Princess Kate makes unusual move by arriving to royal engagement on school bus as fans gush: 'How very special'
Kate's visit was part of her Early Childhood initiativePrincess Kate made an unusual move at a royal engagement earlier today (Tuesday, February 4).
The Princess of Wales, 43, was in London today for a visit to the National Portrait Gallery.
Princess Kate travels on school bus to National Portrait Gallery today
Earlier today, the Princess of Wales was at the National Portrait Gallery in London as part of her Early Childhood initiative. In 2021, Kate launched The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. It focuses on the early years of a child’s life and how that impacts their future.
The mother-of-three was joined by several young school children at the event on Tuesday. However, it was the way that she arrived at the engagement that drew attention.
Rather than pull up to the National Portrait Gallery in a private car, Kate arrived in a school bus with the children.
In a video posted online, Kate was shown getting out of the bus before entering the Gallery hand-in-hand with a little girl.
“Aww I loved that she arrived with the kids,” one royal fan gushed.
“How very special for all the children to have our princess with them,” another said.
A third wrote: “What a lovely journey on the bus!”
Her visit was centered around the launch of the Bobeam Tree Trail, a new initiative running until March 16.
The trail features a magical tree that “thrives when surrounded by stories”. The tree forms the basis for activities the kids take part in throughout the gallery.
The kids can create self-portraits and “feed” them to the tree to help it grow.
Princess of Wales’ royal engagement to National Portrait Gallery
It’s since been reported today that the little girl who walked hand-in-hand with Kate into the gallery had no idea who the princess was!
According to GB News, a teacher said: “She knew it was a very special visitor. We told her she was a princess. She just called her Catherine.”
“The children, they’re four or five years old. They’re completely oblivious to everything that’s happening,” she then added.
The headteacher also sang the princess’ praises. “Catherine was wonderful, really chatty with the children. And just felt like a really relaxed journey,” she said.
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Princess Kate shares sweet photo and message
Today also marks World Cancer Day.
On Monday (February 3), Kate shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram to mark the day.
The Princess of Wales was diagnosed with cancer last year. However, last month she shared the uplifting news that her cancer is in remission.
In a photo shared to the Prince and Princess of Wales’ official Instagram page, Kate can be seen with her arms outstretched, standing on a some tree trunks whilst out on a walk in the woods.
“Don’t forget to nurture all that which lies beyond the disease. C,” the princess captioned the post.
Who is Kate, Princess of Wales?
Kate was born on January 9, 1982, making her 43 years old. She was born to Michael and Carole Middleton in Berkshire.
Kate married into the royal family in April 2011.
What did Kate, Princess of Wales do before marrying Prince William?
Before their 2011 wedding, Kate and William had dated for many years after meeting at St Andrews University in Scotland.
After graduating, Kate worked in retail and for her family's business, Party Pieces.
Tying the knot with Prince William
On April 29, 2011, William and Kate married at Westminster Abbey. It was branded the "wedding of the century" with millions watching the nuptials worldwide.
Kate then became a respected and favourite member within the monarchy as she began performing duties alongside her husband.
The couple have three children - Prince George, born in July 2013, Princess Charlotte, born in May 2015, and Prince Louis, who they welcomed in April 2018.
The family currently live at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park just east of Windsor Castle. Their eldest, son George, is currently second in line to the throne behind his grandfather King Charles and dad Prince William.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, William and Kate became the Prince and Princess of Wales - a title previously held by William's late mother Princess Diana.
When William becomes monarch one day, Kate will become Queen Consort.
Kate's cancer diagnosis
Kate faced one of her most challenging years in 2024 after her cancer diagnosis. She announced the news publicly in March of that year. She underwent treatment and announced the end of that in September 2024.
Then, in January 2025, the Princess of Wales announced she was in remission with her cancer and would slowly return to her royal duties.
She then revealed that the photo was taken by her youngest child, Prince Louis!
Royal fans flooded the comment section, with many gushing over Louis’ photography skills.
“I can’t believe that this photo was taken by Louis, that’s so sweet,” one fan commented.
“A beautiful image and message, looks like Louis has got his mother’s love for photography. A talented young boy!” another fan wrote.
“Best wishes to HRH. You are an example of strength, courage and love,” another said.
Read more: Princess Kate’s outfits ‘won’t be detailed by Kensington Palace’ following her ‘frustration’
What did you think of Kate’s engagement today? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsiderOfficial and let us know!
