Royals

Duchess Catherine channels her late mother-in-law during royal tour of Sweden

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge touched down in Scandinavia on Monday.
Duchess Catherine, Duchess Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Diana

Prince William and Duchess Catherine have proven themselves as firm crowd favourites as they continue to impress on day two of their tour of Sweden and Norway.

The Duke and Duchess kicked off their day with a visit to the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, where they were given a briefing about the centre’s research into mental health. The couple were accompanied by Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel for the visit.

After the meeting, they moved onto the city’s Matteusskolan School to learn more about a program designed to encourage children to speak about their feelings.

Firm friends already! Kate and Wills were accompanied by Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel on day two of their tour of Sweden and Norway.

The trip marks the first time the two couples have caught up together publicly since Victoria and Daniel attended William and Kate’s wedding in 2011.

Upon arrival, Kate and Wills were met with hundreds of cheering and flag-waving pupils who had waited patiently in the cold to catch a glimpse of their appearance.

The royal couple chose to extend what was meant to be a quick wave and walk-by to spend a generous amount of time with the crowd as they offered handshakes, high fives and fist bumps to children of all ages.

The Duke and Duchess extended what was meet to be a quick wave and walk-by to speak with many children that had waited patiently to catch a glimpse of their time in Sweden.

Kate, who is six months pregnant with her third child, doled out the handshakes…

And high fives!

Malte Bregqvist, a 15-year-old student, told reporters, “I shook both their hands. It was weird, I never really met a royal before.”

The youngster added, “I asked them how they were and they said the same thing to everyone, they were nice, they were doing fine. It’s generous of them to take time and shake everybody’s hands.”

During the visits on Wednesday, Kate was pictured wearing a red and white Catherine Walker houndstooth coat. She accented the look with a deep garnet handbag from iconic designer Chanel, matching chunky heeled pumps and earrings by Swedish designer In2Design.

The outfit closely resembled a favourite ensemble worn by the late Princess Diana in 1990 while attending Princess Eugenie’s christening. The ‘People’s Princess,’ as she lovingly became known, was photographed in the skirt-suit combo by Moschino again in 1991 and 1992.

The Duchess (L) channeled her late mother-in-law Princess Diana (R) with her choice of outfit.

Prince William is pictured with his mother (R) in 1990 and with wife Kate (L) this week.

The Duchess, who is six months pregnant with her third little prince or princess, removed the coat later in the day to reveal a cream bouclé dress from Alexander McQueen for a tea party with some of the youngest members of the Swedish royal family — the adorable children of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel.

Princess Estelle, five, and Prince Oscar, who turns two in March, nibbled politely on a selection of sweet treats as their parents entertained their esteemed guests at their home of Haga Palace.

The royal couples then visited the NK Department Store to open an interactive exhibition of UK design, fashion and brands that operate in Sweden.

Following the engagement, they will take in the glittering nighttime view of the city at an event to celebrate the best of Swedish music, film, TV and sports.

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The royal’s jam packed day follows a VIP reception dinner at the British Ambassador’s residence in Stockholm on Tuesday evening.

Kate cut an elegant figure in the “Stephanie” gown by Erdem, which features a floral print, frilled collar, flared sleeves and is worth a cool $3404. The soon-to-be mother-of-three swept her locks up into a chic chignon and added pearl-drop earrings for an elegant touch.

Prince William, who recently shaved off his hair, looked as dapper as ever in a black tux for the glittering event.

The royal guests of honour, who just recently commenced their four-day tour of Sweden and Norway, were joined by Swedish stars including Oscar-winning actress Alicia Vikander and Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgard.

Duchess Catherine, Prince William, Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel pose for a photo at the British Ambassador’s residence in Stockholm ahead of their dinner.

Kate, who is six months pregnant, looked stunning in a silk gown by Erdem.

Kate and Wills touched down in Scandinavia late on Monday night via a private charter plane, and are staying at the residence of the British ambassador in Stockholm.

It’s understood the doting parents waited until the end of the school day to leave London, so that they could say one final farewell to their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte before embarking on the short trip.

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