The Prince and Princess of Wales have left royal fans divided following their fun-filled visit to Birmingham yesterday.
Kate, 41, donned a £229 Karen Millen burgundy pleated midi dress for the outing to an Indian restaurant and the historic Jewellery Quarter in Britain’s second city – but it was her £650 Smythson tote bag which caused the most hoo-ha among royals fans.
In an Instagram story shared by the prince and princess’ official social media page, the mother-of-three was seen carrying the handbag through Birmingham Moor Street station, with Prince William, 40, alongside her.
With the bag full of various items – including a drink, and several brown paper bags that some Twitter users suggested were filled with food for their train journey home, many royal fans praised Kate’s ‘relatable’ accessory.
But others shared their dismay that William didn’t carry the bag, with one person writing online: ‘I know you’re all going to fight me but… a gentleman would have carried that bag for his wife. It’s splitting at the seams.’
However, many were quick to disagree, claiming Kate is independent enough to carry her own handbag ‘without a man’s help’.
One person said: ‘I quite like her carrying the bag herself. Nothing wrong with that. Maybe William offered but she refused. Some women are independent you know.’
Another added: ‘As far as I know a gentleman carries suitcases, heavy bags of groceries and stuff like this but never a lady’ handbag which this tote bag is.’
A third wrote: ‘That is definitely “her bag” – my other half might hold my bag when we are out if I want to nip to the loo but that is about it. Otherwise it stays with me.’
Others suggested as a future King, William should not be carrying Kate’s bags, with one person saying: ‘They are working and he’s the heir. I think it doesn’t look professional if he goes carrying that bag.
‘Actually, I think it’s great of Catherine to carry that bag herself and not giving it to an assistant. Looks more relatable and considerate.’
But some agreed that William should’ve been seen holding the accessory and shared their disappointment that they didn’t get to see the ‘romantic gesture’.
Yet it was noted by many royals fans, that William could’ve asked Kate if she wanted or needed help with her bag, and she refused the offer.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have left royal fans divided following their fun-filled visit to Birmingham yesterday (pictured)
Some shared their dismay that William didn’t carry Kate’s handbag, with one person writing online: ‘I know you’re all going to fight me but… a gentleman would have carried that bag for his wife. It’s splitting at the seams.’
‘I’m going to forgive him because you never know he may have offered and she said “No, I’m OK.”‘, said one person.
But while that moment divided opinion amongst royal fans, another clip shared online of William making a gushing comment about the Princess of Wales sent royal enthusiasts wild.
Styling her brunette locks in her signature loose waves, Kate opted for minimal makeup and completed her look with some gold statement earrings by Sezane – which were reportedly a Christmas present from Prince William.
Ahead of a reception they hosted, the royal couple greeted royal fans outside The Rectory – where William made the sweet comment about his wife.
In footage captured by Twitter user Isa, Prince William is seen speaking happily with members of the public who had queued to catch a glimpse of them both.
As he works his way through the crowd, one woman tells the royal: ‘What an amazing outfit Kate has got on! It’s beautiful!’
In response, William said: ‘Oh she always looks stunning.’
With the bag full of various items – including a drink, and several brown paper bags that some Twitter users suggested were filled with food for their train journey home, many royal fans praised Kate’s ‘relatable’ accessory
Many claimed Kate is independent enough to carry her own handbag ‘without a man’s help’
Kate (pictured left), 41, donned a £229 Karen Millen burgundy pleated midi dress for the outing to an Indian restaurant and the historic Jewellery Quarter in Britain’s second city
Touched by the heartwarming comment, members of the crowd were then heard off camera saying: ‘Aww!’
Taking time to speak with well-wishers, the clip shows the royal beaming as he accepted a packet of crisps from another fan.
He said: ‘Thank you so much! These will keep me going on the way home. Thank you very much.’
The 40-second video ends with William shaking hands with members of the public and posing for a series of selfies.
Isa’s video has amassed more than 67,000 views since it was uploaded to Twitter last night and sent royal fans into a frenzy.
Others suggested as a future King, William should not be carrying Kate’s bags
But some agreed that William should’ve been seen holding the accessory and shared their disappointment that they didn’t get to see the ‘romantic gesture’
One replied: ‘There’s a man who truly loves his wife!’ Another added: ‘I hope Princess Catherine sees this and saves it on her phone. I’m sure he tells her everyday!’
‘They are a beautiful couple and always look gorgeous,’ a third said. Meanwhile, a fourth added: ‘How sweet!’
Yesterday’s outing marked the royal couple’s first official engagement since their Easter break, which they spent with their children Prince George, nine, Princess Charlotte, seven, and Prince Louis, five.
During their trip, William and Kate, who travelled to Birmingham by train, visited the Indian Streatery, an authentic, family-run independent Indian restaurant based in the city centre.
This photograph of the royal couple at the Indian Streatery was posted to their Twitter account, with the caption: ‘Hope we told this customer to come to the right place…! @indianstreatery’ after William took a phone call from a diner at the restaurant
Prince William and the Princess of Wales yesterday outside The Rectory restaurant in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, where they hosted a reception
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