The Cambridges in Cumbria: A Community Celebration & Concerns For The Farming Community

It was an away day for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they travelled to Cumbria to celebrate the resilience and spirit of rural and farming communities in the region.

Their first port of call was the market town of Keswick. There's been a great sense of anticipation ahead of the royal visit - the first to the town since 2009 when Prince Charles switched on the Christmas lights there. I found the nugget of information incredibly interesting; although there's quite a few members of the royal family active at present, there's so much to be done up and down the country - and across the UK and Commonwealth - a royal visit is very much a rarity in parts of England. I often say the value of these trips cannot be underestimated. A royal photographed at a place of business is invaluable, not to mention the level of awareness it can raise for small grassroots charities. It's an opportunity for the area to gain global exposure in the media, which lends support to tourism. Indeed, tourism is key to Cumbria's economy. Home to the English Lake District, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2017, the county welcomes millions each year.

Local town Councillor Alan Dunn told News & Star the visit was "great" for Keswick "It’s absolutely brilliant that Keswick is hosting their first visit to the county. It’s a privilege for us to have them." A spokesperson for St Herbert's primary school added: "It's great news for the town and the children".

Simon Perry shared a photo of the crowds before the royal arrival.

Keswick's history began in the Middle Ages when the area was conquered by the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Northumbria in the seventh century. The town was granted a charter for a market by Edward I in 1276 and has a history spanning more than seven centuries. The name is thought to mean "farm where cheese is made" or "cheese farm".

A panoramic view of Keswick and the surrounding area.

The Duke and Duchess joined a celebration focused on local individuals and organisations supporting families and communities across Cumbria. They spent time with volunteers including those from the local mountain rescue service, community first responders, young people trained as mental health first aiders and other organisations that have benefited from grants from the Cumbria Community Foundation.

The couple were delighted to see Max, Paddy and Prince Harry of Winterfell. We know William and Kate are fans of Games of Thrones and will have appreciated Harry's title.

It was something of a reunion as the Cambridges first met Max at the Buckingham Palace garden party last month. In 2006, Kerry Irving's car was hit by a truck leaving him with chronic neck and back pain. Assistance dog Max has been an invaluable friend to him throughout his journey.

More from the Mail Online:

'Mr Irving is now training his two other dogs, Paddy and Harry - full name is Prince Harry of Winterfells - to become therapy dogs. Speaking after his conversation with the Duke and Duchess today, Mr Irving said: 'When I said, "That’s Prince Harry", William laughed said, “Oh yes, this is the one you mentioned when you were down at the palace".'

Mr Irving continued: 'It was excellent seeing them and that they remembered us. They said that as they flew over the lakes they could see people sailing and kayaking and swimming. They said to me, "what you’re doing is getting people outdoors".' 

The trio with Kerry this morning. Mr Irving and his wife Angela hold walks in support of local animal charities. Click here to view their Facebook Page.

Afterwards, it was time for a walkabout in Market Square.

William meeting locals.

The video below has excellent footage of the couple sampling cheese at a local stall and meeting locals.

From there, William and Kate travelled to a traditional sheep farm in Patterdale.

They met members of the Cumbrian farming community and discussed challenges farmers are dealing with at present. They learned about peer support networks supporting those in rural areas and diversification in the sector.

Kate admired a young girl's plait and said "I love your plaits. I tried to do a plait on Charlotte this morning but it didn't really work very well". The little ones were hoping Kate would come in her Princess Elsa dress. The Duchess smiled and said "I'm sorry. I came in my trousers and my coat because I'm going to be meeting some of your sheep".

William asked the group if Brexit was a major concern moving forward. Chris Ship was with the couple for the meeting and reported on the discussion. "In a No Deal Brexit, the worse case scenario for farmers, William and Kate were told in no uncertain terms, is ’absolutely dire’: 40% tariffs on sheep, a fall in exports, and an end to farming subsidies from the Common Agricultural Policy."

More from his ITV piece:

'The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge aren’t here to cut some ribbon or open a new visitor centre - as royals are perhaps best known for - but they came to sit in a farm kitchen and listen to a group of farmers tell them what it’s like working high up in the hills of Cumbria.

Adam Day, from The Farmer Network said they were facing a perfect storm in the event of a No Deal Brexit. He spoke of the value of their animals halving, their European export market drying up and the subsidies from the controversial Common Agricultural Policy drying up and not being replaced. Farmers feel like they’ve been very low down on the list of priorities as politicians have tried - and failed - to find a way to leave the EU. "Brexit is the big worry", said Jimmy Brown, "it’s just the uncertainty." Currently, much of his lamb is exported to Germany, Spain and Italy. Jimmy’s dad Chris Brown added: "It’s always been difficult farming in the hills but we’ve always muddled through."

The couple got stuck in and offered a hand with sheep shearing.

William's turn..

Kensington Palace shared this very sweet photo of William and Kate petting the Browns' family dog Georgia.

The couple joined children for an environmental session on the Ullswater way.

Kate revealed she brought the children for a break in the Lake District over half-term. Despite their profile, it's great they can enjoy family getaways under the radar.  More from the Mail Online:

'During the nature walk The Duchess of Cambridge said she is immersing her three children in her love for the mountainous area of Britain's Lake District.

Kate, who has regularly holidayed in the area throughout her life, brought them for a family break in a recent half term holiday, and she told the crowd who came out to meet her and husband Prince William on Tuesday.

'She said that it was raining a lot and was a long way from their home in Norfolk, but they love it here,' one wellwisher lining the market square in the center of Keswick, Cumbria, said. 'She said that her children love coming here and walking in the fells,' Jack Mumberson, 11, from Ireby Church of England school, said 'She told us how nice the Lake District was and how lucky we were to live so close to the mountains.'

The video below is a wonderful wrap up of the visit. Kate discusses her trip with the children a few weeks ago, there's footage of the couple sheering sheep and gorgeous views from a hill above Ullswater.

For those planning a visit to the UK and considering spending a few days soaking up the scenic outdoors, Cumbria is a fantastic choice.

The mountainous rural county is home to an abundance of lakes and forests.

The Duchess opted for a smart casual outfit for the outdoorsy day in Cumbria.

The Duchess sported Troy London's Tracker Jacket (with thanks to Middleton Maven). The olive green £275 piece is described as: 'The ultimate throw-on summer jacket made from cotton drill. Beautifully finished inner with contrast binding in honey gold. The internal drawstring waist gives the option for a more tailored fit. Utilitarian pockets. Fastened with monogrammed bone buttons.' The Norfolk-based brand is run by sisters Rosie and Lucia Ruck Keene. Rosie is married to Prince George's godfather William van Cutsem, he and William are incredibly close friends.

Underneath, Kate wore her Fjallraven forest green Ovik sweater.

Kate wore her See by Chloe Leather-trimmed suede ankle boots. Made from dark-brown suede, they have tonal leather trims and logo-embossed heel tabs, and are set on a chunky tread sole.

And accessorised with her Kiki McDonough Lauren leaf earrings.

A closer look at Kate's pretty ponytail.

The Duchess also wore a white pie crust shirt and black skinny jeans.

For the final engagement, Kate changed into her Barbour Defence Jacket.

And Berghaus boots.

We'll see the Duchess tomorrow evening for the first annual gala dinner in recognition of Addiction Awareness Week, hosted by Action on Addiction and chef Skye Gyngell, and deliver a speech to celebrate the work of the charity.