Kate Middleton's Designer Heels Steal the Show on Bermondsey Beer Mile Visit
The Princess of Wales has once again demonstrated her remarkable poise and style, proving that even challenging tasks can be tackled in high-end footwear. During a visit to Bermondsey's renowned Beer Mile, Kate, aged 44, confidently ascended a ladder while wearing a pair of luxurious £995 Jimmy Choo Cece Ankle Boots. The dark grey velvet suede shoes perfectly complemented her sophisticated ensemble, which included cropped trousers and a reworn checkered blazer from her favoured brand, Catherine Walker.
A Royal Pub Crawl Through London's Craft Beer Hub
Accompanied by her husband, Prince William, the future Queen was in high spirits as the couple embarked on a royal pub crawl, learning about beer production and even pouring pints. Their journey along the Bermondsey Beer Mile, a famous walking route featuring over twenty craft breweries, taprooms, and bottle shops, began at the Southwark Brewing Company. Founded in 2014 by Peter Jackson, this brewery was among the first five establishments on the mile, boasting a 10-barrel setup and a hand-built taproom.
Here, Kate peered into a giant brewhouse kettle, stirred ingredients, and engaged with the brewing process. The royal pair then visited Fabal Beerhall, the latest venture from Hiver Beers, an independent, female-owned brewer committed to using exclusively British ingredients. The Beer Mile itself originated in 2009 when the Kernel Brewery established itself under railway arches near London Bridge, sparking a craft beer revolution in the area.
Surprise Appearance at Borough Market
Earlier in the day, William and Catherine made a surprise appearance at Borough Market, one of London's oldest food markets, where they served crumble and custard to unsuspecting shoppers. The Princess chopped cheese and made coffee for her husband, who humorously suggested a market stall could sell her brew. Crowds of Londoners and tourists, visibly shocked to see the future King and Queen, thronged around them, capturing photos on their phones without the presence of security barriers.
At Trethowan Brothers, an award-winning family cheesemakers' stall operating since 1998, both royals tried their hand at slicing Pitchfork Cheddar. Owner Todd Trethowan noted they were "big cheese fans" and praised their natural skills, adding they were particularly interested in the blossoming success of the British cheese industry. The stall is renowned for cheeses like Gorwydd Caerphilly, a raw milk cheese that has won multiple awards, including "super gold" at the World Cheese Awards 2022/23.
Supporting Social Enterprises and Showcasing Culinary Skills
The couple also stopped at Change Please, a social enterprise that supports people experiencing homelessness through barista training and comprehensive support. Prince William expressed interest in getting their coffee into royal palaces, specifically mentioning Windsor Castle, while Kate eagerly learned to grind and pour coffee, proudly presenting a cup to her husband. Although he noted it wasn't decaf, she carried it around the market, taking a sip herself.
Their final stop was at Humble Crumble, a dessert business that grew from a single market stall into a multi-location enterprise with a large social media following. Greeting founder Kim Innes enthusiastically, Kate mentioned she had watched her on Masterchef the previous night. Donning aprons, William ladled fruit and crumble, and Catherine added custard, piped pink marshmallow fluff, and sprinkled toppings. Gabriel Unger, the company's chief executive, joked they would "pass their trial shift" and be offered a job, praising Catherine's "brilliant job" and natural piping skills.
Sophisticated Style and Upcoming Engagements
Throughout the day, Kate's fashion choices reflected her elegant yet practical approach. She paired her Jimmy Choo boots with a blue "Boyfriend" blouse from WNU (With Nothing Underneath), retailing for £95, and accessorised with Cartier's £3,200 Trinity earrings, keeping her hair and makeup simple and sophisticated. Kensington Palace explained that the programme was built around the River Thames, highlighting its central role in London communities and trade.
Later, William and Catherine travelled upstream by boat to the RNLI Tower Lifeboat Station, where they learned about the crews' lifesaving work along the Thames. This visit coincides with the RNLI marking the 25th anniversary of its lifeguards, who patrol Britain's beaches and support major river events. Tower is the RNLI's busiest lifeboat station, operating continuously throughout the year, and the Prince last visited its previous site in 2016.
