The Duchess of Cambridge made a surprise appearance alongside her husband and brother-in-law for a special train station visit today: Prince William and Prince Harry’s attendance at the engagement had been previously announced for the Charities Forum event at Paddington Station, but Kate unexpectedly joined them, much to everyone’s delight.
It seems that Catherine’s appearances are being decided on a day-by-day basis, as she continues to suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum during her third pregnancy. However, the Duchess appeared to be in high spirits, animatedly chatting – and even dancing with Paddington Bear.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are joined by children from the charities they support on board a Belmond British Pullman train at Paddington Station. The Prince’s and children also meet the cast and crew of the New Paddington film. Picture by Ben Stevens / i-Images
The royal trio arrived at Paddington Station, the point of departure for the train, where they were greeted by the cast and crew of the film ‘Paddington 2’, set for release next month – including a large version of the bear himself.
Today’s engagement was also supported by the BAFTA film charity, an organisation, which has The Duke of Cambridge as its President.
The Duke of Cambridge chats to Hugh Bonneville, who stars in ‘Paddington 2’ (C/ @KensingtonRoyal Twitter)
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
The event was organised by the Charities Forum, which was created by William and Harry in 2006 as a way of grouping together their individual causes; Kate’s charitable interests were added to the forum after she married William in 2011, and now unites 30 organisations.
The Charities Forum nominated children to be passengers on the special train ride, many of whom are experiencing difficulties in their personal lives, and are receiving support from the royal charities.
After attempting unsuccessfully to invite Prince Harry to dance, Paddington Bear was luckier in convincing The Duchess of Cambridge to be his partner; the future Queen happily danced alongside the film character, twirling and swaying in her heels.
The Duchess of Cambridge enjoys a dance with Paddington Bear! ?? https://t.co/HySqEKwHU9 pic.twitter.com/tnDkZNspgQ
— ITV News (@itvnews) 16 October 2017
After chatting with the cast and crew on the platform, William, Catherine and Harry then boarded the Belmond British Pullman train, along with the special guests chosen by the Charities Forum. The Royals then went individually to separate carriages and spent time chatting with the children and their families, giving the young guests a day they will never forget.
Prince Harry speaks with children at a Charities Forum event aboard a vintage train (C/ @KensingtonRoyal Twitter)
The Duke of Cambridge chats with young passengers on the train (C/ @KensingtonRoyal Twitter)
Kate made a surprise appearance at today’s Charities Forum engagement (@/ KensingtonRoyal Twitter)
William, Kate and Harry then waved off the traditional train as it took its passengers on a tour of the English countryside.
