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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Isle of Bute is about 90 minutes west of Glasgow, including the ferry ride.

The couple's first stop was at the Bute Shinty Club in Rothesay. This is their first visit to their namesake town.

Shinty is one of Scotland's oldest traditional sports, played here for generations. The couple met senior and youth team representatives and spent time with volunteers and former players in the clubhouse. Local community members built the clubhouse, which holds team photographs dating back to 1907.

More about the sport from this BBC piece. 

Twelve players per side use a curved wooden stick called a caman to play a leather ball. Some players choose to wear full face protective helmets throughout the two 45-minute halves.

It begins with the throw up, where the referee throws the ball in the air between two players, leaving them to wrestle for it.

It's fast, it's physical, it's traditional.

Today's engagements were designed to highlight the power of community, connection and volunteering.

The couple then went back outside to watch training exercises and meet young players taking part in the sport.

Below, the couple watch some of the younger players. 

We learn details from this Daily Mirror story. 

Kate and William watched an under-17s shinty game ... before marching onto the pitch to take part in a penalty shootout. William stepped up first, fluffed his first shot and the ball bobbled away - but he connected with the second attempt.

Kate was cheered onto the pitch by the crowd and raised her fist in the air in mock acknowledgement of their support. William l called out ‘long run up’ as Kate stepped up to take her first attempt. The princess joined in the laughter as she missed the ball entirely performing an air shot. After William suggested she take just one step up to the ball, Kate struck her second attempt cleanly.

Rebecca English of The Daily Mail shared videos of the Prince and Princess taking their shots. 

The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay enjoy trying their hand at Shinty on the Isle of Bute today. A couple of false starts, but then they smashed it! pic.twitter.com/PzjlyCUYJ0

— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) September 17, 2026

Another view of the Princess. The royals posed for selfies. 

Here you see the Princess greeting 95-year-old Jenny Salli, a Rothesay resident. 

And the royals posing with Ms. Salli.

The couple with club officials. 

And a group photo with younger players at the Club.

The Princess with a wave goodbye as this engagement wrapped up. 

The couple then traveled to Ettrick Bay, a few miles away, where they met members of Beachwater Bute. 

The charitable organization was formed in 1998; members monitor and remove marine litter from Bute's shores.

We learn more from Hello's story. 

They walked along the sand with Beach Ranger Sandra Macmillan and supporters of the charity, which has coordinated clean-up activities on Bute since 1998, to keep the coastline safe and accessible for wildlife and local people. 

Armed with litter pickers and recycled farm feed bags to hold the rubbish, they stopped to pick up bits of packaging and rope and used their bare hands to pick up finer plastic filaments from fishing gear as they heard more about the charity’s work.

Beachwatch Bute’s secretary Sue Brooks said she had offered the Princess some gloves, which she turned down. “She said ‘actually, I do this all the time’.” Catherine was “a bit hesitant” to use the litter picker, but instead, “she was in there just picking everything up and saying ‘I'll get that one’. Yeah, it was great. “It felt like you were just chatting to your pal walking along, so it was lovely.”

The couple even took a tractor ride on the beach. 

The Daily Mail's Rebecca English shared several videos from the beach engagement. 

A very happy Duke and Duchess of Rothesay on the Isle of Bute today 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 pic.twitter.com/DG3BGcb43i

— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) September 17, 2026

The royals posed with volunteers for a group photo. 

It looks like the Princess made some four-legged friends. 

Another view. 

The Prince and Princess of Wales visited the Anchor Tavern Pub & Hub in Port Bannatyne.

The pub is community-owned, and a Scotsman article from this May notes it "was bought by the community in 2022, saving it from ruin. It is the village’s only pub, and the people who rescued it now sit there together and drink together too."

It is also dog-friendly, noting, "We happily accept well-behaved dogs and provide water and treats and even a dog visitor book!" The BBC reports, "Settling in for coffee and cake - as well as a half-pint of beer for William - the royals could be seen chatting with pubgoers..."

There is a community hub next door where meetings can be hosted, and there are pop-up food events, along with exhibits, workshops and other community activities. Below is a group photo at the Tavern.

The couple as they left the pub. 

After leaving the pub, the royals did a walkabout. 

The King's Guard Tours posted a video of the Princess chatting with people about what she'd like to do the next time she visits. 

The Princess of Wales shared with members of the public on the Isle of Bute that next time she visits, she would like to swim, sauna, and listen to live music! 🎶

🎥 @kingsguardtours
📍Isle of Bute, Scotland
📆 17 September, 2026#PrincessOfWales #PrincessCatherine pic.twitter.com/2hsHJypcdT

— Kings Guard Tours (@KingsGuardTours) September 17, 2026

The Princess with schoolchildren. And posing for a photo. 
 The Princess with another youngster. 

And now, a look at what Kate wore on the Isle of Bute today. As she often does, the Princess showcased British brands. This is perhaps even more appropriate this Thursday in September, as London Fashion Week got underway today. 

We begin with her Burberry trench coat, with thanks to Kate Middleton Styled on Instagram for the ID. You could see the brand's iconic Nova check lining in the photo above at the Shinty Club, a pattern created back in the 1920s. This is a longer-length design, the Burberry Kensington style. The trench is done in a classic double-breasted style with shoulder epaulets, buckled cuffs, a gun flap on the back, and pockets. This model below looks like it has the brand's lining on the underside of the collar, and I'm not sure the Princess's version includes that detail. Additionally, the Princess's coat looked brown to me in many photos, not black, so I will keep looking for a photo of the exact style worn today.

The Princess's sweater is not yet identified; I will update the post if/when it is. UPDATE SEP 22: With thanks to Middleton Maven for a fab find, it looks like the Princess was wearing a past-season Really Wild sweater.  The Princess is believed to have worn this sweater in black for a 2021 engagement. That version was 100% cashmere, and ribbed throughout the piece.

The Princess brought back her Holland Cooper Jodhpur Jeans ( a 92% cotton material blended with stretch fabrics in a high-rise style with a skinny fit.

She accessorized with Maison Hotel's 'Guadalupe' Belt ($189) in the Mariachi Coffee color. Made of leather, the Spanish brand's belt is described as featuring "intricate floral embroidery in tones of cream and brown, echoing the artistry of traditional Mexican textiles. The antique-style silver-tone buckle and tip bring a Western edge, while the etched detailing adds depth and refinement." A fab find by Lauren and Gabi. 

We saw the return of the Princess's House of Bruar Tweed 8-Piece Hat ($125) in green herringbone wool. 

The Princess wore a new pair of brown suede Chelsea-style ankle boots today that I am still trying to identify.

She also brought back her Lauren Pavé Diamond Leaf Drop Earrings (£3200, roughly $4300 at today's exchange rates) by go-to jeweler Kiki McDonough. 

I will leave you with one more photo from today.