Kate Enjoys Second Solo Engagement With Special Gift for William: 'He's Going to Love These'
Kate Middleton visited the Hiut Denim factory in Cardigan, where she joined production line trainees to learn about jean-making.
Kate Middleton was in high spirits as she toured the Hiut Denim factory in Cardigan, Wales, on February 3 for her second solo engagement of the year. Rolling up her sleeves, the Princess of Wales joined trainees on the production line to learn the nitty-gritty of jean-making. She even stitched the final label into a pair of Hack-style jeans made especially for Prince William. Delighted by the thoughtful surprise, she predicted he would love the fashionable gift, impressing onlookers with her quick learning skills.
Trainee Phoebe Phillips, who was present there, told PEOPLE that the Princess almost knew that William would be excited about the gift, saying, "She said, 'He's going to love these," adding that she was even gifted a pair of the new company's Mari design, which has not yet been released. As part of her visit, Middleton also tried her hand at cutting the denim she was preparing for a pair of jeans. CEO Johann Von Loeper spoke highly about her quick learning skills, "She did a great line. She then asked [staffer] Claudio to show her how it's done, and he did it wonderfully."
Interestingly, Middleton was championing the same brand that Meghan Markle had previously helped propel onto the international stage. During her first official visit to Wales in January 2018, the Duchess of Sussex wore the label's high-waisted 'Dina' skinny jeans, sparking an instant surge in attention. Speaking to PEOPLE, co-founder David Hieatt marveled at the dramatic spike in sales that followed her appearance, "In the next four weeks, we are moving into a factory that's three times the size, and we've hired eight new people — the Meghan Markle Effect is real!"
The visit also saw the Princess of Wales make a personal revelation about her family that delighted onlookers. When the dog-loving royal was taken to meet the factory's cocker spaniel, Barney, she bent down to stroke him and told staff, "We have the same breed of dog." As per HELLO!, after she was asked how old her pet pooch was, she responded, "So we've got a little puppy, he's only eight months, and Orla's five." The pet dog, Orla, had given birth last April to a litter of six puppies, who were featured in William's 43rd birthday portrait. In it, he could be seen playing with the adorable furry babies, while the post was signed as, "Happy birthday! Love C, G, C, L, Orla, and the puppies!"
As she toured the company, Middleton was introduced to the brand's strong focus on sustainability and craftsmanship, including its 'Déjà Blue' initiative, which allows customers to return worn jeans to be repaired and resold, earning a discount toward a new pair. As she left, the Princess skipped getting straight in her car, instead meeting with the public gathered outside and clicking selfies with them, which would also make the Prince of Wales proud. She thanked the people for coming to see her and was thanked by one woman for being in Cardigan.
