The Duchess of Cambridge proved she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty today as she donned an anorak and sturdy boots to go litter picking with William on a beach in North Wales.
Kate – who yesterday revealed she ‘can’t wait’ to meet her new nephew – also managed to get a baby fix while visiting the Caernarfon Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter Base.
Greeting the adorable youngster, a child of one of the search and rescue team, Kate grinned widely and proceeded to pat the cute baby on the head before gently stroking the little girl’s legs.
While Prince Harry and Meghan were introducing the world to their adorable new son Archie at St George’s Hall in Windsor, Kate and William returned to familiar territory today, meeting former colleagues.
Earlier in the day Kate, looking striking in a £762 red woollen blazer by Lorenzo Serafini and skinny black jeans, joined the 36-year-old father-of-three, who looked delighted to be touring the helicopter base – even if the weather didn’t quite play ball.
Yesterday, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge told the world they were thrilled with the new arrival in the royal family, with William cheekily joking that he was looking forward to welcoming his brother to the ‘sleep deprivation club’.
What a day! Kate stretches out a hand as she arrives with Prince William in rural North Wales this morning – while the rest of the world waited for a first glimpse of new royal arrival baby Archie. Braving the rain, the Duchess, 36, looked stylish in a striking red blazer with military gold buttons by Lorenzo Serafini, as the couple landed at the Caernarfon Coastguard and Rescue Helicopter Base
Kate gets her baby fix! With the Duchess desperate to meet her new nephew, this little tot was greeted with a glowing smile from the mother-of-three as she enjoyed a tour – including a go in a chopper – at the Caernarfon coastguard search and rescue helicopter base
Auntie mode! Kate can’t resist pulling the legs of the little girl she met during her visit with Prince William to the rural air base in Caernarfon this morning
A right royal pat on the head: the youngster, in a turquoise cardigan gets a stroke from the Duchess of Cambridge as she kneels to meet the youngster
A change of jacket and boots for Kate; following their visit to the salt company, the next stop for Kate and William was beautiful natural retreat Newborough Beach
As several Scouts held out blue bags ready to fill up with waste, Kate, who was wearing a classic pair of brown boots, looked more than happy to get her hands dirty as she visited Newborough beach
As Prince William held out a red bin bag ready to fill with waste, Kate used a picker to scoop together a mound of waste which had washed up on the shores of Newborough beach
Crouching down to her knees, the Duchess of Cambridge managed to keep her balance as she helped out with the beach clean-up in Newborough
The couple looked relaxed as they enjoyed a stroll on the wildlife beach , with William swapping his brogues for more relaxed blue Nike trainers
The Duchess of Cambridge helped school children to clean Newborough beach in Wales this afternoon
The Duchess of Cambridge reached for some waste that had washed up on Newborough Beach in North Wales, before Prince William shortly joined in
The couple spent their time on Newborough Beach learning about the importance of the nesting bird colonies on neighbouring Llanddwyn Island
Wearing a Barbour bodywarmer, Kate double-proofed against the cold with an extra layer via a £350 Troy wax parka coat
Kate’s designer blazer was nowhere to be seen, replaced with a more practical lined jacket. During her time living on Anglesey, the Duchess volunteered with the Scouts
This afternoon, the couple arrived at Halen Môn Anglesey Sea Salt, a thriving local business that which won the Queen’s Award for Sustainability in 2017
It’s good salt! Prince William appears impressed with the company’s condiment after having a go at processing some it in the traditional way
Arriving at the Anglesey company, Kate received a pose of flowers from a well-wisher outside the salt company
Kate bent her knees slightly to chat to the youngster, who had donned a pretty blue dress for her royal encounter
Showing off a delicate pair of drop earrings in Amber, Kate chatted to those who’d gathered to welcome the couple back to the island on which they’d spent the first years of their married life
Kate, 37, who told reporters in London yesterday that she’s desperate to meet her brand new nephew, teamed her smart red blazer – a favourite that she’s worn before – with a pair of skinny black jeans and knee-length black suede boots.
The Duchess, wearing her brunette locks pulled back in a flowing ponytail, which accentuated her simple amber drop earrings.
She finished the look with a smart crocodile-skin black handbag from upmarket leather goods store Aspinal of London, which sells for a cool £495.
Meanwhile, Prince William donned a dark blue suit, with a racing green sweater and smart suede brogues for the trip to his former home.
The royal, who worked for three years at RAF Valley on Anglesey from 2010 to 2013, made the trip north – on a soggy day – to re-acquaint himself with the invaluable work being done by the search and rescue helicopter team and Wales Air Ambulance in the region.
The unit William worked on has now moved from the island to the new base, Caernarfon, on the mainland and is run by Bristow Helicopters, which took over the contract from the military, but still has some of the same crew from William’s time as a helicopter pilot.
The Duke and Duchess look on as an employee shovels the salt; the company were shown every step of the company’s method from hand harvesting to packaging
Shovel it in! A salt master gets to work moving the crystals around. Right, the Welsh company has been in business for more than two decades
Where’s your protective headwear? Kate and William, who spent three years living on Anglesey as newlyweds following their wedding in 2010, share a joke with a Halen Môn employee
Earlier, a confident Kate, wearing her hair pulled back into a ponytail, led the way as the couple touched down to meet members of the Coastguard helicopter team…just as Meghan and Harry were preparing to show off their bundle of joy at St George’s Hall in Windsor
Look of love: The royals momentarily shared a glance as they toured air ambulances and search and rescue aircraft
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were shown a collection of waste that was found washed up on the shores of Newborough Beach during their visit today
With her hair scraped back and wearing some chic earrings, Kate was all smiles as she continued her day of busy engagements. Pictured at Newborough Beach
The royals met with various individuals in the region to learn more about their efforts to take care of their communities and protect the natural environment. Pictured, listening to the school children who help to clear up the waste
Holding a litter picker in her right hand, Kate opted to use her bare hands as she helped to fill the bags with waste
Keeping warm in a blue wax jacket and black trousers, the Duchess set to work helping on the clean-up at Newborough Beach
William told his old crew that he does miss his old job, which involved flying rescue missions in all kinds of weather and terrain.
Coastguard helicopter winchman Paul Jones and his wife Gemma, were with their son’s, Finlay, 12, and Alex, aged nine, who were much younger the last time Kate and William saw them.
Mr Jones said: ‘It’s lovely to see him, we worked very closely for three years and then he moved away. It was like he’s never been away.’
The royal couple also clambered aboard the Coastguard’s new £30 million Sikorsky S92 helicopter, which replaced Sea King helicopters used during William’s time with the unit.
Both royal visitors sat in the cockpit as they were told about the aircraft’s capabilities and performance during the around 300 or so rescue missions undertaken each year from Caernarfon.
Rich Taylor, a winchman who served with William and met him again today said: “It was great. It was a real honour and privilege. He’s a very nice guy, very engaging, very professional.
“He worked very hard obviously to keep a balance in the world’s he’s within. He was outstanding in his role as a pilot.”
Donning a navy blue waterproof jacket, Kate looked animated with her hand gestures before getting involved in the beach clean up
Kate bent down to give a helping hand on a visit to Newborough Beach where she met the Menai Bridge Scouts and explored the beach wildlife habitat
Sporting a pair of casual blue and yellow trainers, Prince William opted to use his hands rather than a litter picker to scoop together the waste earlier today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met the school chidren and explored the beach’s wildlife habitat. Pictured, Kate bends down as she engages in conversation with a youngster
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited North Wales to meet with individuals and organisations in the region to learn more about their efforts to take care of their communities and protect the natural environment. Pictured, at Newborough Beach on Anglesey
Prince William looked animated as he used hand gestures while speaking to a host of children during a beach cleanup on a visit to Newborough beach. Pictured right: Kate was all smiles as she learned about the beach’s wildlife and habitat from several of the Scouts
The royal was in great company as she was joined by several primary school pupils for the beach clean-up this afternoon
Prince William and Kate looked only too happy to engage in conversation with Menai Bridge Scouts to learn about the history of the beach
Here he is! While proud aunt and uncle Kate and William were in Wales, Prince Harry and Meghan introduced their new son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor – born at 5:26am on Monday – to the world
Kate smiled through the dreary weather as she met search and rescue workers at the Caernarfon Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter Base in North Wales. Right: The Duchess strides forth, taking care to dodge the puddles in her heeled boots
Kate carried a Midi Mayfair Bag by upmarket leather goods company Aspinal of London – the crocodile skin black bag with gold buckle retails at £495.00
Mind your head: While the newest member of the royal family was making his debut in Windsor, William, 36, and Kate, 37, enjoyed a rather low-key public engagement at the base in rural North Wales (the couple pictured taking care to dodge an airplane wing)
Prince William, wearing a dark blue suit, looked delighted to be back among friends as he arrived at the base; yesterday the prince joked he was looking forward to welcoming Prince Harry and Meghan to the ‘sleep deprivation club’
Nice to be back: William, who served at RAF Valley in Anglesey for three years between 2010 and 2013, looked happy to be back in search and rescue company as he chatted to those charged with keeping an eye on the seas
Japes: Prince William shares a joke with a young toddler as he meets the wives and children of his former North Wales air and rescue colleagues on the whistlestop trip north to Wales
Just call me Uncle William! The Prince, 36, laughs as he chats to some older children during the royals tour of the rescue base
Meanwhile in Windsor… Baby Archie makes his first hello
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have proudly showed off their baby son Archie to the world for the first time today as his beaming parents finally showed off their ‘own little bundle of joy’ to millions of royal fans across the globe.
The world has been given its first ever glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s newborn son today as his beaming parents finally showed off their ‘own little bundle of joy’ to millions of royal fans across the globe
The couple appeared to be beside themselves with joy, giggling and looking into each other’s eyes as they spoke, while Harry could not resist sneaking a peek down at his son as he apparently slept
Three-day-old Archie made his very first public appearance at a photocall alongside a thrilled Prince Harry and Meghan in the grounds of Windsor Castle, where the new family have been holed up since the historic birth on Monday.
The baby boy was lovingly cradled by his adoring father and watched attentively by Meghan, who was herself pictured for the first time in six weeks since withdrawing from public life ahead of the birth.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are pictured with their baby son in the majestic setting of St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle today
The couple appeared to be beside themselves with joy, giggling and looking into each other’s eyes as they spoke, while Harry could not resist sneaking a peek down at his son as he apparently slept.
Speaking for only a few minutes from inside the majestic St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle, a radiant Meghan declared: ‘It’s magic, it’s pretty amazing. He’s just been the dream so it’s been a special couple of days.
‘I have the two best guys in the world so I’m really happy. He has the sweetest temperament, he’s really calm.
William and Kate also joined a discussion with Coastguard crew members and staff from Wales Air Ambulance, about the mental health challenges that result from working as emergency personnel.
Mr Taylor added: ‘He’s been involved first hand with some awful situations as anyone who works in this search and rescue or air ambulance will have been, so he knows first hand the effects it can have on people.
‘When we worked with William it was a real honour and a privilege and that continues that he’s taken the time out to come and see us and have a look around and catch up again.
‘I think like anybody involved in aviation, especially emergency services and support and helping others, it’s a passion, it’s a vocation, so I can understand he does miss it.’
William and Kate spent around 90 minutes at the base before shaking hands and saying goodbyes as they travelled to their next stop on the royal visit at Halen Mon Anglesey Sea Salt, a local business on Anglesey.
Kate wore her brunette locks neatly tied back in a ponytail, accentuating her simple amber drop earrings
For the second day in a row, the couple were performing public engagements, yesterday launching the inaugural King’s Cup charity regatta in London
Tea break: Williams recounts his experiences working at RAF Valley in Anglesey as he and Kate sit in some comfy-looking leather sofas to chat to crew members
Let’s fly! Kate leads the way as she and William stride up the steps to enjoy a tour of a shiny red coastguard helicopter used by Wales Air Ambulance
The couple have expressed their delight at becoming aunt and uncle to Meghan and Harry’s baby, saying they were ‘thrilled’ at the news of Baby Sussex’s arrival
In control: Kate grins as she looks around the cockpit of the aircraft
Getting a glimpse into her husband’s former job, Kate is pictured in the pilot’s seat of the aircraft
Kate smiles as she chats through with search and rescue workers inside one of the choppers
And then she’s joined by her co-pilot, a clearly knowledgeable Prince William, as a real-life member of the team looks on
The couple headed to their former home, where they lived as newlyweds in a Welsh farmhouse until William left the RAF.
At the salt making company, Kate and William had a go at making the condiment in the traditional way, getting a masterclass in the process.
Their brief tour continued with a stroll on Newborough Beach, where the couple explored the beach’s wildlife habitat.
The coastal spot meant a change of outfit for Kate, with the royal swapping out her red blazer for a more practical £350 TROY London navy parka with a Barbour bodywarmer underneath. She also pulled on a favourite pair of flat-heeled leather knee-high boots by Penelope Chilvers.
William was seen wearing a pair of blue Nike trainers after leaving the smarter brogues he’d had on earlier behind and ditching his jacket in favour of a warmer-looking coat.
Earlier in the day, the Duchess of Cambridge looked on sparkling form as she strode forward to greet members of the coastguard search and rescue helicopter team – or perhaps she was just trying to escape the Welsh drizzle.
Back in Windsor, just as the couple began chatting to the search and rescue members, Prince Harry and Meghan introduced their son – who still has no official name – to the world’s media.
Mind your bonce: William looks worried as he dodges the low ceiling while disembarking
The couple, parents to George, Charlotte and Louis, disembark the life-saving chopper
Stepping out: the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also spent time learning about the valuable work of Wales Air Ambulance during their visit
Duck! Kate and William pictured on Wednesday exiting a more roomy coastguard aircraft
After moving under cover to escape the rain, the couple listened intently as a helicopter pilot talked about the role he has at the base
A beaming Kate smiled at employees of the North Wales base as the couple arrived this morning
The Duchess of Cambridge teamed her red blazer with a pair of skinny black jeans and knee-length black suede boots
Hello! Prince William and Kate meet a line-up of search and rescue men next to a coastguard helicopter
While Kate and William chatted in Wales, Prince Harry and Meghan introduced their new son to the world’s media, showing him off at St George’s Hall in Windsor
Yesterday, as the couple launched the inaugural King’s Cup Regatta at the Cutty Sark, in south-east London, proud uncle William told well-wishers he is ‘looking forward’ to meeting his nephew ‘in the next few days’ once ‘things have quietened down’.
He added jokingly: ‘I’m very pleased and glad to welcome my own brother into the sleep deprivation society that is parenting.’
Kate, who looked chic in a nautical-inspired outfit for the outing, shared her husband’s delight, saying: ‘It’s such a special time, obviously with Louis and Charlotte just having had their birthdays, it’s such a great time of year to have a baby. Spring is in the air.’ The couple also revealed they do not yet know the baby’s name.
Baby Sussex arrived at 5.26am on Monday, weighing 7lb 3oz. It is expected he will be seen for the first time tomorrow after Harry and Meghan decided to eschew the tradition of a photo call in the hours after the birth.
However Prince Harry did make a short media appearance to share his excitement and reveal that Meghan and the baby were doing well.
Yesterday in London. the Duke of Cambridge said he was ‘absolutely thrilled’ about the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son, adding he was ‘looking forward to seeing them in the next few days when things have quietened down’
The Duchess of Cambridge, elegant in a Breton stripe top and £150 LK Bennett trousers, said it is ‘such a special time’ for Harry and Meghan as new parents. William and Kate revealed they do not know Baby Sussex’s name
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed a baby at 5.26am on Monday, weighing 7lb 3oz. The Duke of Sussex later appeared on camera (right) to share his joy and thank well-wishers for their support
Uncle William shares his joy on his nephew’s arrival
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared their delight at Baby Sussex’s arrival while speaking to well-wishers during a walkabout in south-east London on Tuesday.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge laughed as they spoke to members of the public during the outing this afternoon
William said he was ‘obviously thrilled’ at the news his brother Harry and sister-in-law Meghan had welcomed a son yesterday morning.
Speaking to a crowd at the Cutty Sark, William said he was ‘looking forward’ to seeing the new arrival in the coming days.
He added cheekily: ‘I’m very pleased and glad to welcome my own brother into the sleep deprivation society that is parenting.’
The Duchess of Cambridge was also visibly thrilled by the news, admitting to one royal supporter that it is ‘such a special time’ for Harry, Meghan and the family.
She also noted that her own children Louis and Charlotte have recently celebrated their first and fourth birthdays, respectively. Kate continued: ‘It’s such a great time of year to have a baby, spring is in the air.
‘As William said, we’re looking forward to meeting him and finding out what his name’s going to be so so it’s really exciting for both of them and we wish them all the best,’ she said.
Speaking from experience as a mother of three, Kate added: ‘These next few weeks are always a bit daunting the first time round so we wish them all the best.’
William and Kate spoke about Baby Sussex as they arrived to launch the charity King’s Cup regatta, which will see the couple go head-to-head in the race off the Isle of Wight in August.
Shortly after stepping out of the car, William and Kate were quizzed over their nephew’s arrival.
Asked if he had any pearls of wisdom for his younger brother, William said: ‘Plenty of advice, plenty of advice. But no, I wish him all the best and I hope the next few days they can settle down and enjoy having a newborn in their family and the joys that come with that.’
The Duchess of Cambridge, dressed in a Breton top and £150 LK Bennett trousers, added: ‘As William said, we’re looking forward to meeting him and finding out what his name’s going to be so so it’s really exciting for both of them and we wish them all the best. These next few weeks are always a bit daunting the first time round so we wish them all the best.’
Kate smiled as she waved to the crowds that waited patiently for a glimpse of the royal couple at the event in south London
The Duchess of Cambridge, who is a mother of three, said it is ‘such a special time’ for Harry, Meghan and the family
The Prince of Wales has also spoken publicly for the first time about the birth, saying he was ‘delighted’ at arrival of his latest grandchild.
During an official visit to Germany with the Duchess of Cornwall, Charles said: ‘We couldn’t be more delighted at the news and we’re looking forward to meeting the baby when we return.’
Meanwhile the Queen and Prince Philip stepped out for a second engagement, during which Her Majesty shared her joy at becoming a great-grandmother for the eighth time.
The Queen was asked by one guest: ‘Life is good for Your Majesty?’, to which the Queen replied: ‘Yes, thank you.’
‘Congratulations. Another great-grandchild!’ the guest said to her. The Queen replied happily: ‘Yes, I know.’
She was then asked ‘How many of them have you got now?’ before replying ‘Eight’.
Buckingham Palace said on Monday that the Queen and the Duke were ‘delighted’ at the news of the birth of Harry and Meghan’s baby son.