Advertisement

Kate Middleton's jaw drops as she recognises old friend on royal visit

Prince William and Kate Middleton on Mumbles pier
Prince William and Kate visited the Mumbles Lifeboat station on Mumbles Pier in Swansea on February 04. Photo: Getty Images

Kate Middleton was treated to a sweet surprise on a royal outing on Monday when she happened upon a couple of her old teachers in a Welsh crowd.

There is nothing as disorientating as seeing our educators out and about in civilian life, as anyone who was traumatised by a supermarket run-in with the maths teacher on a Saturday morning will tell you, but predictably the Duchess was all grace when she spotted the duo waiting in line.

Kate was in South Wales visiting the Royal National Lifeboat Institution with Wills by her side on Tuesday.

The duchess, rugged up against the biting sea air in a typically sleek navy coat over a red winter dress and black boots, was there to tour the Mumbles Lifeboat station on Mumbles Pier in Swansea when she spotted two familiar faces in the crowd.

Kate Middleton surprise face at Mumbles in Wales
Kate was delighted to spot two familiar faces in the crowd. Photo: Getty Images

Outside Joe's Ice Cream parlour on the pier, stood former prep school (primary school) teachers Denise Evans-Alford and Kevin Alford.

The husband and wife braved the cold to share a moment with their former pupil, a top-tier alumni within her previous educational institutions.

Reports suggest the pair drove 30 miles and managed to greet the Duchess after slipping a note to her security.

The teachers taught Kate at St Andrew's prep school in Pangbourne, Berkshire, where Kate along with siblings Pippa and James Middleton completed primary.

Hello! reports Mrs Evan-Alford was Kate’s netball coach, while Mr Alford took care of languages, specifically French and German, both likely to have come in very useful for the royal.

Kate Middleton greets teachers Denise Evans-Alford and Kevin Alford in South Wales
Kate greeted old prep school teachers Denise Evans-Alford and her husband Kevin Alford. Photo: Getty Images

Despite not seeing one another for over 20 years, with kate last visiting the school at 14 years old, the three recognised one another and managed to squeeze in a quick catch up.

After a sweet exchanging between the trio, Kate reportedly told the duo, “I want to instil in my children what I learned at St Andrew’s.”

The delighted husband and wife said they couldn’t have been happier with the exchange.

“Kate hasn’t changed at all, you can tell, Pippa and James are wonderful too. I’ve been waiting 20 years for this," Denise told the press.

"We saw her once when she came back to school when she was 14, and we haven't seen her since. Obviously, we've been following her career. She was in such a wonderful class of girls and they got on so well together,” husband, Kevin added.

Britain's Kate, The Duchess of Cambridge, right, and Prince William arrive at the British Academy Film Awards in London, Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)
Kate and Wills have been putting on a brave face for the royal family, most recently stepping out at the BAFTAS. Photo: Getty Images

Kate and Wills have been putting on a brave public face in the wake of a rocky start to the year from the royals.

Prince Andrew has been slammed for his involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein case, while Harry and Meghan made history with a bombshell announcement that they would be stepping back from royal life in January.

Got a story tip or just want to get in touch? Email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com