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Kate Middleton Wraps Up in All Green for Rainy Visit to Seaside Town with Prince William

The couple began their trip at the iconic Blackpool Tower, where they joined a roundtable briefing about the town's recent history

Kate Middleton and Prince William took a trip to the seaside on Wednesday!

The royal parents left their three children back home in London as they visited the traditional resort of Blackpool on the northwest coast of England.

Kate braved the rainy weather in a Sportmax green coat over a green printed shirt dress from Michael Kors. She carried her matching Manu Atelier bag and accessorized with green amethyst earrings by jeweler Kiki McDonough .

In the shadow of its famous Eiffel Tower-like structure on the promenade, William and Kate walked on the Comedy Carpet (in the style of the Hollywood Walk of Fame) that decorates the pavement with catchphrases and depictions of jokes, songs and stories.

Blackpool is in an area of the U.K. that has not had an easy recent history, as would-be tourists have taken vacations abroad and the town has faced regeneration challenges.

The couple began their day at Blackpool Tower, where they joined a roundtable briefing about the town’s recent history and the investment efforts underway there before heading out to meet members of the public.

Will and Kate paused briefly as they entered the tower to look at a large mirror that was unveiled by Princess Diana in 1992. As they were told about the history, William smiled and said: “Fantastic. Amazing.”

In a moving speech, William said: “Blackpool has always been one of the United Kingdom’s most loved seaside towns. It is famous for its beaches, its promenade, its iconic venues, and its stunning illuminations.

“But there obviously is a sadder side to Blackpool that we will see a bit of today, and we shouldn’t attempt to skirt around this issue.”

“In the 1960s, when short haul package holidays abroad began to take off, coastal resorts like Blackpool began to suffer,” he continued.

“As the British people travelled further afield, Blackpool, once a jewel in the crown of the British tourism industry, bore the consequences of economic decline, testing times and a wave of unemployment.

“Dispiritingly, those challenges are felt very strongly today, and they are more pressing than ever.”

Later, they visited Blackpool Central Library to take part in separate discussions focusing on issues close to their hearts. Princess Kate, 37, who has been focusing much of her public work on early childhood, met with those involved in “A Better Start,” including health visitors, practitioners from the Family Nurse Partnership and parents.

William, meanwhile, met those affected by problems around mental health, including issues such as homelessness and addiction. The former air ambulance helicopter pilot also talked with representatives of the emergency services and first responder community to learn more about how they are helping people with complex mental health needs.

Their final stop will be outdoors at Revoe Park, a community garden and park that has been renovated thanks to involvement from A Better Start.

The park had previously been a known location for drug use, in an area of significant deprivation, but a long-term community-led initiative has transformed it into an open space where young children experience gardening and the outdoors, as well as providing space and activities that allow parents, particularly men, to talk about mental health.

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Royal visits through the years

Earlier this year, Her Majesty The Queen became the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service. During Jubilee weekend people throughout the country will get involved in events to celebrate Her Majesty’s historic reign.

The celebrations have prompted our team to look back at some of the most memorable royal visits to the resort over the years.

Recently we worked with a group of history students from the University of Central Lancashire who delved into our collections to explore Blackpool’s first royal visit. Princess Louise and the Duke of Argyll unveiled a new section of Blackpool promenade, aptly named Princess Parade on the 2 May 1912. Not only was the opening day an immensely memorable day for the town, it also marked the beginning of the Blackpool Illuminations as we know it today.

Just over a year later, Blackpool received another royal visit. This was to be the first ever from a reigning monarch on the 8 July 1913. King George V and Queen Mary visited the resort during their Lancashire tour. On the day of the visit, Blackpool was in gala mode. Flags and banners flew, while residents and holidaymakers in their thousands assembled along the royal route from St. Annes. Cheers could be heard from the crowd as the King and Queen made their way to Gynn Square, passing the assembled school children on the middle walk. Back then to Talbot Square the royal car received a colorful welcome. Soldiers, Blackpool Artillery Territorial detachment, scouts, girl guides, Arnold House cadets and nurses assembled in the square, to welcome the monarch, surrounded by thousands of spectators.

There were similar scenes on the streets of Blackpool a quarter of a century later when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited the resort on the 17 May 1938. The King and Queen who were visiting the Fylde received a wonderful reception from cheering crowds of over 100,000. It was a day of smiles and cheers all the way.

However one of the most memorable Royal visits to Blackpool came in 1955. Wednesday 13 April, marked the night of the royal gala at the Blackpool Opera House. Her Majesty The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh attended the royal performance, rounding off a 12 hour day of engagements in Lancashire.

Royal Illuminations to mark the occasion were switched on in Church Street between King’s Square and the Opera House. The Queen had been particularly impressed by the gold and purple Illuminations which lit the final stage of her journey into Blackpool. After driving through streets packed with over 250,000 people and gracing the first royal performance to be held outside London, the Queen told the Mayor; ‘It was very beautiful and very wonderful.’

On the 22 July 1994, the Fylde was laying out the red carpet once again to greet the monarch for the first time in almost 40 years. This time, the royal couple were helping two famous Blackpool landmarks celebrate 100 years - The Grand Theatre and Blackpool Tower.

It was a day of sunshine and smiles as the royal visit became the crowning glory of Blackpool’s centenary celebrations. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Rossall school, were treated to a tour of the Grand Theatre and then became the first royals to visit the top of the tower.

The most recent royal visit to Blackpool was in 2009. An evening that will go down as one of the brightest nights in Blackpool history. With the Tower and Golden Mile lit up for the occasion and the Winter Gardens sparkling, as a laser show lit the building in preparation for the royal arrival. Monday 7 December marked the night of the 81 st Royal Variety performance. One of Blackpool’s biggest entertainment nights in 54 years, held at the Opera House in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. The evening was hosted by comedian Peter Kay and the sparkling line-up included Hollywood A-listers; Whoopi Goldberg, Bette Midler and Miley Cyrus. It certainly was an evening fit for a Queen!

Not forgetting other royal visits to the resort over the years, including:

Edward Prince of Wales , 8 July 1921

Duke of Kent , 21 October 1937

Princess Alexandra , 18 April 1962

Duke of Edinburgh , 1 May 1979

Prince Charles , 29 May 1981

Princess Anne , 2 May 1984

Princess Diana , 2 July 1991, 24 August 1992

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Uclan student project - princess parade 110 years.

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Prince William and Kate Middleton's trip to Blackpool revealed

We can't wait to see the royal couple out again.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will undertake one of their first joint engagements of the year next week during a trip to sunny Blackpool. Prince William and Kate will head out to the seaside town on Wednesday 6 March to visit investment and regeneration projects being overseen by Blackpool council. This will include a trip to see the iconic Blackpool Tower. During the engagement, the royal couple will learn how the resort is leading the way in tacking some of the social and mental problems faced by people in Britain today. Both William and Kate are keen advocates at promoting mental health awareness in particular, and launched the Head's Together campaign along with Prince Harry in 2017.

Prince William and Kate are heading to Blackpool next week

MORE: When royals invite us inside their homes

It's going to be a busy week for the royal couple, who will also be stepping out for a special royal reception the day before to mark the 50th anniversary of the investiture of the Prince of Wales. The Queen will be holding a reception at Buckingham Palace, which will also be attended by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Charles himself, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Princess Royal. Buckingham Palace have said that the special event will mark Charles' 50 years of service to Wales, the UK and the Commonwealth, and the investiture regalia worn by the Prince of Wales in 1969 will be on display.

READ: Olivia Colman's REAL name has been revealed

The Cambridge family recently returned from Anmer Hall after half term

William and Kate recently enjoyed some time off from royal duties during the half term holidays. The Cambridges headed to their country home in Anmer Hall while Prince George and Princess Charlotte had the week off from school and nursery, and it certainly sounded like they had a lot of fun! During their time away, George, five, and three-year-old Charlotte enjoyed a trip out to the swimming pool with Kate. According to the Daily Mail, Kate enjoyed a half-hour swim with her kids with a source telling the publication: "Both the children swam unaided and were super confident. They went under the quite forceful jets in the water. Kate politely asked us if it was ok for them to switch it on."

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Kate Middleton Visits Blackpool in the Pouring Rain Wearing Michael Kors

She's visiting the seaside town with Prince William.

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• Kate Middleton and Prince William stepped out in Blackpool on Wednesday for a royal visit in the rain.
• According to royal correspondent Emily Andrews , Kate and William's visit to the seaside town will include a "visit to the famous Tower" and a "walkabout on promenade."

After attending a special reception at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Prince Charles' Investiture, Kate Middleton and Prince William then traveled to the north of England to visit Blackpool . The royals have a busy schedule ahead, and will make several appearances before heading home.

Kate wore a Sportmax coat , Ralph Lauren boots, and a green midi shirt dress by Michael Kors , per Twitter user @hrhkatemeghan . The weather was poor and it started to rain heavily as the royals arrived. But Kate still managed to look flawless, as usual:

Per WhatKateWore.com , the duchess accessorized her look with her Manu Atelier bag , which she carried during her visit to Dundee in Scotland back in January 2019. The micro leather and suede box bag is available to shop in a number of shades and finishes.

Shop Manu Atelier Bags Like Kate's

Manu Atelier Micro Bold Leather Top Handle Bag

The royals both waved to fans waiting in the rain to meet them:

Royal correspondent Emily Andrews traveled to Blackpool to report the visit, and revealed on Twitter that Kate and William would be undertaking four engagements (one of which is embargoed), including a "visit to the famous Tower, walkabout on promenade, visit the library and a local park that used to be a druggie hotspot." That means the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have made the long trip to the north of England.

Andrews also explained that the duke and duchess would receive a "briefing" at Blackpool Tower, which is a famous tourist destination, before meeting "locals on the 'Comedy Carpet'"—another tourist attraction which features quotes from popular comedians.

Amy Mackelden is a freelance writer, editor, and disability activist. Her bylines include Harper's BAZAAR, Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Bustle, Healthline, and HelloGiggles. She co-edited The Emma Press Anthology of Illness , and previously spent all of her money on Kylie Cosmetics.

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Blackpool

The Duchess of Cambridge during a Royal visit to Blackpool. Photo credit should read: Doug Peters/EMPICS

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'We're getting the royal treatment!' Black Country residents thrilled by prince's surprise visit

Black Country residents got a glimpse of a right royal visitor when the Prince of Wales made surprise visits to a school and charities in the region.

Rowley Regis residents said they were both shocked and delighted to learn of the prince's visit when he arrived at St Michael's CE High School, in Curral Road, at around 10am on Thursday.

He made the visit after 12-year-old pupil Freddie Hadley wrote to him about the school's mental health campaign. The future king, who was wearing a dark-coloured suit, also visited the Woodgate Valley Urban Farm in Birmingham and Birmingham-based drug rehabilitation charity Betel UK on the same day.

Residents said they were "shocked" to learn of the special visit, saying they are "more than happy" that their town was getting the "royal treatment".

David Taylor, 45, of Old School Drive, said: "I actually didn't know about it until you told me. But it's fantastic isn't it? I'm not much of a royalist myself, but it's nice that we are getting the royal treatment for once.

"You wouldn't expect to see someone so high profile in this area to be honest. It's really great."

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The Royal Boston Hotel

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" Can get very loud with music & guest that’s been drinking all day & night "

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THE ROYAL BOSTON HOTEL - Updated 2024 Reviews (Blackpool)

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THE ROYAL SEABANK HOTEL

One of the most popular hotels in Blackpool is ideally situated on Central Promenade overlooking the Irish Sea, on the iconic Golden Mile, The Royal Seabank Hotel’s location is perfect whether you are looking for a holiday as a family, a couple or a sole traveller, when looking for great hotels in Blackpool our hotel should be your first choice. The Royal Seabank Hotel has 120 Classic and Premier rooms offering a wide selection of varying size and occupancy. Our hotel rooms range from single rooms to family rooms and everything in between. All rooms are tastefully decorated and have a light airy feel allowing you to feel at home.  Several rooms have magnificent views of Blackpool’s coast and The Irish Sea. Ideally situated on Central Promenade, we are a short walk to any of the resorts amazing attractions, including Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool Sealife Centre, Madame Tussauds, Blackpool Tower Dungeons, Blackpool Tower and the fabulous North, South and Central Piers. Trams and buses are available from directly outside the hotel for those wishing to venture further afield and visit Celveleys, Fleetwood’s Market or Affinity Shopping Village. The Royal Seabank Hotel provides nightly entertainment with our talented Compere's for you to enjoy, whilst you relax after a fun packed day. Introducing the very best of local talent for you to enjoy such as vocalists, musicians and comedians along with cash prize bingo, karaoke and much more.  

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33-39 king street, blackpool, lancs, fy1 3ej.

Famous for it's free and easy, with Terry on the organ, Martin on the drums. Afternoon and evenings in season.

33-39 King Street Blackpool Lancs FY1 3EJ

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