Prince & Princess Make First Joint Visit as Duke & Duchess of Cornwall

More from Cornwall Live’s coverage. 

Henry Meacock, chief executive of St Petrocs, said: “They both demonstrated a deep knowledge of homelessness. They’re very genuine and have a keen interest.”

The royal couple sat with Henry, other St Petrocs staff, and two people who have benefited from the charity’s help.
Tanya Shrigley, 31, and Luke Chapman, 33, were both housed by St Petrocs when they found themselves homeless for personal reasons.

When William asked what were the main reasons for homelessness in Cornwall, the couple both replied “second homes”. There then followed a chat about holiday accommodation, high rents, and the unique housing problems people in Cornwall face.

The pair also joined a session for local mothers and children. 

The Duke and Duchess heard from parents about ways the center provides support for parents and uses play and creativity to promote children’s development.  

The Duchess also took part in dancing the Hokey-Cokey (known as the Hokey-Pokey in the USA). 

Here is a video of the dancing.

Kate, the Duchess of Cornwall appears to know all the moves to the Hokey Cokey! @KensingtonRoyal @DracaenaCentre pic.twitter.com/N1SC7Nd1lY

— BBC Radio Cornwall (@BBCCornwall) February 9, 2023

The Duke and Duchess also played a little table tennis. 

We return once again to Cornwall Live’s coverage. 

The couple then walked through an area used by a table tennis group. They weren’t due to stop, but couldn’t help themselves. Steve Simmons and Lesley Douce were playing table tennis as the royal couple walked through the building. Kate soon showed a competitive streak when she smashed a table tennis ball into her husband’s face, which she celebrated with a thumbs up.

Steve, from Falmouth, said: “I’m getting shaky thinking about it now – it’s very surreal to think we just played table tennis with the royal couple. William walked up and asked if we would like a game of doubles. We were chatting like we were just down the pub. I kept the ball going down the table and then Kate smashed it into William’s face. It was lucky I didn’t do that.”

A quick video.

A round of table tennis at the Dracaena Centre in Falmouth during the @KensingtonRoyal visit. pic.twitter.com/iqV7HjW1qU

— BBC Radio Cornwall (@BBCCornwall) February 9, 2023

A post on the Kensington Palace Twitter account noted, “What a brilliant place The Dracaena Centre is! With everything from wellbeing support services to early childhood groups, spaces for all sorts of sport and other activities, you can really see why the centre is so special to the community.” As the couple was leaving the Dracaena Centre, the Duchess was given flowers.

A shy youngster had a lovely bouquet for her. 

A wave goodbye. 

Now for a look at what Kate wore for the day’s engagements. 

She was in a coat that will look familiar to many readers. The piece is very similar to the Hobbs Celeste coat first seen in 2012 and worn several times after the initial appearance. Below, the Duchess of Cornwall today and the Duchess of Cambridge visiting Liverpool on Valentine’s Day 2012. 

The coat worn today is much longer than the style previously seen on the Duchess. It’s possible some of the fullness in the skirt has been eliminated. Below, the original Celeste, made of wool crepe and “adorned with leather stud fastening cuff straps and a matching belt,” per Hobbs. 

In addition to the longer length, there are subtle differences, including the pockets. 

Evidently, Hobbs was/is releasing an updated version of the Celeste. In October, Carly of Kate Middleton Style and Middleton Maven shared news that the retailer appeared to be planning a new version of the Celeste.

Beneath the coat, the Duchess wore a sweater first seen at a November 2022 rugby match. It looks like the Kiltane Scotland Cashmere Polo Neck Jumper($119).  

The Duchess was in a skirt that is not yet identified. Her belt looks like a ba&sh croc-effect (or alligator effect…?) in 100% leather, a style that is no longer available, with thanks to Middleton Maven for this ID. The Duchess wore a suede belt by the brand in 2022.

She also wore her bespoke Gianvito Rossi boots. They are similar to the designer’s Glen style shown below right, but with a much more pointed toe.