCarthy shared insights into the Duchess’s engagement with the displays.
He noted that her curiosity was palpable, as she frequently asked questions about the pieces, showcasing her keen interest in the intricate details.
As a mother of three and an avid photographer, Kate’s appreciation for the finer points of the artwork was evident.
McCarthy remarked on how her inquiries reflected a deeper sophistication, as she moved beyond merely admiring the spectacle to exploring the craftsmanship involved.
“There was a lot of ‘why’ and ‘wherefore’ in the discussion,” he said, emphasizing the depth of their conversation.
Among the treasures featured in the exhibition is the long-lost third imperial egg, which was rediscovered by a scrap dealer in 2011 after having gone missing since 1964.
This particular piece, along with the Moscow Kremlin egg—famous for its music box that plays Tsar Nicholas II’s favorite hymn—offers visitors a glimpse into the opulence of imperial Russia.