The Princess of Wales has backed her husband’s initiative to end homelessness in a surprise joint trip to Belfast. Catherine and William championed the Prince’s Homewards project together for the first time with a handful of engagements in the Northern Ireland capital on Friday.

The Prince, who was inspired by the “heartbreaking” visits to homeless shelters he made with his late mother Diana, has previously said he hoped the five-year programme would “inspire belief throughout the UK and beyond that homelessness can be ended for good”.

Belfast is one of the six locations in which the Homewards initiative is being trialled, along with Newport, Lambeth, Aberdeen, Sheffield, and the three neighbouring Dorset towns of Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch.

Their first stop was The Commons, a historic church turned into a self-sustaining community center.

A Kensington Palace news release notes The Commons is "centered on creativity, care, connection and belonging. From cultural events and shared meals to everyday community activities, The Commons demonstrates how shared spaces can help people build relationships, develop confidence and strengthen their connection to their community."

Below, the Princess speaks with Pauline McGourann of the 'Sew-Cial Circle,' a craft and social group for those interested in crochet, knitting, and sewing that meets at the former church every month.

This Daily Mail piece provides details. 

Volunteer Pauline McGouran said the princess chatted enthusiastically about the importance of crafts in bringing people together and bettering mental health. ‘She was just lovely, incredibly charming and interested. And we all said no one of us could have carried off a skirt like that!’ she said afterwards.

A senior royal aide said the princess has been keen for some time to see the work of Homewards as it tied in with her own early years work to better the lives of under-fives.

‘The issue of social and emotional development in young children directly links to issues such as homelessness so she has been really keen to come and see its work and take this back to her own Centre for Early Childhood,’ they said.

The couple met with David and Jill Hines, the Commons directors, and toured the facility.

We learn more via Belfast Live's coverage. 

The prince and princess met with the chairs of the New Employment Opportunities Network (Neon), an initiative launched by the Royal Foundation under William’s Homewards programme, which aims to make homelessness rare, brief and unrepeated.

Neon aims to bring together businesses with the community and voluntary sector to prevent homelessness by supporting employment.

The Prince and Princess.

After wrapping up their visit to The Commons, the couple did a walkabout. 

The earlier rain stopped, and the sun peeked out. 

The Belfast Telegraph has details. 

The Prince and Princess of Wales met hundreds of royal fans in south Belfast today as part of a surprise visit to Northern Ireland. Crowds who gathered waiting to catch a glimpse of the couple were given an even bigger surprise as they walked across the road to shake hands and say hello.

The Prince also delighted the mum of one royal well-wisher. Speaking to the woman named Angela through her daughter’s phone on FaceTime, William told her that they were missing her. “We’re missing you here Angela, it’s not the same without you,” he said.

Here's the Princess with 3-year-old Bobby Corrigan. We return to The Daily Mail's article. 

Catherine also gently stoked the head of a seven-month-old baby. ‘They are wrapping you up warm,’ she smiled.

She beamed as one lady told her: ‘Thank you for coming to Northern Ireland.’

Catherine chatted with a group of schoolchildren about her own youngsters too, telling them how Prince George had just started a new school. 

As she admitted another little boy’s squishy toy, he asked her what her children were called. ‘Thank you for asking,’ Catherine said. ‘I have George and Charlotte and the little one is called Louis.’

Here she is with the little 7-month-old referenced in the Mail's story.

The Belfast Telegraph shared a video from the Commons visit and walkabout. 

The duo then visited the Belfast IKEA store.  

Below, with Store Manager Michaela Quinlan (left) and Operations Manager Ian Magill (right). 

People magazine reports that IKEA "has recruited young people locally through NEON with support from Homewards partner, Hays’ Project Flourish in partnership with EveryYouth."

We get details on the engagement from The Telegraph's piece by India McTaggart. 

The Prince and Princess of Wales have surprised shoppers at Ikea in Belfast as they went behind the tills at the store’s cafe to serve customers.

During a flying visit to Northern Ireland to champion Prince William’s Homewards initiative on Friday, the couple chatted with shoppers as they checked out the furniture shop’s cafe.

Seamus McBrearty, the Ikea food manager, showed the heir to the throne how to work the cashier, and said afterwards: “It was good fun, I think he enjoyed it.”

The Princess behind a cash register with Sophie, an IKEA employee.

We return to The Telegraph's story. 

Speaking to one customer, the Princess asked: “Have you got a family card? Oh, you do!” She then handed their receipt to Ayla, a seven-year-old, who was being treated to chocolate by her grandmothers, Lorraine Magill and Margaret Broom.

Mrs Magill remarked that the Princess had “no problem” working the till, adding: “I didn’t expect it whatsoever, but it was lovely and she was really nice.”

The Princess looked like she was enjoying the experience. 

Prince William with local schoolgirls buying candy at the store. 

A video via social media. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)

 We now turn to what Kate wore for today's engagements. 

The Princess brought back her bespoke Catherine Walker coat. It was first noted when the Prince and Princess viewed floral tributes for the late Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, then seen again in March 2023 for a visit to a Muslim Center. 

We saw the Princess sporting a new Emilia Wickstead skirt, the brand's 'Kensie" Skirt ($2058; it now appears sold out) in Military Green Shetland Tartan. Made in the UK, the skirt is a wool/polyacrylic blend in a pleated, A-line silhouette. The pattern is described as having a "sculpted structure and heritage-inspired fabric. Crafted from a slightly heavier Shetland wool, the skirt holds its shape beautifully while offering a refined drape." Thank you to Laura for this ID. 

The Princess brought back her Cascade Ruffle Blouse ($595) in 100% sandwashed silk satin by Knatchbull. The blouse was first worn in May 2025 at the British Fashion Council awards, seen again at a September rugby match, and worn again last November. 

The Princess was in a new pair of heels that look like they could be the ‘Gianvito 85’ Black Leather Pumps ($850), a staple in Gianvito Rossi collections and in the Princess's shoe closet.

She carried her Mulberry ‘Amberley’ Small Top-Handle Bag ($1195) in 'Mulberry Green.'

The Princess had her hair partially pulled back. 

Making it easier to see her Cartier Trinity Earrings.

And one more photo of the Princess today. 

West Sussex is about 90 minutes south of London, and the Princess was there to learn about and celebrate West Sussex Minibus, a volunteer-led community transport organization. In the photos above and immediately below, you see the Princess with 94-year-old Stella Drewett. We learn details via this Rebecca English story for The Daily Mail.

She waited politely outside before being invited in by Mrs Drewett, who insisted on getting herself outside telling her: 'I like to do these things myself.'

'I bet you do!' the princess said. 'I'll follow you.'

The royal then helped her up the steps onto the bus and told her she was coming to the lunch club 'because I want to see what it's all about'.

Catherine took a place next to her and joked about always forgetting her handbag. 'Everyone always runs after me [shouting] 'you forgot your handbag'.'

Encouraging her to put her seatbelt on, the princess added: 'I have to remind my children to put their seatbelts on too.'

The Sussex Express reports the bus service "acts as a vital lifeline for people who cannot easily access public transport due to isolation, mobility challenges or financial barriers." Here is a quick video from Rebecca English of The Daily Mail as the driver and Princess arrived to pick up Ms. Drewett.

The Princess of Wales has surprised elderly travellers in Sussex as she joined a volunteer-run community transport association.
She is in Pulborough with the West Sussex Minibus, a vital lifeline for people who cannot easily access public transport due to isolation, mobility… pic.twitter.com/yZAEFWgL74

— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) September 30, 2026

The Princess helped the former school cook onto the minibus, joining others headed to Pulborough Town Hall.

We learn more from The Telegraph's story by Hannah Furness. 

The Princess put a reassuring hand on Mrs Drewett’s arm as she manoeuvred her walking frame along the garden path and told her: “Well done.” She then stood behind Mrs Drewett as she climbed on board the minibus, putting her hands against her back as a precaution.

When the Princess asked about her trips out for lunch, the 94-year-old quipped that they meant “one day of not cooking”.

We return to The Telegraph piece. 

Mrs Drewett was told of her VIP guest shortly beforehand and said: “I couldn’t quite believe it. I am quite a new member.

“It’s a great service. I used to drive myself until I decided to spare the other road users. Everyone said to me: ‘But what are you going to do now?’

“But they take me to the supermarket once a week and we go down to the village hall for the lunch club. It’s a very valuable service. It’s wonderful.”

This year the Minibus Service celebrates fifty years of service. The Sussex Express offers background.

Established in response to the decline of rural public transport, the organisation has grown from a single volunteer-led minibus service into a community transport network operating from eight village hubs, supported by 284 volunteers and a fleet of 11 minibuses. Its fleet travels approximately 60,000 miles each year, providing around 13,000 passenger journeys.

Below, the Princess exits the minibus at Pulborough Town Hall.

She joined those who arrived on the bus and others for their weekly lunch.

The weekly lunch is marking its 60th anniversary in the community. 

Below, the Princess and 74-year-old Lynda Jones. We go back to The Daily Mail story and the Princess's conversation about doing the dishes.

She told her: 'I love washing up. I really do.' 'Oh good, a volunteer,' joked another guest.

Asked whether her husband helped, Catherine said: 'He does the drying. We are a good double act. And we get the children involved.'

Examining the food on the table, the princess noted there was a bowl of crisps. 'I bet you never eat crisps,' Lynda teased her.

'I do. I love salted,' Catherine said, and took one to prove her point, gently nibbling on it as they chatted.

The Barnet Borough Times gives us details on the lunch in this article. 

The Princess of Wales made new friends when she sat down with an elderly lunch group and asked them to pass the crisps.

Kate met diners during their Wednesday lunch in a village hall, where regular Lynda Jones handed over the snack after telling Kate the event “makes a lot of difference if you’ve lost your partner”.

We return to the Barnet Borough Times piece. 

Chatting at the table, Kate said: “What a lovely way to make friends” as around 50 people in Pulborough village hall enjoyed red pepper and sweet potato soup with hunks of bread, cheese and crisps on the side.

Mrs Jones said: “She asked for some crisps, and I let her (have some). She said she liked it, they were ready salted, crinkle cut.”

“Kate was a natural.”

It looked like these two had a rollicking good time. 

After lunch, the Princess greeted some of the people gathered outside the village hall. 

A Getty Images video of the Princess greeting well-wishers. 

Catherine, Princess of Wales, visits the volunteer-lead West Sussex Minibus service in Pulborough, England.#GettyVideo 🎥 Justin Goff 👉 https://t.co/sbu9MpcDpJ pic.twitter.com/PqwvuDxsTs

— Getty Images Entertainment (@GettyVIP) September 30, 2026

Here you see the Princess with one-year-old Albie Botley-Greenslade.

A brief video of the Princess with Albie and his family.

The Princess of Wales meeting families in Pulborough during her visit today. pic.twitter.com/SkyEchBsUZ

— Anna (@tokkianami) September 30, 2026

The Daily Mail offers details.

She also stopped to speak to Thea Botley, 25, with her sons Alfie, one, and Arthur three.

Catherine immediately hunkered down on her heels to say hello and helped Albie jump off the kerb, holding his hands.

'What's your name? Hi. Hi Albie. Look at your cool boots. Jump? Well done. One more? Well done.'

'Sorry I've started something,' she laughed as Albie continued to jump as she walked off.

Thea said afterwards: 'I'm so surprised he warmed to her and held hands as he can be shy with strangers. She was amazing.'

She even joined a FaceTime call and waved to Amanda Ridley's mother, who is under the weather. We go back to Rebecca English's Daily Mail story one last time. 

The princess smiled broadly and waved. 'Hello! What are your names? Oh no, I'm sorry you are not feeling well. Poor you. Have you got someone looking after you?'

She also said hello to her daughter Paloma, five, who was also unwell. 'Are you missing school today?' she asked her sympathetically, running her head. 'I hope you get better soon. Have lots of sleep.'

Ms Ridley told her: 'Thank you so much.'

She said afterwards: 'I really admire her and the way she has conducted herself given what she has been through. We are very lucky to have her. '

Here is a video via Rebecca English. 

Word had spread in the tiny village of Pulborough that the princess was there this morning and a small group of locals stood outside the village hall as she left. The Princess of Wales shook every hand, FaceTimed a poorly mother, helped a toddler to jump and cooed over a dog! pic.twitter.com/nQoMKukFTS

— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) September 30, 2026

In this image, you see the Princess petting a cocker spaniel as she chats with a youngster.

Now, here's what Kate wore.

Some will remember the Jigsaw MaxiCity Wool Coat (currently available in navy and khaki), first noted in September 2025. It is 100% wool with a recycled nylon lining, and design elements include notched wide lapels, flap pockets, and a center back vent.

The Princess debuted a new blouse by Reiss, the British brand's 'Kathlyn' Matte-Silk Tie-Neck Blouse ($400) in grey. As the name suggests, it is 100% silk with a tie-neck, concealed front buttons, and studs at the cuffs instead of buttons. 

The Princess's trousers are also new to us. Middleton Maven suggests the Bacall Doeskin Wool Trousers in grey melange ($348) by Polo Ralph Lauren. The high-rise style is menswear-inspired, with a wide leg, pleats, side-seam and back pockets, belt loops, cuffs, and a front zipper.

The Princess carried a new Smythson handbag today: the label's Red Leather Day Cross-Body Bag (£695, currently out of stock) in calfskin leather. It measures roughly 7.5" x 10" and comes with both a top handle and a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap.

Today's ensemble included a new Victoria Beckham belt: the Portofino Mirror Belt in Dark Burgundy ($390). The belt is done in shiny calf leather with a gold-tone buckle. It is also offered at a discount in limited sizes at Cettire ($272) and from $263 to $350 at Farfetch.

A big thank you to Middleton Maven for quickly identifying the blouse, belt, and trousers today!

We saw the return of the Gianvito Rossi 85 Pumps ($850), first noted at the Windsor Castle tea for Three Peaks Challenge participants.

The Princess repeated her Kiki McDonough Classic Gold and Diamond Hoops (£1000, about $1325 at today's exchange rates) with her Annoushka Baroque Pearl Drops ($625) in 18k gold.

Here is one more photo of the Princess today. 

The glittering event was at London's ODEON Leicester Square theater. Below is a video of the couple arriving. 

they both look so stun wow pic.twitter.com/LbtFhbYWQk

— nawel 🇳🇱 (@prinnywales) September 22, 2026

More about the event via this Daily Mail story. 

The last Royal Film Performance was the premiere of Gladiator II in November 2024, which was attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla.

The King is patron of the Film and TV Charity, which benefits from royal premieres. 

Tonight's event is the 73rd Royal Film Performance in the organisation's 100-year history.

The charity provides support to those across the film, television and cinema industries, many working behind the scenes, with everything from mental and physical wellbeing to financial support. This includes a 24/7 helpline, free counselling and financial grants.

Digger's big star is Tom Cruise, seen below arriving for tonight's premiere.
The movie was filmed in the UK at Pinewood Studios. Warner Brothers describes the plot this way: "The most powerful man in the world embarks on a frantic mission to prove he is humanity’s savior before the disaster he’s unleashed destroys everything."

Others walking the orange carpet tonight included Sophie Wilde. 
Embed from Getty Images
Actress Sandra Hülle, who plays Tom Cruise's sister in the film, Emma Rockwell.
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Actor Riz Ahmed (R) and his mother, Mumtaz Ahmed.
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Actress Emma D'Arcy. 
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Director Alejandro González Iñárritu.
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Jesse Plemons, who plays the United States Vice President in the movie. 
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And John Goodman, who plays the President. 
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Among the notable names attending, but not appearing in the film, actress Hannah Waddingham.
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Actress Jodie Turner-Smith.
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 Actress Salma Hayek.
 Embed from Getty Images

Another look at the Princess as the royals arrived. 

More about tonight's events via this piece in The Telegraph.

Speaking about the Prince and Princess before their arrival, Cruise said: “I just love them. They are lovely people and I have great respect for them.”

He escorted the Princess up and down the stairs at the entrance of the Odeon Luxe, Leicester Square, first holding her arm and then her hand. It marks a reunion for the trio, who attended the Top Gun: Maverick premiere together in 2022.

The Royal Film Performance World premiere is in support of the Film and TV Charity.

The actor greeting the royals.

As The Daily Mail pointed out, "It was something of a reunion for the couple and Cruise, 64, who met at the UK premiere of his hit film Top Gun: Maverick in May 2022." 

Here is a video shared by Rebecca English of The Daily Mail. In the video, the couple is escorted by Marcus Ryder, chief executive of the Film and TV Charity, and the organization's chair, Claire Tavenier.

Tom Cruise being quite the gentleman as he escorts the Princess of Wales into the cinema for the royal premiere. pic.twitter.com/vxQS5SsQrE

— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) September 22, 2026

Another view of the Prince and Princess. 

Mr. Cruise leads the Princess into the theater.

This angle gives you a good look at the back of the gown.

The couple posed with the film's director, Alejandro González Iñárritu, and Mr. Cruise.

The foursome looked like they enjoyed chatting.

The Princess smiles at her husband.

The Prince and Princess spoke with the film's stars and producers.

The Princess with Mr. Cruise and Ms. Wilde.

A quick video of the Princess speaking with the cast and producers.

The second move to make sure the necklace is in the correct position ☺️

🎥 The RFC pic.twitter.com/xTbdeJl9Jo

— ChristinZ (@ChristinsQueens) September 22, 2026

A wider shot gives you a better view of the group greeting the royals.

Once inside, the Princess was given lovely flowers. 

We learn more from this Daily Mirror article. 

The Princess was also presented with a posy and a programme by Evie Peters, seven, while four-year-old Sahrae-Lea Herbert, four, gave the Prince as programme. Both girls, who had been waiting excitedly for them, executed beautiful curtseys. The Princess of Wales said: "Thank you for my lovely flowers."

The Daily Mail's Rebecca English shared some darling videos of the girls waiting for the royals and practicing their curtsies. 

When you know a princess is round the corner and you just can’t wait to show her the curtsy you’ve been practising….. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/n8Zr9klIlT

— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) September 22, 2026

The royals posed for a photo with Sir David Beckham and two of his sons, Cruz, and Romeo. We learn more about the evening's fundraising element from the Daily Mirror story. 

Inside the cinema, the Royals were introduced to a line-up of beneficiaries from the Film and Television Charity including Chloe Malone, 27, who only last year was sleeping rough and is still in temporary accommodation but is about to embark on a production course at the National Film and Television School thanks to the charity.

She praised it for "saving" her, and William for his work to eradicate homelessness.

Another look at the Princess. 

Now for our review covering what Kate wore for tonight's premiere.

The dress appears to be a custom version of a design from the Jenny Packham A/W 2016 collection. The original design was crafted in grape silk chiffon, with a deep V-neck, cold-shoulder balloon sleeves, a cutout on the upper back, oodles of pleats, a concealed back zipper, and a full, flowing skirt with a short train. Among the changes to the Princess's gowns: the sleeves appear essentially closed with a cape-effect shoulder, and the back cutout is not as deep as in the original gown.  

The style reminded several of us chatting online of the diaphanous blue design worn for the SPECTRE premiere in 2015. 

The Princess wore her hair partially pulled back. 

Making it easier to see the Collingwood diamond and pearl earrings that belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales, and her heirloom necklace.

The Court Jeweler calls it the Queen Mother's Amethyst Sautoir Necklace. It was commissioned by Queen Alexandra and gifted to Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1923, according to the "History and Lives of the British Royals" Facebook page.  That page describes it as "three rows of petite pearls interspersed with large oval amethysts surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds, terminating in a large heart-shaped amethyst and diamond pendant."

Below, the necklace is shown in a 1923 display of wedding gifts for the Duke of York and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in September 1923, later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. The Queen Mother then gave the necklace to Princess Elizabeth, the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The current Queen wore a shortened version of the necklace in 2012 for the premiere of Skyfall at Royal Albert Hall

The Princess accessorized with two pieces first noted in December 2018, when she paired them with a tweed Erdem dress. Both are by Jimmy Choo. The bag was a made-to-order design, and the heels were either the Bordeaux velvet Romy Pointy Toe Pumps or the Anouk Pointy Toe Pumps. We never decided exactly which pair it was, and tonight I made no progress on that quest because the gown covered the heels.

I will leave you with one more photo of the Princess from tonight's premiere.