Princess Kate keeps calm and carries on when ignoring rulebook

Princess Kate brought her signature elegance to East London on June 10 as she visited the newly opened V&A East Storehouse. 

During the engagement, the Princess took a stylish risk by stepping out in stiletto heels, despite the museum’s clear footwear warning.

Visitors are encouraged to wear practical clothing and flat shoes, with the museum’s website advising: "The metal grid flooring is not suitable for stilettos or kitten heels."

But ever the fashion icon, Kate chose to pair her tailored Alexander McQueen suit with Gianvito Rossi stilettos. 

Holding onto the glass railing as she carefully navigated the grid flooring, The Princess of Wales managed to avoid any missteps.

This marked Kate’s first public engagement since May 22, underlining her commitment to championing creative opportunity and celebrating the transformative power of creativity. 

Speaking with Tim Reeve, deputy director and chief operating officer of the V&A, Kate praised the museum’s diverse collection, calling it "so eclectic" as she stood surrounded by the vast array of objects, adding, "It’s all part of the process of displaying and curating."

Speaking after Princess Kate’s visit, Tim Reeve, deputy director and chief operating officer of the V&A, praised her genuine enthusiasm for the museum’s mission. 

"It’s clear today she really loves the idea of what we’re trying to do — to show the back-of-house world and give the public that behind-the-scenes experience," he said.

"While she’s been fortunate to see quite a bit of this side of things before, I think she really appreciated today that she was sharing it with the public. Everyone has the same privileged access to our collection, seeing the space just as she did."

The V&A East Storehouse houses a remarkable range of treasures, from a drum kit once played by Keith Moon of The Who, to iconic dresses worn by Queen Elizabeth II designed by Norman Hartnell. 

And starting this September, David Bowie’s extensive archive donated by his estatewill also be available for public viewing, further enriching the museum’s extraordinary collection.