The Duchess of Cambridge has been making the most of her husband Prince William’s 6-week deployment to the Falklands. She has begun doing solo engagements. But she isn’t without support. In the past few weeks, Kate has stepped out and learnt from the best – The Queen and the Prince of Wales.  She and Her Majesty have appeared in 2 joint engagements. Later, Kate joined her father-in-law to learn more about his art charity.

1 March 2012
Piccadilly

Royal trifecta: The Queen, Camilla & Kate in Piccadilly. Getty Images

It was a big day for royal watchers.  Three generations of the most senior royal ladies — The Queen, and two future Queen consorts, stepped out to take tea together in Piccadilly.

Her Majesty, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge visited London department store Fortnum & Mason in their first joint royal engagement. They went there to officially rename a restaurant within the shop on Piccadilly and to meet some of those who worked in the store at the time of the coronation.

Interestingly, The Queen, Kate and Camilla arrived in the same car and dressed in different shades of blue!

Inside the store, the royals met staff and former employees. Her Majesty spent time in the preserve section, discussing honey with one member of staff.   The focus for Kate and Camilla was the sweet section.

Toward the end, the royal trio were each presented with a Fortnum’s hamper, containing delicacies including champagne truffles – and dog biscuits!  All three are known dog lovers.  While the Queen is known for her love of corgis, Kate and William recently acquired a cocker spaniel pup they have named Lupo.

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Photoset: Getty Images

8 March 2012
Leicester

Pictures from Getty Images

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee visit kicked on in grand style.  Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh were accompanied by The Duchess of Cambridge to Leicester, the first region on the Queen’s visit list.  Arriving by train, the royal party was welcomed by a 5,000-strong crowd and dancers.

Their first stop was at De Monfort University, where Kate and the Queen were seen chatting comfortably during a student fashion show.  Later Kate chose the winner of a contest to design a shoe for her.   They later emerged in the Leicester sunshine to greet the crowds.  It was a glorious start for Her Majesty’s Jubilee tours, and she and Kate are clearly getting on quite well.  It’s significant to point out that The Queen has rarely, if ever, done joint engagements alone with Princess Diana or Camilla.

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Photoset: Getty Images

15 March 2012
Dulwich Picture Gallery

Charles & Kate: domestic partners in crime. Photo: Getty Images

Kate stepped out for the first time with the Prince of Wales and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, to visit one of Charles’s charities. The idea was to celebrate their shared love of the arts and children at Dulwich Picture Gallery in south London, but the royal party soon found themselves roped into some domestic duties.

The royals spoke to children taking part in Face Britain, as part of the Great Art Quest, which sees them make self-portraits which will be beamed on to the front of Buckingham Palace in April to mark the start of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

After that, the royal trio got domestic. Iron art! Looks like Kate has had some experience with ironing, but we’re not so sure the same thing can be said about Prince Charles. See hilarious video below.

The royal pair also got holed up cutting up lace for some art work.

Royal pair cutting lace. Getty Images

Jeremy Newton, chief executive of The Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts, said: “It was fantastically exciting. Both the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have spent quite a bit of time finding out about the charity, but it was the first time the Duchess of Cambridge had come to see us.”

“Obviously the children adore her, and she adores the children. She greatly enjoyed seeing their artwork. All of the pupils are saying they will never forget this day, as long as they live. It’s been a complete revelation for them that royals are normal people. They’ve had a lovely time.”

Video: Charles & Kate make iron art at gallery (must see!)

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