The Princess of Wales told shoppers in Norfolk that she misses her eldest son, Prince George, and is looking forward to all three of her children coming home for half term on Friday.
Chatting to surprised shoppers inside a joint charity shop and café in the village of Hoveton, Catherine was asked how her children were getting on. Denise Ashton, 68, who was sitting with two friends when the princess came over for a chat, said: "She said she's looking forward to George coming home - she's missed him." She added: "They may be going somewhere (during the break)."
Prince George's First Half Term at Eton
Prince George started boarding at Eton College last month and will return home for his first "long leave" on Friday. His younger siblings, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8, also break up from Lambrook School tomorrow for a two-week half term.
While chatting to locals who had gathered outside the shop after word quickly spread of the royal visit, the princess asked children if they were on half term. One youngster told her that it was his last day, and she replied: "My children break up tomorrow and I can't wait to have them all home."
A Surprise Visit to Café 98
The princess's visit to Café 98, East Anglia's Children's Hospices' first and only café located within one of the charity's retail stores, was kept under wraps due to the café's small size. When she walked in, locals enjoying a cup of tea and browsing the rails couldn't believe the future Queen had stopped by.
As she headed over to the counter to greet catering manager Morgan Neary, a group of ladies called her over asking: "Do you want to see our shopping?" "Oh yes please," Catherine said, darting over to them. "Do you come in here quite a bit?"
A Treasure Hunt in a Charity Shop
Essie Landsborough, 75, who sat opposite Ms Ashton, said "yes" as she rifled through her carrier bag and pulled out a box of two port sippers. Looking at the boxes, Catherine said: "You never know what you're going to find [in a charity shop]. That's what's so nice. It feels a bit more like a treasure hunt."
Interrupting with a tone of surprise, Ms Landsborough said: "Do you go to charity shops?" "Yes I do," the princess said. "I love going round a charity shop. When I was up at university in St Andrew's, there were a lot of charity shops."
