Despite being on her summer break, the Princess of Wales has taken a brief pause to share a heartfelt message about the value of creativity and the stories that historic objects can tell.
This comes as her specially curated mini exhibition officially opens to the public.
As patron of the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), Kate Middleton has launched a personal display titled Makers and Creators at the newly opened V&A East Storehouse in Stratford, East London.
A Handwritten Note on the Power of Objects
Alongside the exhibition, Kate penned a handwritten message emphasizing how historical items can bridge generations and spark imagination.
“Objects can tell a story. A collection of objects can create a narrative. Both about our past and as inspiration for the future,” she wrote.
“This display celebrates our past makers and creators and illustrates how much historic objects can influence fashion, design, film, art, and creativity today.”
The princess visited the storehouse last month and was personally involved in choosing the diverse range of pieces now showcased.
A Curated Collection of Creative Heritage
Among the objects on display are a watercolor by Beatrix Potter depicting a forest glade, a 17th-century Qing dynasty porcelain vase from China, and a Welsh hand-quilted bedcover dated between 1830 and 1840.
Other highlights include a Royal Ballet costume designed by Oliver Messel, a 15th-century church tile from Somerset, a sculpture by Clemence Dane, a William Morris-era decorative screen, and an oil painting by George Henry Boughton titled A Woman Holding a Mirror and a Rose.
Kate’s note further reflects on the significance of the exhibit:
“Individual, unique objects can come together to create a collective whole that helps us to explore our social and cultural experiences and the role we play in the wider tapestry of life.”
The new V&A East Storehouse is home to over 500,000 works from the museum’s extensive collection. Through its Order an Object program, visitors can request to view specific items, including books, artworks, ceramics, and furnishings — bringing a more personal connection to the museum experience.
Kate’s Makers and Creators display is one of more than 100 rotating exhibitions featured throughout the space. The museum offers a self-guided, immersive experience that is open daily and free to the public through 2026. For those who want to visit after hours, late-night openings are available every Thursday and Saturday.
Ongoing Tensions Within the Royal Family
While Kate focuses on cultural initiatives and her ongoing recovery, royal watchers have turned their attention to unresolved tensions within the family — particularly the fractured relationship between Kate and Meghan Markle.
Following recent talks about a possible reconciliation between King Charles and Prince Harry’s teams, speculation has grown around the potential for mending fences between the two royal women. However, insiders suggest a reunion remains doubtful.
“Neither Kate nor Meghan seem interested in that outcome,” a royal source told Heat. “Kate feels very strongly about staying out of it all. As far as she’s concerned, she’s been through enough. Meghan’s checked out of the royal drama and doesn’t see the point in moving backwards.”
Reportedly, Kate remains guarded — especially after the fallout from the bridesmaid dress incident leading up to Harry and Meghan’s 2018 wedding. Initial reports suggested Meghan made Kate cry during a disagreement over Princess Charlotte’s dress. But in her 2021 Oprah interview, Meghan claimed it was actually Kate who left her in tears.
Kate is said to have been frustrated by how the story unfolded publicly, believing she had no opportunity to defend herself.
After a year focused on healing and recovery from her cancer diagnosis, Kate is thought to be extremely cautious about re-engaging in any royal conflicts, choosing instead to prioritize her health and family.