Kate Middleton has unveiled an official new portrait tied to a nature-focused early childhood initiative.
The Princess of Wales, 44, appears relaxed in the outdoor photograph, which photographer Josh Shinner took on Thursday. She wore a colorful patterned sweater with a floral collar and cuffs, layered beneath an olive green coat, with simple dangling earrings and her long brunette hair styled in soft curls. Her massive sapphire engagement ring from Prince William — previously belonging to the late Princess Diana — was visible in the image.
The portrait’s release came just one day after Prince Harry, 42, and Meghan Markle, 45, staged their first official joint appearance in the UK since relocating back in August. The couple stepped out in Nottingham on Thursday morning, the same city where they announced their engagement in 2017. Markle, the As Ever founder, declared to a bystander during the outing:
“It’s great to be back.”
She received a balloon and a yellow rose bouquet while chatting with members of the public. Authorities were reportedly forced to intervene after crowds mobbed the couple’s Range Rover and blocked them as they attempted to exit.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex famously departed the UK in 2020 for Southern California, but sources said in August that their unexpected return was partly motivated by a desire to enable their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, to build relationships with Harry’s family. Prince William, 44, and his younger brother have been embroiled in a longtime feud.
Middleton’s new project, according to the caption accompanying her portrait, examines “how nature can support the healthy development of babies and young children.” In a video announcing the initiative, she emphasized the value of outdoor time.
“Just how important nature is for our physical and psychological wellbeing,” she noted.
She continued, adding that:
“Nature is such an extraordinary environment for us all and in this tech-driven, digital age, spending time outdoors has never been more important.”
The mother of three concluded her remarks with a forward-looking statement about the project’s goals.
“My hope is through this practical nature-based research, we can build supportive environments that make nature more accessible, benefitting babies, young children, and their families across the UK.”
The timing of Middleton’s portrait release, coming so soon after the Sussexes’ high-profile Nottingham appearance, has drawn attention from royal watchers tracking both couples’ public profiles.