PRINCESS Kate was spotted on a solo trip in London’s Notting Hill this week shopping for glasses at Finlay and Co opticians.
The Princess of Wales, 43, was seen wrapped up warm in a long coat and checked scarf, and carried an £850 Smythson Mini Lytton Crossbody Bag.
While football fan Prince William cheered on Aston Villa in Monaco on Tuesday, Princess Kate was snapped entering the shop and chatting to the sales assistant.
The independent eyewear shop, which specialises in sunglasses and spectacles opened in 2019 – and has a second boutique in Soho.
It boasts rave customer reviews, with one online hailing it as “the best opticians I’ve experienced in my 40 years”.
It’s not the first time down-to-earth Princess Kate has been spotted popping to the shops.
In the past she has been snapped at budget store The Range and browsing kids Halloween outfits in Sainsbury’s.
It comes as the royal mum-of-three is making a gradual return to royal duties, following having preventative chemotherapy in 2024.
Earlier this month, Kate spoke of her “relief” as revealed she is in remission after her cancer battle.
She said: “It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal.
“I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”
The Princess of Walesmade a solo trip to Royal Marsden Hospital in London, which she thanked staff for her “exceptional” care.
Kate revealed last March in an emotional video statement that she had cancer – just weeks after the King shared his diagnosis.
On advice of her doctors, the royal took a step back from royal duties last year in order to help her recovery.
This month, The Sun revealed Kate has planned a “gradual return” to front-line duties with royal fans warned not to expect the same “volume of work” as before her health crisis.
Although speaking in South Africa in November William said the couple had “trips” planned in the New Year it is understood foreign tours for Kate are currently “off the table”.
But the princess will be seen “up and down the country” with her work in Early Years being the “golden thread” of her engagements this year.
Last month, the Princess of Wales hosted her annual Together at Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey.
She was also seen on Christmas Day with the rest of the royal family at Sandringham as they headed to church.
The Princess of Wales is expected to be in attendance at this year’s Bafta Awards on February 16, after skipping last year’s event due to her health.
What is Princess Kate's signature fashion style?
WHEN it comes to dressing for public engagements Princess Kate has formulated a highly successful signature style, according to fashion expert Amber Graafland
The princess knows exactly what styles flatter her figure and while she may mix her favourite designers with the odd bit of high street, the basic principles remain the same.
The biggest benefit of this confident approach is that it allows her to recycle outfits. Kate is often seen re-wearing bespoke outfits by go-to designers McQueen, Ellis Saab and Jenny Packham.
The other huge plus side is that it has allowed her to amass an impressive handbag collection.
While the exact grand total has never been revealed, it is estimated that Kate owns at least 110 styles.
For most mere mortals that sounds like a huge amount, but if you consider that the princess attends upwards of 100 public engagements a year, it’s not actually that ridiculous.
Kate’s collection includes styles by Jimmy Choo, Prada, McQueen, Chanel, Asprey, Aspinal of London and Ellie Saab to name but a few.