As she journeyed from Leeds to Lancaster, the Princess of Wales embarked on a textile-focused tour that connected her with both her personal heritage and royal history.

Her day began at AW Hainsworth in Leeds, where Catherine was warmly received, taking a tour and engaging with the company's employees. AW Hainsworth shares a familial connection with the Princess of Wales, as her paternal ancestors, Noel and Olive Middleton, once owned the local woolen manufacturer and merchant William Lupton and Co. This very company was later acquired by AW Hainsworth in 1958.

It was evident to the employees that Catherine had discussed her family's history in depth with her parents before the visit. Rachel Taylor, a member of the Hainsworth family, whose father was the sixth generation to lead the company, mentioned, "She had a chat with her parents, and they had been filling her in."

AW Hainsworth, a holder of a royal warrant, supplies fabric to the royal family, armed forces, and for various household items. Notably, they provided uniforms for the coronations of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III. During her visit, the Princess showed particular interest in the iconic red tunics worn by guardsmen at Buckingham Palace and observed the entire process of creating these garments, including the red dyeing stage.

One aspect that intrigued the Princess was the diverse age range of the employees. Operational Excellence Director Zena Al Mausawe noted, "She was really interested in the demographic in the mill. We’ve tried very hard to get succession plans in so we have quite a range of very young people and very experienced people, which helps us pass on knowledge and maintain that knowledge in the business."

The visit also featured a sentimental connection for the Princess of Wales – she spotted a blue maternity dress she had worn while pregnant with Princess Charlotte. AW Hainsworth had supplied the fabric for the Madderson London dress, which now resides on display at the mill. Upon seeing it, Catherine exclaimed, "Oh my goodness, I remember that dress!"

After departing from Leeds, the Princess journeyed to Lancaster to visit the Standfast & Barracks print works factory. This company, established in 1914, employs 160 people in the production of both traditional and sustainable prints.

Catherine, herself making an eco-friendly statement by donning a favorite green suit, showed keen interest in the new digital printing technology utilized by the company. This sustainable technique reduces water consumption by approximately 80 liters per meter of fabric compared to traditional methods.

In keeping with the sustainability theme, the Princess met with the founders of the House of Hackney, who collaborate with Standfast & Barracks to pioneer sustainable and traceable materials. Reflecting on this initiative, the Princess of Wales remarked, "There is a growing need, isn't there? And some understanding, from the consumer, about where their products come from." Photo by Ian Jones, Wikimedia commons.