Kate carries out engagement to industry with special link to her ancestors during…
Princess Kate has untaken her second public engagement whilst in South Wales as she visited a textiles manufacturer, focused on producing socks and knitwear.
During her visit to Corgi, the princess spent time with the design team, hearing about the company’s creative and design process, including how they work in partnership with world-leading brands on collaborative lines.
then met production team members on the factory floor to hear about their work and see some of the technical processes in action.
The Princess of Wales has long been passionate about the importance of the textiles industry.
Corgi was founded in 1892 when it made and supplied socks to miners in the nearby Amman Valley.
In the 1960’s, the company added knitwear to its range of products and started to export internationally.
Corgi remains a family-run business, with the great-great-grandchildren of the founder overseeing its growth today, having joined the company in the 1990’s.
Since then, the company has invested in new machinery, worked with several leading brands, expanded its exports and developed a successful online retail presence.
The Princess’ paternal ancestors were the owners of the woollen manufacturer and merchant William Lupton & Co, which was based in Leeds.
Kate visited textile manufacturers in Leeds and Lancaster in September 2023, where she learnt more about the heritage, history and innovation of the industry, the technical processes involved and how vital the sector is to the UK economy.
The visit comes hours after the Princess of Wales stepped out for her first engagement in Wales since she announced she was diagnosed with cancer in March last year.
Princess Kate visited a children’s hospice near Cardiff, which supports families in Wales to enable children with life-shortening conditions to live fulfilling lives.
Princess of Wales, has become Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice, following in the footsteps of the late Princess Diana.
The visit has been the first time the Princess of Wales has visited the region since since October 2023, before she announced she was diagnosed with a undisclosed form of cancer.
Catherine became the Princess of Wales in 2022 after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Kennington Palace has stressed the royals gradual return to public duties.
