The camaraderie between Prince Charles and his daughter-in-law was very much apparent on a visit to Dulwich Picture Gallery.When asked to create a piece of art using an iron, the royals shared some giggles. The Duchess of Cambridge proved to be a dab hand, expertly pressing her designs onto silk. As did the Prince's wife Camilla, who was with them.
Charles, who growing up presumably made use of the Buckingham Palace ironing service, was slightly more baffled by the domestic chore - much to his companions' amusement. But he still took to his task with verve, and chuckled as he told the ladies: "Stop laughing at me!"Kate, looking stunning in a grey Orla Kiely dress, had joined Charles and Camilla, fresh from her afternoon hockey session with Team GB athletes. Her father-in-law wanted to show her the project which gives children from deprived areas access to culture, and is supported by one of his charities.
As well as trying their hand at some crafts, the royals looked on as youngsters created pictures for the Face Britain project. Their paintings will be used in montage of the Queen, and projected onto Buckingham Palace as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Behind the scenes, the heir to throne is said to have paid for an artist associated with the gallery to paint Kate for her first royal portrait. Nicky Phillips – the painter best known for her double portrait of Princes William and Harry in full royal regalia – is already thought to be preparing the picture for the Duke of Cambridge's birthday in June.
