Hundreds of well-wishers turned out to greet the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they arrived in Cumbria this afternoon – but it was a trio of very special pooches that caught the royals’ attention.
Kate, 37, and William, 34, beamed as they knelt down to pet spaniels Max, Paddy and Harry on their arrival in the pretty market town of Keswick.
The Duke and Duchess were first introduced to therapy dog Max and his owner Kerry Irving, 54, a mental health campaigner, at a Buckingham Palace garden party last month – and are understood to have been so impressed by the pair that they were invited to spend more time with the royals in their hometown of Keswick.
The royals chatted happily with Mr Irving and his wife Angela before taking part in a walkabout through Market Square, which was decorated with colourful bunting for the occasion.
The Duchess, dressed in a £275 khaki jacket and trusty lace-up boots, was typically charming as she made her way around the crowd, but had her head turned by one young fan who cheekily poked out her foot for the royal to catch.
The visit to Keswick was the first stop on a busy afternoon of engagements in the region, culminating in a visit to a traditional sheep fell farm where the royals are expected to take part in activities such as sheep shearing.
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Four-legged friends! Kate, 37, and William, 34, beamed as they knelt down to pet spaniels Max, Paddy and Harry on their arrival in the pretty market town of Keswick, Cumbria, on the first stop on their afternoon of engagements in the region
Country chic: The Duchess of Cambridge donned a green utility jacket and combat boots for the casual outing today
Personal touch: The Duchess feigned shock as one excited girl kicked out her leg for the royal to catch, pictured
Bursting with excitement: The girl stuck out her leg and it was grabbed by Kate, who showcased her maternal nature
Cheese! The Duchess looked delighted to meet the little girl and leaned in to give her a big smile during the Keswick outing
Got the giggles! The Duchess of Cambridge shared a joke with a Keswick resident (left) during the walkabout today
Walkabout: The Duchess of Cambridge greeted well-wishers on her arrival in Keswick, Cumbria, this afternoon
Royal welcome! Crowds lined the streets of Keswick, Cumbria, ahead of the arrival of the Duke and Duchess this afternoon
The usually polished Duchess opted for a more practical look in preparation for the day’s hands-on engagements, swapping her heels for favourite £250 See By Chloé combat boots and wearing black skinning jeans.
She finished the look with a £275 green utility jacket by Taylor London, which is believed to be a new addition to her royal wardrobe. The piece was an appropriate choice given the unseasonably chilly weather in the UK.
First stop on the royal visit was the Market Square in Keswick, which was strung with bunting in honour of the visit.
Scores of residents waited behind barriers in the hope of catching a glimpse of the royals – and gave them a warm welcome on their arrival.
The Duke and Duchess are on hand to recognise the contribution of individuals and local organisations in supporting communities and families across Cumbria.
Prince of pooches! The Duke and Duchess greet owner Kerry Irving, 54, a mental health campaigner, and his wife Angela in Keswick. The royals were first introduced to Angela, Kerry and therapy dog Max at a Buckingham Palace garden party in May
Firm friends: Therapy dog Max, pictured, was singled out and given a stroke by Kate at the Buckingham Palace party three weeks ago. The royals are understood to have been so impressed by Mr Irving and Max that they were invited to spend more time with the royals in their hometown of Keswick. Mr Irving credits his faithful pet with saving his life
Furry fan! Max looked thrilled with the attention lavished on him by the Duchess of Cambridge in Keswick today
Royally pleased! The well-behaved dogs looked perfectly happy to be the centre of attention in Keswick’s Market Square
Animal lovers: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who have their own pet dog, spent a few minutes with the spaniels
Swapping tips? The royal couple chatted to the dogs’ owners in Market Square, possibly talking about their own pet pooch
No dog left behind! Kate knelt down to pet an inquisitive dog after spotting it poking its head out from beneath the barriers
Show and tell: One woman appeared to take out her phone to show the Duchess something on the screen as she passed
They will meet volunteers including those from the local mountain rescue service, community first responders, young people trained as mental health first aiders and other organisations that have benefitted from grants from the Cumbria Community Foundation.
The couple will then visit a traditional fell sheep farm, where they will have the opportunity to meet members of the Cumbrian farming community, and learn about some of the key challenges farmers are facing.
They will also hear about the peer support networks helping those in the most rural areas and the innovative ways some farms are diversifying.
Cumbria is home to the English Lake District, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2017, and to England’s largest lake – Windermere – and highest mountain – Scafell Pike.
The rural county is visited by millions each year, making tourism key to the economy. Farming and agriculture also has a special place in the Lake District National Park, famous for its native Herdwick sheep, and farmers have worked for centuries on some of the most challenging land in the country.
Wrapped up: The Duchess of Cambridge stayed warm on an unseasonably cool day in the £275 jacket by Troy London
Excitement builds: Well-wishers lined up five deep along the streets of Keswick in the hope of catching a glimpse of the royals
Getting in on the fun: An entertainer r keeps the crowd amused as they wait for the arrival of William and Kate in Keswick
Keeping spirits up! The entertainer zoomed around the town centre ahead of the arrival of William and Kate
