The arts have always had a special way of bringing people together, and today the Princess of Wales reminded us just how joyful creativity can be.
Kate, 43, kicked off her first public engagement of June by visiting the brand-new V&A East Storehouse in East London — a museum space that opened to the public just a couple of weeks ago and offers free access to an extraordinary collection of creative treasures.
A Stylish Visit with a Purpose
Showing off her signature elegant style, Kate wore a chic Alexander McQueen trouser suit she had previously worn, pairing it with a simple white scoop-neck top and classic black heels.
Her new bronde hair was styled in loose waves, and her makeup was fresh and natural, perfectly complementing the lively atmosphere of the event.
Behind the Scenes of a Creative Treasure Trove
At the bustling venue, Kate took a behind-the-scenes tour to see how the museum cares for and displays its vast collection — including the world’s largest Picasso canvas.
This huge artwork, measuring an incredible 30 by 40 meters, had spent most of the last 80 years rolled up in storage, and it was a highlight of the tour.
A Thoughtful Return to Public Life
This visit marks the Princess’s first official engagement this month after a quiet period spent with her family.
Her last outing was a ship-naming ceremony in Glasgow back in May.
Sources confirm that the entire Wales family will attend the upcoming Trooping the Colour event in London this weekend.
Kate’s return to public life is slow and steady, as planned following her cancer diagnosis last year — a journey she shared publicly and joyfully announced her remission in January.
V&A East Storehouse Celebrates Local Creativity
The new V&A East Storehouse is more than just a museum — it’s a world-first project inspired by East London’s creative heritage and built in partnership with young people from the area.
Spanning four levels and covering an area larger than 30 basketball courts, it offers visitors a unique chance to explore a working museum up close, learn how objects are collected and cared for, and discover the stories behind them.
Breaking Down Barriers to Art
One of the Storehouse’s exciting features is the removal of glass cases and barriers wherever possible, allowing visitors to get closer to the objects than ever before.
The Collections Access team, mostly hired from the local community, provides a new “Order an Object” service.
This lets anyone book a free one-on-one session to view a piece up close and chat with an expert — an opportunity the Princess got to experience firsthand.
A Royal Patron’s Dedication to the Arts
As the patron of the Victoria & Albert Museum, Kate has a long history of supporting the arts.
In 2023, she reopened the Young V&A in East London after its three-year closure, taking a tour led by children involved in its redesign.
During that visit, she connected with local students from Bethnal Green Primary School, even finding herself in the middle of a warm group hug.
Recent Highlights and Public Appearances
Just last month, Kate returned to Scotland to name HMS Glasgow, a modern warship.
The ceremony included smashing a bottle of local whisky on the ship’s hull — a tradition meant to bring luck.
Sporting a nautical-inspired coat dress and statement hat, she shared a light-hearted moment with her husband, Prince William, amid cheers from the crowd.
Supporting Mental Health and Maritime Heritage
Kate’s role as the ship’s sponsor goes beyond ceremonial duties — she has a genuine interest in the lives of the sailors and supports the ship’s charity, Place2Be, which focuses on children’s mental health in Glasgow.
She has even met with crew members to hear about their experiences, showing a deep connection to the Royal Navy community.