The Princess of Wales expressed her admiration for the texture and scent of freshly woven fabric during her visit to a textile mill in Leeds. The mill, which was once owned by her own family, purchased their manufacturing firm over six decades ago. The Princess, wearing a stylish green suit by Burberry and coordinating heels with standout gold jewelry, enthusiastically grabbed handfuls of newly woven Merino wool fabric and exclaimed her love for it. In a lighthearted moment, she encountered a mannequin named Oliver dressed in a King’s Guard military uniform made by the mill. She called it “amazing” to see the garment’s construction.
The royal mother-of-three enjoyed a tour of the factory and shared a laugh with a worker. The mill, A W Hainsworth, has a special familial connection to the Princess, as her ancestors previously owned a textile business called William Lupton & Co before selling it to the mill in 1958. For her visit, Kate Middleton donned a forest green trouser suit from Burberry that she had previously worn when hosting Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway. She accessorized with chic matching heels and chunky gold jewelry from sustainable brands.
A W Hainsworth, established in 1783, is a family-owned heritage textile mill that produces high-quality British woollen cloth, technical textiles, and iconic fabrics. It holds a royal warrant from Queen Elizabeth II. The mill supplies fabrics to renowned fashion brands like Chanel and Burberry, as well as emergency services and even Buckingham Palace guardsman outfits. They also created the fabric for Prince William’s wedding day uniform and Prince Louis’ jacket worn at King Charles’ coronation. During her visit, the Princess explored different sections of the mill, including where merino wool is processed and the dyeing area. She engaged with staff and expressed her recognition of a blanket design that she had received as a gift during a tour to Canada.
The Princess concluded her tour in the laboratory, witnessing new techniques and a fire retardant test. She also conversed with the mill’s staff and displayed her passion for playing the piano, mentioning how she uses green felt inside pianos to strike the keys. The Princess’s visit highlighted the mill as a successful example of the thriving British textile industry. The mill’s chairman explained to the Princess the comprehensive manufacturing process, emphasizing the worth of being able to share the story of their products with consumers. The visit ended on a high note, with the Princess’s genuine interest and engagement leaving a lasting impression on the mill’s employees.
Rachel Hainsworth, a seventh-generation mill operator, shared the family’s history and how the purchase of William Lupton & Co solidified their brand during a challenging time for the British textile industry. She discussed the mill’s continued production of collar meltons, a crucial fabric in suits, and how they prioritize sustainable practices and collaboration with academia. The Princess of Wales also learned about the mill’s efforts to educate and upskill young individuals interested in the textile industry. Overall, the visit showcased the rich heritage and innovation of A W Hainsworth, leaving a lasting impression on the Princess of Wales.
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