The Prince and Princess of Wales have made their first appearance since finishing up their summer break. Kate, who is Patron of the Natural History Museum, and Will are set to visit the Museum’s newly transformed gardens. They're also set to meet with schoolchildren and young people taking part in learning programmes which see them connecting with nature and working to boost the prevalence of biodiversity in urban areas.
The gardens opened in 2024 and serve as a living laboratory, where visitors and scientists can identify and monitor wildlife in an urban environment. Since opening last year, the gardens have seen over five million visitors enjoy the urban nature escape. Biodiversity and environmentalism are causes close to both Kate and Will's hearts with the royal couple heading up The Earthshot Prize, the 'Mother Nature' project and the 'Back to Nature' garden at the Chelsea Flower Show.
The royal couple aren't the only members of the family out today. The Duke of Edinburgh is set to head out to Leicester to visit the Jewry War Museum, Leicester Cathedral and University of Leicester Hospital. The Princess Royal will also be in Warwickshire to reopen the Lord Leycester Hospital Medieval Heritage Centre. On top of this, Anne is visiting the Collegiate Church of St Mary to mark its 900th Anniversary and Tower Restoration, as well as Warwick and Leamington Sikh Temple.
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© Getty ImagesThe Princess was caught in a downpour during her visit
Kate discovers the museum's new garden with schoolchildren
The Princess met with schoolchildren who are taking part in learning programmes which will see them connecting with nature and boosting biodiversity in urban areas.
Kate was caught in a downpour with the children as they made their way through the museum.
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© WireImageThe Princess kept her curls dry underneath an umbrella
Kate takes shelter under an umbrella
Kate and William shared their umbrellas before calling off the outside activity and ushered the children into the dry at the nearby Nature Activity Centre.
They were originally scheduled to go 'pond dipping' searching for newts and toads at the Nature Discovery Garden.
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© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesKate and William spent time with schoolchildren as they learned about biodiversity
Kate and William with children from Kender Primary School
Beverley Brown, 44, assistant headteacher at Kender Primary School, said: "We had been waiting for the session to start and the children were very excited.
"Princess Kate was in amongst us and said 'let them go in' and 'lets take them inside, it's pouring."
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© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesThe royal couple had lots of laughs with the school children, who were thrilled to be in the gardens
William and Kate had lots of laughs with the children
Speaking afterwards Beverley Brown added: "It was an amazing experience for children talking to them non stop about mini beasts. Prince William was laughing as some of the children were using them like jenga blocks.
"Lots of our families live in quite crowded housing and don't have access to gardens so to experience all of this at the Natural History Museum is very important for the children."
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© Victoria Jones/ShutterstockKate and Will arrive at the Natural History Museum
The Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived at the Natural History Museum.
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© PA Images via Getty ImagesKate and Will pose for a photograph outside the museum
Kate debuts new blonde hair
Kate has unveiled her new, lighter locks during the visit. A stark contrast from her naturally dark brown hair, the Princess of Wales wore her blonde locks in a chic, curly hairdo.
Arriving at the museum Kate said to Dr Sandy Knapp: "Sorry it's been such a long time for me to come back."
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© GC ImagesKate's earthy fashion choice
Kate looked very chic in an earthy-toned, fitted tweed blazer. She paired that with a crisp white button up blouse, a pair of dark green trousers and suede brown flats for the ocassion.
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© PA Images via Getty ImagesThe Princess debuts lighter hair
Kate's new blonde look
Kate has been slowing debuting lighter hair over the past few weeks. During President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit a few weeks ago, she sported a cooler bronde hue. Then, the Princess was snapped in late August on the way to church in Crathie Kirk, near Balmoral, where she was spotted with even lighter hair.
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© PA Images via Getty ImagesThe royal couple are exploring the museum's new gardens
Kate and Will to meet with schoolchildren
The royal couple, who have just returned from a seven-week break, were accompanied by representatives from the Natural History Museum as they meet with schoolchildren and explore the Museum’s newly transformed gardens.
