© Photo: PAThe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge travelled north on Wednesday for a jam-packed and slightly rainy day out in Blackpool. William and Kate started with a visit to the town's iconic Blackpool Tower, whose ballroom features regularly on Strictly Come Dancing each year. The royals joined a roundtable briefing about Blackpool's recent history, the challenges, and the investment and regeneration efforts that are currently underway.
They then took part in a walkabout on the promenade, greeting well-wishers, before heading to Blackpool Central Library. While Kate continued her work on early childhood and joined people involved in Blackpool's 'A Better Start' programme, William met those affected by problems around mental health, including issues such as homelessness and addiction. Their final engagement of the day took Revoe Park, a recently revamped community garden and park that was previously a known location for drug use.
We'll be updating this story with photos as they arrive. Let's take a look at William and Kate's day out…
Following on from Tuesday's mint dress, Kate didn't disappoint with her latest look in Blackpool. The mum-of-three opted for a green coat by Sportmax and a dress by Michael Kors.
© Photo: Getty ImagesBeauty-wise, Kate had her hair tied up into a high ponytail and opted for minimal makeup. She carried a matching green handbag.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe royals arrived to cheers from excited fans and waved before stepping into the iconic Blackpool Tower for their first engagement of the day.
© Photo: Getty ImagesOnce inside, William and Kate were shown a giant mirror unveiled by Princess Diana in July 1992 to mark the opening of Tower World, with the Duke describing it as "fantastic" and "amazing".
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© Photo: Getty ImagesThe royals were also taken to a balcony overlooking the Ballroom to watch dozens of local couples dancing a traditional waltz to I Shall See You Later, played on the Wurlitzer by Chris Hopkins. William and Kate had expressed an interest in seeing the iconic Ballroom, so it was prepared last-minute.
© Photo: Getty ImagesWilliam and Kate sat in on a roundtable discussion about the town's recent history, the challenges, and the investment and regeneration efforts that are currently underway.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate told wellwishers outside the Tower that she hoped to bring her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to visit Blackpool next time. She joked: "Is the weather always like this?"
The Duchess expressed her disappointment at not going up the Tower. "No, we didn't. Next time, I think. There's so much here the children would love as well. Hopefully next time we'll bring them back," she said.
© Photo: Getty ImagesNext, it was time to meet some locals. William and Kate headed to Comedy Carpet on the promenade where they were able to chat to dozens of well-wishers.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe mum-of-three was particularly charmed by one baby in the crow.d
© Photo: Getty ImagesFor their next engagement at Blackpool Central Library, the couple split as they joined two separate discussions on issues that are particularly relevant to them. Kate, whose work focuses on early childhood, joined people involved in Blackpool's 'A Better Start' programme. She spoke to health visitors, practitioners from the Family Nurse Partnership, and parents. The session, led by Merle Davies, the Director of Blackpool's Centre for Early Child Development, discussed the impact of long-term investment in mothers, fathers and children in their early years.
Kate and William walked across the Comedy Carpet, the UK's largest public outdoor artwork. Children from Happy Tots nursery in North Shore, Blackpool, welcomed them with gifts of Blackpool rock and posies of flowers. William said his children would appreciate the rock. When he asked them what flavour the rock was, the children replied: "Blackpool."
© Photo: PADuring their briefing at Blackpool Tower, the royals heard how low quality housing is one of the most significant issues the town faces. William and Kate were able to see first-hand the problem, and what solutions are being given, as they visited a street in Blackpool with council representatives.
© Photo: PAWilliam and Kate were shown around a refurbishment project in a street in Blackpool which was the scene of a murder in 2013. The royal couple visited Kirby Road, where the Blackpool Housing Company, owned by the local authority, has bought several dilapidated properties and is refurbishing them to rent.
© Photo: PAThey met Christina Jackson in her house during the visit to Kirby Road to talk about the housing problem.
On one side of the street, they were shown old boarding houses that are seriously substandard, which, until recently, were inhabited. On the other side of the street, the royals were able to see the new homes that were bought by the council, renovated and upgraded. William and Kate spoke to council representatives and tenants, to see how Blackpool is tacking the housing issue.
