The three royal leading ladies popped into the Queen’s grocer yesterday for a quintessentially English tea party – and came away with dog biscuits.
On their first official engagement as a trio, the Queen, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cornwall, perused the stands at upmarket department store Fortnum & Mason.
While Kate and Camilla appeared to delight in the confectionery, all three seemed equally thrilled to be presented with wicker hampers, stuffed full of luxurious items, including “hearty treats for happy hounds”.
In colour-coordinated outfits, all wore shades of blue for the family outing. Kate, who frequently turns to British couturiers, broke with this tradition and stepped out in a coat dress by Italian designer Missoni. The newest addition to the Royal Family smiled broadly as she was greeted by cheering crowds on arrival at the London store.
She later burst into giggles when she peered into her hamper to see the delicacies inside included a gift for Lupo, her cocker spaniel.
The three appeared enchanted with the baskets, each of which contained a variety of different items – including truffles, soaps and macadamias – selected specifically for its recipient.
Fortnum’s managing director Beverley Aspinall said: “Of course they all have dogs and we do want to think about what our customers like.”
Earlier, they enjoyed a tour of the shop floor where Kate confessed to a penchant for chocolate.
“I love chocolate, I think all girls like chocolate,” she giggled.
Camilla appeared to share her enthusiasm.
“What I really would like to try is one of those,” she said, pointing to the violet creams.
“But we aren’t allowed to. Maybe I could pop back later and get you to make me up a box.
“They really are very addictive.”
Staff later confirmed they had been warned against offering treats which could melt on the royal visitors. The Duchess of Cornwall, wearing a navy blue and white wool crepe coat and dress by Bruce Oldfield, popped a jelly bean into her mouth.
The visit also saw Kate express a keen interest in tea but she insisted her brother, James, was the bigger fan.
Meanwhile, the Queen, in a blue Angela Kelly military-style suit and matching hat with gold braid, looked at the honey and preserves.
Earlier, the group arrived to crowds lining the pavement outside the store, on Piccadilly.
In one area, protesters demonstrated against foie gras sales, while one activist dressed up as a goose.