Kate's Touching Shrove Tuesday Visit to Oxford House Nursing Home

The Princess of Wales paid a special Shrove Tuesday visit to Oxford House Nursing Home in Slough today.

Located a mere fifteen minutes drive from the Waleses' Windsor home, it's an ideal engagement which can be carried out in plenty of time to pick up the children from Lambrook, and Kate spoke today about plans to make pancakes with the children after school. Whilst the family were based at Kensington Palace, we often saw their schedules organised in a London-centric manner. The move is very much lending itself to spending more time outside of the capital, which is an added bonus at this stage in their royal roles.

People often ask me, what 'makes' a royal engagement? That answer may be a little different for each of us. For me, it's very simple -- the ability to put a smile on someone's face, to highlight a deserving group of people who may be otherwise overlooked, and in today's case it's the visible joy Kate's visit brought the staff and residents of Oxford House Nursing Home.

As Kate donned a mask for the visit, it was a stark reminder of the unimaginable circumstances and lack of support nursing homes around the country battled during the pandemic. I've heard first-hand accounts which can only be categorised as horror stories. Amidst the devastation they dealt with, it was the courage and dedication of staff which shone a light on the fantastic people working in the sector -- many of whom were separated from their families for weeks to care for their residents at a time when they didn't have enough PPE and felt completely alone. We will never be able to repay our front-line heroes and though the news cycle and talking points have long since move on, there are so many of us who owe them more than words can say. Speaking about the mask, Kate said: "I thought we were over the masks. Just when we have got used to it. But it’s important just in case."

Kensington Palace said: "Oxford House is a family-run nursing home that first opened its doors to residents in 1980. The home provides nursing care for up to 34 residents, supporting them to live as full a life as possible, and prides itself on providing outstanding levels of care delivered within a homely and comfortable environment. Oxford House also operates a domiciliary care organisation, Oxford House Community Care, which provides support to enable people in the local area to reside safely and independently in their own homes."

A Palace spokesperson noted Kate learned about Oxford House’s use of "cutting edge, interactive technology to stimulate and enrich the daily lives of residents". This includes the use of an interactive sensory table which was purchased in 2020 as a creative response to the pandemic and associated restrictions, and a new interactive wall which will be used to support residents with dementia.

Then it was time for light-hearted laughter as Kate participated in making pancakes. Kate joked she was "really nervous" and said "this is how not to make pancakes".

People reports:

'Kate laughed when the pancake in her flying pan became stuck, using a spatula to separate it and then get it a little flip.

"I'm sorry," the Princess of Wales told one of the people helping to make the pancakes, according to a video shared on Twitter by The Sun's Matt Wilkinson. "I haven't done you justice."

Kate told a resident named Sheila that their family would be making pancakes together for the holiday.

"I either get pancakes stuck on the floor or on the ceiling, but the children are very well and we will be making our own pancakes this evening with the children," she said, according to Isabella Perrin with the Bucks Free Press.'

It was great to see the banter during the pancake making. We've all been there (in my case the first pancake in each batch is an unmitigated disaster...without fail :)) The press pack was standing around Kate, a photographer and camera crew, so it's quite intense. These off-guard, candid moments are always good to see and the atmosphere was one of joviality.

Kate described her pancake as a "congealed blob".

The Princess had the privilege of spending time with 109 year-old resident Nora Muchmore.

A video of the meeting.

Kate meets 109-year-old resident Nora Muchmore. pic.twitter.com/xVYsbZZio4

— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) February 21, 2023

Hello! writes:

'Kate was told that Nora had celebrated her birthday on 7th January. "That's two days before mine," she remarked as she tenderly rested her hands on Nora's knee. "Fellow Capricorn!" she then added with a laugh.

The Princess then asked Nora what her favourite thing to eat is. After some prompting, the older lady replied that she it was kidneys and Brussel sprouts.

"Oh kidneys!" Kate replied. "I love kidneys too!"

Kate spent time with residents and their loved ones.

The Mail Online reports:

'The princess sat down to play with Jean Wilkinson, 87, and admired her knitted toy mascot, John.

‘Hello darling,’ said Jean. ‘Who is this this? John? Your daughter knitted it for you. Well he must be very special,’ said Kate. ‘I’ve tried my hand at knitting before and it’s hard work. She [your daughter] is very clever. Will you say hello to her when you see her for me.’

She laughed as Jean rolled up her sleeve to play her at table football, after staff told her she was ‘the champion’ at it. ‘We’ll have a game shall we? How do you play this game? I’m used to playing table football with the kids,’ said Kate as she used a small inflatable rod to push the virtual football towards Jean’s goal. ‘You could be here all day here, couldn’t you? Well done Jean, you’re brilliant! You’ve given me a chance, haven’t you?’

A wave goodbye from the Princess as she departed. I do very much hope we see many more similar visits scheduled around the country.

The Princess opted for a camel and navy look.

Kate wore her camel Max & Co Longrun coat.

Middleton Maven suggests Kate's navy turtleneck is a Ralph Lauren piece. The lightweight piece is described: "Fine featherweight Italian cashmere and hand-finished seams add refinement to the iconic turtleneck jumper."

Kate sported her navy suede Emmy London Josie pumps.

And carried her Mini No 7 Poléne Paris bag.

A closer look at Kate's new earrings. They look quite vintage.

Embed from Getty Images

And on that note, enjoy your pancakes today. My other half surprised me with bakery pancakes earlier (the decision to do so, of course, has nothing at all to do what my culinary challenges as described earlier in the post :)).