While we’re used to seeing one or two royals make appearances together to support and highlight important causes, it’s not often we see four royals take an outing together, unless for a special occasion, but Tuesday proved to be one of those special days!
Travelling to Loughborough, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall for a visit to the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall where they met with staff and patients.
It’s not often we see more than four royals out in force unless for special occasions. (Image: Getty)
And, just like the uncommon occurrence of this joint engagement, we were also treated to some rare, sweet father and son moments between Prince Charles and Prince William.
From cracking jokes together to giving each other a helping a hand on the basketball court, the two future kings looked to be having a ball.
Acknowledging trying to organise and document an engagement for four royals is probably more chaotic than usual Prince William, 37, joked: “When there’s four of us it’s a nightmare.”
To which his father added, “There’s too many of us!”
Prince Charles, 71, later joked that he hoped the reporters’ shorthand was up to speed “with so many of us running around.”
After visiting some of the therapy areas and watching patients undertake gym rehabilitation, Prince William tried his hand at some wheelchair basketball which sparked a sweet father and son moment between him and Prince Charles.
As Prince William struggled to score a shot, Prince Charles thought he’d give his son a helping hand, wheeling him closer to the basket for an easier shot.
After missing another shot, Charles gave William an encouraging squeeze of his shoulders as William exasperatedly said: “It’s not going in!”
It was sixth time lucky, with Prince William finally scoring a hoop which was met by claps and cheers from the side-lines.
Sixth time lucky! Prince William finally makes the shot, after a little help from his father. (Image: Getty)
DMRC Stanford Hall rehabilitates some of the most seriously injured members of the British Armed Forces, whilst also helping to return those who have been injured in the course of training to work.
Prince William is patron of the appeal for the DMRC, which opened in October 2018. Its facilities include gyms, swimming and hydrotherapy pool, alongside social spaces and places for relaxation.
For the outing, Duchess Catherine opted for a navy military-style jacket by her go-to designer Alexander McQueen paired with a matching midi skirt, while Duchess Camilla looked chic in a green three-piece outfit by Mr Roy which she accessorised with a black hat, gloves and knee-high boots.
Duchess Catherine wore an outfit by Alexander McQueen while Duchess Camilla opted for a three-piece outfit by Mr Roy. (Image: Getty)
Speaking to press of the royal’s visit, commanding officer of the centre Captain Alison Hofman said: “The plan had been to keep the royal party as a party, but clearly their interest in what was going on and the patients and staff meant that they wanted to engage with them. So we adapted! I am delighted. It went really well.”
Adding, “Them deciding to do a joint visit like this was amazing for us. Such a privilege to have all four of them together.”
Following the engagement, the two royal couples parted ways, with Prince Charles and Camilla travelling to a local market. They also met with a local women’s charity and watched a performance by local schoolchildren.
