Kate Middleton Visits Grimsby

The Duchess of Cambridge touched down in Grimsby earlier today and made three scheduled stops. Due to inclimate weather, The Duchess was a bit late as her helicopter could not depart on time.

The Grimsby Telegraph provided royal watchers from around the world with a Live UStream of Kate's arrivals and departures, and also updated their website with real-time information about the visits. It seems that, as always, Kate drew a huge crowd of admirers and well-wishers, and there was - predictably - lots of interest in Baby Cambridge.

The Duchess of Cambridge greeting well-wishers

When asked if she could feel the baby kicking, Kate responded "very much so." During time spent with an elderly hospice patient who told Kate that she "can't wait" for her to be Queen, Kate responded "You might have to wait a long time."

There's been much debate about this comment (see my Tumblr for details!), but I think she's probably right - The Queen Mum lived until she was 102, and at 86 years old, The Queen is still quite spritely. Prince Philip is also still on the go, which leads me to believe that The Queen may have another 15ish years in her reign, and that when Charles ascends the throne, he'll also reign well into old age. Of course, anything could happen, but here's hoping for long, healthy lives for all of the royals!

According to other royal watchers, Kate was 75 minutes late (due to the aforementioned weather delay), but spent an additional 100 minutes (nearly 2 hours!) in Grimsby.

The Duchess of Cambridge has left Havelock Academy. She may have arrived Grimsby 75 mins late, but she also ran 100 minutes overtime #gykate
— British Royals (@britishroyals) March 5, 2013

Cambridges' Upcoming Events

The Cambridges are getting back into the swing of things

The Duke of Cambridge is nearing the time where he must decide whether or not to continue on with his RAF career or to take on full-time royal responsibilities, and I don't think it's a coincidence that Kate's engagement schedule is ramping up.

It was said around the time of the wedding that Prince William and Catherine were granted a two year period of time from The Queen during which they could simply enjoy being newly-weds as part-time royals. William has maintained his full-time position as a Search and Rescue pilot for the Royal Air Force (RAF) during this time, while Kate has undertaken engagements on a part-time basis.

On March 5th, Kate will be headed to the seaport of Grimsby to make three stops, including one that is specifically in support of Prince Charles' charity, The Prince's Trust. The schedule of her visits is below (all times are GMT).

• 11:35am-12:15pm the Fishing Heritage Centre
• 12:20pm-1:10pm Peaks Lane Fire Station
• 1:15pm-2:20pm Havelock Academy

Kate will also be joining Prince William for the Irish Guards' St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 17th in Aldershot.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are to attend a St Patrick's Day parade by the Irish Guards in Aldershot on March 17.

— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) March 4, 2013

Prince William is a Colonel of the Irish Guards, and his much-admired black uniform is the Officer's uniform of that regiment.

Personally, I'm a huge fan of that uniform - so fingers crossed that we'll get to see it on the 17th!

Kate is also expected to announce at least two new patronages this month, and I expect that we'll see engagements with those organizations shortly thereafter.