Princess Kate has stepped out in Suffolk, flaunting her blonde highlights as she stunned in a £1,370 checkered power suit.
The Princess of Wales travelled to Sudbury Silk Mills in Sudbury, Suffolk today, highlighting one of Britain’s most historic centres of textile craftsmanship.
The family-run weaving mill has been at the forefront of jacquard weaving for more than 300 years and remains an integral part of the nation’s rich fabric heritage.
Kate wore an £845 jacket from Bella Freud in Prince of Wales check, and £525 matching trousers.
Princess Kate arriving in Suffolk today
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Sudbury Silk Mills weaves fabrics for three prestigious companies — Stephen Walters, David Walters, and Humphries Weaving — each renowned for creating bespoke, luxury textiles.
The site employs over 100 skilled artisans and technicians, combining centuries-old artisanal techniques with cutting-edge technology to produce fabrics of exceptional quality.
Inside the mill, more than 40 state-of-the-art looms work continuously, turning out custom-woven fabrics destined for leading international fashion houses, interior designers, and heritage institutions.
A key focus of the mill is its people and the wider local community.
Generations of families have worked there, and the mill prides itself on creating long-term employment and providing hands-on training that allows employees to develop and refine specialist skills.
Princess Kate wore a checkered blazer and trousers
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This dedication to sustaining traditional crafts while fostering modern innovation has helped maintain Sudbury’s reputation as the heart of British silk weaving.
During her visit, the Princess of Wales spent time with the in-house design team, following the creative journey from concept to finished fabric.
She viewed the extensive archives that inspire new designs and watched as intricate patterns were sketched by hand — a process that will inform future weaving projects.
Kate then moved onto the weaving floor, where she met members of the production team and saw the looms in action, gaining an insight into the precision and artistry behind each piece of cloth.
Princess Kate's brunette hair appeared less blonde today than it did last week
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Princess Kate paired the suit with black stilettos
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She also observed the rigorous quality-control procedures and final inspections that ensure every fabric meets the mill’s exacting standards before leaving for its next destination.
The engagement continues the Princess’s longstanding interest in championing British industry, heritage skills, and sustainable craftsmanship.
Later today, she is due to visit Marina Mill in Cuxton, Kent, a family business that specialises in hand-designing and screen-printing furnishing fabrics, further underlining her support for traditional British manufacturing and design excellence.