The Princess of Wales took to social media to share a special message following an under-the-radar visit to a special exhibition exploring themes close to her heart
16:30, 31 Jan 2026Updated 16:33, 31 Jan 2026
Kate Middleton visits The Beauty of The Earth exhibition
The Princess of Wales has shared a personal message as her latest secret solo visit was revealed. Kate paid tribute to the “connection between nature, creativity and craft” after dropping in on an exhibition celebrating artist William Morris.
It emerged that earlier this week, the princess made an under-the-radar visit to The Arc, in Winchester, where she admired the Beauty of The Earth: The Art of May, Jane and William Morris exhibition. In a post on Instagram from the Prince and Princess of Wales ’ account, the princess can be seen and smiling as she explores the gallery, including what appears to be a large textile featuring floral and leafy patterns.
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The Princess of Wales at The Arc in Winchester (Image: INSTAGRAM)
Wrapped up warm against the January cold, the video shows Kate wearing a camel-coloured coat and trousers with a roll-neck jumper and an orange scarf. Captioning the video, she paid tribute to the gallery’s staff, writing: “My thanks to the team at The Arc in Winchester. It was inspiring to see how they have placed creativity at the heart of the community and made art widely accessible.
“The Beauty Of The Earth exhibition was a powerful reminder of the connection between nature, creativity and craft. C.” In the comments, the gallery thanked Kate for her visit, saying it was “honoured” to welcome her. Born in 1834, William Morris was a designer, craftsman and artist and is renowned for his distinctive textile patterns inspired by nature.
Kate was shown around a William Morris exhibition(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Previously, a book on the Royal Family claimed that Kate has a little trick that allows her to visit places without attracting attention in order to “nourish her inner life”. In order to get her fix on her love of the arts, it’s claimed that she makes secret solo visits at 8am to some of London’s best and well-known museums and art galleries.
Her secret outings were revealed in the book The Palace Papers by Tina Brown, who claims Kate was once rumbled when she was spotted at a David Hockney exhibition at the Royal Academy by a stunned member of the public. She reportedly told him: “I miss my history of art. It’s what I do to get my fix.”
Kate admires a large textile featuring floral and leafy patterns.(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Kate studied the subject of art at the University of St Andrews, where she met Prince William, graduating in 2005 with a 2:1. She’s a talented artist and is particularly fond of sketching. For the wedding of her sister, Pippa Middleton, she drew St Mark’s Church (where the ceremony was held) for the front cover of the order of service.
Kate released a message after the outing (Image: INSTAGRAM)
Kate has also long been passionate about the importance of the British textile industry and its role as part of the UK’s cultural and creative voice, as her paternal ancestors were the owners of the Leeds-based woollen manufacturer and merchant, William Lupton & Co.
Last year, the princess visited textile manufacturers in Carmarthenshire, Suffolk, Kent and County Tyrone. Just last week, both Prince William and Kate tested their skills at hand-weaving during a trip to Scotland.
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