Princess Kate and Prince William Return to Royal Duties with Museum Visit Amid Sudden Rainstorm

LONDON, September 4, 2025 - The Prince and Princess of Wales made their first joint public appearance since the summer recess today with a visit to London’s Natural History Museum, where they toured the newly transformed gardens, joined schoolchildren for outdoor learning activities-and even weathered an unexpected downpour.

Their Royal Highnesses, both 43, arrived at the museum shortly after their three children-Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis-returned to Lambrook School for the new term. As museum patron, Princess Kate attended the unveiling of the Urban Nature Project, which creates grassland, wetland and woodland habitats in the heart of the city, serving as a “living laboratory” for biodiversity research and community engagement.

For the engagement, Princess Kate opted for a tailored blazer over a white button-down and black trousers, accessorized with a necklace bearing her children’s initials. Many observers noted that her hair appeared to be its blondest yet, showcasing sun-kissed highlights that cascade nearly to her waist-a summer transformation confirmed during the outing.

Despite the British weather quickly turning from overcast to heavy rain, Princess Kate sprang into “mom mode,” holding umbrellas and guiding schoolchildren to shelter under her own before the museum staff ushered everyone indoors. As children from Lewisham and Manchester pond-dipped and learned about urban wildlife monitoring, the royal couple huddled under umbrellas, sharing smiles and laughter despite the downpour.

The museum visit underscores the couple’s commitment to environmental education and community wellbeing-causes central to both their patronages. Princess Kate has long championed the power of nature for early childhood development, having created the ‘Back to Nature’ garden at Chelsea Flower Show in 2019 and launched the ‘Mother Nature’ film series earlier this year.

The outing to the Natural History Museum marks the end of a nearly two-month holiday for the Wales family, during which they retreated to Balmoral Castle and enjoyed private church services at Crathie Kirk. Today’s engagement signals the resumption of their official duties, with more appearances planned throughout the autumn.