Kensington Palace issue major Kate Middleton update after 'outmanoeuvring' Harry

The Princess of Wales is set to carry out two engagements this week, Kensington Palace has confirmed.

Kate, who made a surprise appearance alongside the Prince of Wales on the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death on Monday, will take a tour of Sudbury Silk Mills in Sudbury, Suffolk on Thursday, followed by a trip to Marina Mill in Cuxton, Kent.

The princess’s engagements come during brother-in-law Duke of Sussex stay in the UK, and will take place on what is expected to be Harry’s last day of charity visits. Kensington Palace said the princess’s visit would “celebrate the unique skill, creativity and craftsmanship of British textile manufacturers”.

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In a statement announcing the visit, the Palace said: “Her Royal Highness’s visit will highlight the rich heritage of the British textile industry and celebrate the joy found in working in the creative industries.”

It said Kate has “long been passionate about the importance of the British textiles industry and its role as part of the UK’s cultural and creative voice”.

The announcement of Kate's upcoming engagements comes just one day after she joined her husband Prince William at the National Federation of Women's Institute (WI) in Sunningdale, where the couple paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth on the three-year anniversary of her death.

The Princess of Wales was not due to join William at the event, but she made a last minute decision to support him on the heartbreaking anniversary. It's thought Kate's last-minute appearance with William at the event could well be a strategic move on her part, with Judi James noting that the mum of three could be trying to "avoid being check-mated by the rogue royal".

Speaking with the Mirror, Judi explained: "We've already seen Harry on a ring doorbell looking like a fan of the impromptu drop-in, and William's outing to Sunningdale might have left one (future) queen alone and socially vulnerable if a request for afternoon tea was made.

"Kate and Harry used to be so close, and whereas a 'Sorry I'm up in Sunningdale' response might be neutral and polite enough, being at home, but turning him down could make Kate risk being made to look like the bad guy when Harry reported back to the US.

"There's a huge difference between being unavailable and appearing to actively shun someone, and the movements of the royals today suggest they are very mindful of the dangers of the 'Harry effect' on their own image and popularity."

The WI is the largest women's organisation in the UK and is a safe place for women to come together and engage in a range of activities, share experiences and work together to influence positive change in their local, national and global communities.

The WI also holds a special connection to the late Queen, as she was a member for 80 years, joining in 1943 and serving as President of the Sandringham WI from 2003 until her death in 2022.

The Prince and Princess met with members from there and across Berkshire to hear about the work of the WI and how it gives opportunities for women to socialise, learn new skills and engage in community projects.

William and Kate also heard from members about the importance of The Late Queen's involvement in the organisation and meet those who interacted and met with Her Late Majesty during her reign.

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