PRINCESS Kate was spotted on a solo trip in London’s Notting Hill this week shopping for glasses at Finlay and Co opticians.
The Princess of Wales, 43, was seen wrapped up warm in a long coat and checked scarf, and carried an £850 Smythson Mini Lytton Crossbody Bag.
While football fan Prince William cheered on Aston Villa in Monaco on Tuesday, Princess Kate was snapped entering the shop and chatting to the sales assistant.
The independent eyewear shop, which specialises in sunglasses and spectacles opened in 2019 – and has a second boutique in Soho.
It boasts rave customer reviews, with one online hailing it as “the best opticians I’ve experienced in my 40 years”.
It’s not the first time down-to-earth Princess Kate has been spotted popping to the shops.
In the past she has been snapped at budget store The Range and browsing kids Halloween outfits in Sainsbury’s.
It comes as the royal mum-of-three is making a gradual return to royal duties, following having preventative chemotherapy in 2024.
Earlier this month, Kate spoke of her “relief” as revealed she is in remission after her cancer battle.
She said: “It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal.
“I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”
The Princess of Wales made a solo trip to Royal Marsden Hospital in London, which she thanked staff for her “exceptional” care.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Princess Kate Middleton looks in ‘amazing health’ as she surprises patients with surprise solo visit to cancer hospital” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6367090518112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Kate revealed last March in an emotional video statement that she had cancer – just weeks after the King shared his diagnosis.
On advice of her doctors, the royal took a step back from royal duties last year in order to help her recovery.
This month, The Sun revealed Kate has planned a “gradual return” to front-line duties with royal fans warned not to expect the same “volume of work” as before her health crisis.
Although speaking in South Africa in November William said the couple had “trips” planned in the New Year it is understood foreign tours for Kate are currently “off the table”.
But the princess will be seen “up and down the country” with her work in Early Years being the “golden thread” of her engagements this year.
Last month, the Princess of Wales hosted her annual Together at Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey.
She was also seen on Christmas Day with the rest of the royal family at Sandringham as they headed to church.
The Princess of Wales is expected to be in attendance at this year’s Bafta Awards on February 16, after skipping last year’s event due to her health.