Princess Kate Middleton may have offered a glimpse into family road trips with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis during a recent royal engagement. The Princess of Wales surprised students and teachers from All Souls Church of England Primary School in London by joining them on a bus trip to the National Portrait Gallery on February 4th.
Alix Ascough, the school’s executive head, shared with PEOPLE that Princess Kate engaged with the children throughout the journey, even participating in a classic road trip game: I Spy. Ascough described the Princess as “relaxed and animated,” making the experience feel natural and memorable for everyone involved.
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Upon arriving at the gallery, Princess Kate, hand-in-hand with a student named Grace, led the group through an interactive exhibit exploring facial expressions and emotions in art. This project aligns with the Shaping Us Framework from The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, an initiative spearheaded by the Princess to promote children’s healthy development. Ascough emphasized the magical experience for the children, highlighting the opportunity to engage with art alongside a princess as a memory they would cherish forever.
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Liz Smith, the National Portrait Gallery’s director of learning and engagement, explained that the visit was intentionally designed as a regular school trip with a special guest. This approach aimed to preserve the magical experience for the children, avoiding the formality of an official launch. The children concluded their visit by creating self-portraits, which were then placed in a “magical cabinet” with the possibility of future display.
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Smith praised Princess Kate’s natural warmth and integration with the group, describing her as “one of the mums, one of the helpers.” The Princess’s participation underscored the importance of learning through observation and interaction with the environment.
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This public appearance coincided with World Cancer Day, marking a significant return for the Princess, who had maintained a lower profile in 2024 while undergoing cancer treatment. The day prior, she shared a personal message of support for fellow cancer patients on social media, emphasizing the importance of nurturing oneself beyond the disease. The post included two new photos, one taken by her 6-year-old son, Prince Louis, showcasing the Princess in a natural setting. The second photo, taken by Princess Kate, featured ferns, symbolizing endurance, resilience, and new beginnings.
