The Princess of Wales is touring a heritage textile mill in Yorkshire which has a close association with her family.
Kate on Tuesday afternoon visited AW Hainsworth in Pudsey, Leeds, which held a royal warrant from the late Queen and bought a woollen manufacturer once owned by her father Michael Middleton’s relatives.
The company made the scarlet tunics of the Guardsmen who were on duty during the coronations of both Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, and King Charles III in May.
It supplies textiles to a range of clients, from fashion and homeware brands to the Armed Forces.
It also produces woven felt for pianos and other musical instruments, and creates protective materials for emergency services and military personnel worldwide.
During her tour at AW Hainsworth, Kate learnt about the manufacturing process of textiles – from yarn to fabric.
Traditional machinery and techniques are still the backbone of the industry and the princess will meet a number of the company’s apprentices, alongside their mentors who are passing down generations of specialist skills.
Modern technology is also part of the process and Kate was shown an on-site laboratory which the company is using for cutting-edge innovation and product development.
