Kate Middleton's Visit to Royal Opera House Was Extra Special Due to This Family Connection

Kate Middleton was beaming as she arrived for her second royal engagement of the week on Wednesday morning. On Jan. 15, Kate had fun chatting with children about their love of pizza and everything outdoors, and the work didn't stop the next day, as she visited the costume department at the Royal Opera House to talk all things textiles. Dressed in a regal purple suit by Oscar de la Renta, the duchess was seen arriving at the venue with a big smile on her face. During her visit, the duchess learned about the use of textiles and fabrics in costumes and viewed some of the most elaborate pieces. She also watched a dress rehearsal of the ballet The Two Pigeons.

The textile business is no doubt of particular interest to Kate, as her great-great-grandfather Francis Martineau Lupton was a mill owner who ran a family textile manufacturing business. Getting to learn more about the industry during her visit added a special personal touch to the proceedings. Read on to see all of the photos from Kate's visit.