As the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton's, due date swiftly approaches, she made one of her last high-profile appearances, carrying out her official duties with two engagements in the seaside town of Margate. Kate, who is expecting her second child in April, looked radiant in a £169 dalmatian-printed coat dress by Hobbs, one of her favourite high-street brands.
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The Duchess, who was embracing the sunshine with her hair scooped up in a ponytail, famously wore the coat during a cruise-naming ceremony in Southampton in June 2013, when she was also eight months pregnant – this time with her firstborn Prince George.
© Photo: RexThe Duchess of Cambridge is eight months pregnant with her second baby
The day was perfectly suited to creative Kate, who is passionate about art and holds a degree in history of art from St Andrews University, the same institution where she met Prince William.
Her first stop was at one of the UK's leading art galleries the Turner Contemporary. The museum had closed for the morning to welcome the Duchess on her private visit.
© Photo: RexPrince George's mum waved to crowds as she arrived at the seaside town of Margate
Flashing her winning smile, Kate, 33, waved at members of the public who had waited outside the museum behind barriers, eager to catch a glimpse of the royal. Some well-wishers held up Union Jack flags, while others had their smartphones out, ready to snap photos of the royal.
Inside the museum, Kate was given a tour of a special exhibition titled Self: Image and Identity. One of the pieces on display was the last self-portrait by Sir Anthony Van Dyck, which was recently acquired for Britain by the National Portrait Gallery through a public appeal.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPregnant Kate was entertained by local children as she took part in an art workshop
This was the second time that Kate has come face-to-face with the portrait, as she was previously given a private viewing at the National Portrait Gallery, of which she is royal patron, in February.
While touring the gallery, the pregnant royal met with some of the artists whose works are on display in the exhibition, including John Davies and Trish Morrissey.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe day will have perfectly suited creative Kate, who read history of art at St Andrews University
Kate also learnt about how the gallery engages with the local community through the Clore Learning Studio. She was introduced to children from Holy Trinity and St. John's Church of England school, who were having fun taking part in an arts and crafts project.
The royal then attended a reception to meet staff and supporters of the Turner Contemporary, where she was greeted with music played by the Kent Music Orchestra.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Duchess viewed a range of art on display at the Turner Contemporary
Kate's second engagement of the day took her to the Resort Studios, a vibrant arts organisation based in Cliftonville that gives local artists the chance to showcase their work. The Duchess was given a warm welcome, being offered a bouquet of flowers from 11-year-old schoolboy Martin.
Once inside, she viewed an exhibition featuring photomontages of local personalities and met artists in residence to hear about their work with communities within the area.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince William's wife revealed that George, 19 months old, was becoming more mobile
Kate met one "tiny" fellow guest, six-week old baby Evan, who was brought to the museum by his parents Tim Ratliff and Tamsin Landells. As Kate revealed that her 19-month-old George was becoming more mobile by the day, the proud new parents spoke about their first child.
"We were talking about Evan and how he is six weeks old and George and how he is running around and how we have that to look forward to," said Tamsin. "Evan is our first and we were talking about moving to Margate and about doing building works with artists and creating lots of spaces and having a multi-disciplinary place here.
"She said (Evan) was really tiny and really cute. We nearly got a giggle out of him. It was good to meet another working mum. It was an inspiration."
