It may seem like all eyes have been on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently, but it was all about a different royal couple on Tuesday as Prince Harry’s older brother and sister-in-law stepped out for a joint engagement in Essex.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Coach Core to learn more about the sporting organisation, which helps young people who are not in education, employment or training to build a career in sports coaching.
Catherine looked at ease as she ditched her smart blazer and got stuck into a game of tennis with a group of school children, while Prince William showed off his throwing skills by launching a foam javelin across the sports hall. The couple also went head to head in a game of boccia, a seated game where competitors have to throw a ball as close to a target as possible.
The duchess looked elegant in an all black ensemble as she wrapped up against the cold British weather in a pair of skintight jeans, ankle boots and a black polo neck. She also donned a grey checked blazer for the occasion, which she removed before getting involved in the day’s activities.
The royal couple, who have been married since 2011, beamed as they met representatives from two local organisations, Sport for Confidence and The South Essex Gymnastics Club, which have employed multiple apprentices through the Royal Foundation’s Coach Core programme.
Known for her friendly and approachable manner with supporters, the duchess was seen chatting, laughing and even hugging members of the public who attended the event, with the BBC reporting that she told two young fans that “hugs are very important”.
Sharing an embrace with a young brother and sister, she said: “Hugs are very important. I keep saying that to my children.”
While his wife looked classy in the smart jeans and jacket combo, Prince William opted for a more casual look as he stepped out in a pair of navy chino pants, paired with a pale blue shirt and a blue pullover, which he removed once inside.
The couple have been photographed together on a number of occasions recently, including their tactile hand-holding display at the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank earlier this month, as the duchess returned to work following a break from royal duties after the birth of the couple’s third child, Prince Louis, in April.
Harry and Meghan have also previously met representatives from the charity as they attended the Coach Core Awards at Loughborough University in September. The Duchess of Sussex took a leaf out of her sister-in-law’s book for the occasion, showing off her netball skills.