The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, made the first public appearance of the June month and surprised the public at the V&A East Storehouse. The brand-new cultural destination in east London, to highlight the importance of creative opportunity and celebrate the joy found in creative expression. Princess Kate’s last public engagement was the naming ceremony of HMS Glasgow in Scotland on May 22nd this year.
The Princess was given a behind-the-scenes tour by the V&A’s curatorial team and met with V&A East Storehouse’s new collections access team, who have been recruited locally, and understand the V&A’s goals to make the collections accessible for everyone. Kate spent time viewing some of the incredible objects stored and learnt from the access team how engaging with these works can provide creative inspiration for all.
Opened to the public on May 31, 2025, the V&A East Storehouse is a bold reinvention of what a museum can be. Situated in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Storehouse breaks down the barriers of traditional galleries, offering unprecedented access to the museum’s vast collection—over 250,000 objects, 350,000 books, and 1,000 archives—all within reach of the public eye.
Created in partnership with young people and inspired by east London’s creative heritage, the new V&A East Storehouse – a world first – has been built to ensure the nation’s creative works are available to all. Spanning four levels and bigger than 30 basketball courts, Storehouse is a new kind of museum experience giving visitors the chance to see behind the scenes of a working museum, explore why and how objects get collected by museums, find out how they are cared for, and uncover the stories they tell about us and our world.
From The Dailymail’s report, “A Kensington Palace spokesman said: ‘Her Royal Highness’ engagement today is all about highlighting the importance of creative opportunity and celebrating the power of creativity to bring us joy.’ Her Royal Highness will spend time viewing some of the incredible objects stored, and learn from the access team how engaging with these works can provide creative inspiration for all. “
What Kate Middleton wore to visit V&A East Storehouse
- Alexander McQueen Blue Blazer and matching Trousers – Repeat – Debuted in December 2023 during a visit to Evelina London
- White Top – Repeat
- Anderson’s Croc-Effect Leather Belt – (Repeat – Debuted October 2020)
- Carousel Jewels Stella Earrings with Lapis and Moonstone – Repeat – Debuted in April 2023 at the Easter Sunday Service.
- Laura Lombardi Portrait 14kt gold-plated chain necklace – Repeat – November 2022 at the basketball match in Boston
- Welsh Gold Wedding Band
- Annoushka Eclipse Diamond Eternity Ring – Repeat
- Gianvito Rossi 105 Blue Suede Pumps – Repeat – Debuted in June 2022 during a Cardiff visit
