POWER COUPLE - KATE AND WILLIAM ARE ‘THE REAL DEAL'

AS THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE ARE SEEN OUT AND ABOUT ROYAL CORRESPONDENT JENNIE BOND TELLS OK! HOW THE COUPLE ARE BRINGING THE QUEEN COMFORT IN THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES

- SAMUEL McMANUS-MAXWELL

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge carried out their first engagements of the year last week, visiting both the Foundling Museum in London and Clitheroe Community Hospital in Lancashire. And with the royal family facing one of its toughest periods in living memory, the pair proved once again why they are the monarchy’s saving grace – by putting on a united front and raising royal spirits!

Mixing business with pleasure, the couple were greeted by an adorable therapy puppy named Alfie at Clitheroe Community Hospital, which they were visiting as part of their role as royal patrons for NHS Charities Together.

A clearly smitten Kate – whose coat coincidentally matched Alfie’s fur – told the 10-week-old cockapoo, “You are so sweet!” Although she did admit that she and William’s own cocker spaniel would be jealous. “Our dog is going to be very upset. She’s going to be like, ‘Where have you been?’” she laughed.

Later on, the pair visited a charity named Church On The Street in Burnley, meeting a number of staff members, volunteers and service users to hear about their experiences during the pandemic.

Kate met locals Trudi and Alastair Barrie and their baby daughter Anastasia, whose cuteness almost stole the show. As mum-of-three Kate handed Anastasia back to her parents after a cuddle, William was heard saying, “Don’t give my wife any more ideas!”