The Cambridges Conclude Mini-Tour At Windsor With The Queen

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's whirlwind 48-hour mini-tour of the UK came to a close at Windsor Castle this evening. The couple joined the Queen and members of the Royal family for a photo-call on the steps of the Equerries' Entrance, before meeting an inspiring group of people who will be working over Christmas away from their loved ones.

The mini-tour saw the couple make stops in Scotland, Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Batley, Manchester, Cardiff, Bath and Reading. During a brief speech last night William said, "Catherine and I felt that it was extremely important to visit just some of the heroes that have emerged this year, to thank you for all that you have done. You are the people that have not only kept our country going but have also helped warm all our hearts by showing us the very best of human nature."

It is thought it will mark the last opportunity for the Royal family to see one another over the festive period, with confirmation the Queen and Prince Philip will spend the festivities at Windsor Castle. There have been some reports they may be joined by the Earl and Countess of Wessex and their children at some stage. Prince Charles also plans to visit, though he and the Duchess of Cornwall will celebrate at Highgrove. Earlier today, the Cambridges confirmed their plans are still very much undecided. "We are still trying to make plans. It's difficult to know what to do for the best." It's thought they will choose either Bucklebury or Anmer Hall. Under current rules, three households are permitted to mix over the Christmas period of 23-27 December.

Her Majesty looked resplendent in a 'Christmas red' ensemble by Angela Kelly. There were multiple reports suggesting Prince Philip would join the photo-call, however I suspect it may have been a case of deciding on the day.

Her Majesty chatting to the Duke and Duchess; I expect she enquired about their trip.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex with Her Majesty. Edward and Sophie came from a visit to Woking where they joined volunteers to prepare meals at Moorcroft Community Centre. Foodwise, the charity they worked with, are working round the clock to delivery nutritious and hearty meals and have produced 30,000 meals over recent months.

The royals enjoyed a special performance by the Salvation Army band who performed Christmas carols outside the castle.

The Mail reports:

'Commissioners Anthony and Gillian Cotterill, Territorial Leaders for The Salvation Army in the UK and Republic of Ireland, also came forward to speak to the Queen who told them 'nobody's allowed to sing anymore'. Choirs are allowed to perform outside and Anne told her mother 'Oh, we can sing outside'.

Mr Cotterill said afterwards: 'The Queen was saying she was just so happy we were able to play some carols because she thinks this will be the only time she'll be able to hear carols, and she was disappointed we didn't sing.

'Sometimes we're playing musicians and other times we're a choir, at an event like this it's better to have the band as you can hear it for miles.'

The Salvation Army's Regent Hall Band, based in London's busy Oxford Street, played Hark The Herald Angels Sing and The First Noel for the royal family. Mrs Cotterill added: 'I did see the Queen mouthing some of the words – so that was nice.'

Afterwards, the other royals said goodbye to the Queen before making their way to a brief reception.

A tent was erected for the event.

The group of twenty guests included teachers, postal workers, a bus driver and refuse collectors from the Windsor area.

Rebecca English reports Kate asked a local teacher if she had filled out the 5 Big Questions survey:

'Kate and William spoke to Sarah Cottle, 49, headteacher of three maintained nurseries in Windsor and Maidenhead.

She said afterwards: 'We talked about Covid play, the children are starting to put masks on their dolls, making sense of the world around them

'Social distancing and that's tricky. The duchess shared that was really difficult and emphasised that you just can't with young children.

'She asked if I'd completed her survey which put me on the spot a little and the duke said "don't put her on the spot" and she laughed and said she'd had to chide her parents to get them to fill it in.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall -- in a lovely purple Fiona Clare coat -- also spoke to teachers about how their pupils have coped throughout the pandemic. The couple have been busily carrying out a variety of engagements of late. Yesterday, they attended a service in celebration of the 800th anniversary of Salisbury Cathedral. They've also recently carried out visits supporting the arts sector.

Princess Anne speaking to teacher Suzanne Hull.

The Countess meeting guests.

The Duke and Duchess chatting with attendees.

We've seen a selection of repeats from the Duchess over the past couple of days. Kate has a fabulous collection of coats and it's been wonderful seeing several of them again. That trend continued tonight with the return of the long, double breasted, bespoke Catherine Walker design she debuted in Ireland in March.

Kate wearing the forest green coat in March with a green Alessandra Rich dress.

Christine from Kate's Royal Closet identified Kate's faux fur lapel as a £65 Troy London piece.

Kate carried her black suede Alexander McQueen clutch.

The Duchess accessorised with the Queen's diamond pendant earrings. Kate has worn them on multiple occasions in recent years.

And the Duchess wore her Amaia Kids face mask in Kate and Millie print.

If you are just joining us, click here to read today's earlier post catching up on a packed day of festive appearances.

And that brings the mini-tour to a close. What was your favourite event and look from the trip? :)