ARTHUR EDWARDS/AFP/Getty Images(CORNWALL, England) — Prince William and Princess Kate’s tour to Cornwall, England, took a U-turn Friday. The couple had planned to travel to the Isles of Scilly, but had to change their plans after their helicopter was grounded due to poor visibility and fog.
Not wanting to let the Cornish people down, the royal couple’s communications staff came up with an alternate plan so that they could still meet people on the southwestern coast.
“The Duke and Duchess’s visit to the Isles of Scilly has been delayed due to poor weather conditions affecting travel arrangements. They still hope to visit this afternoon if weather conditions improve,” the palace said in a statement on the amended schedule.
Instead the couple visited the Eden Project, an educational charity in Cornwall that is home to the world’s largest undercover tropical rainforest. The Cambridges and brother Prince Harry are longtime conservation advocates.
On Friday, William and Kate explored the grounds and were introduced to a “baby dinosaur” at the Eden Project’s “Dinosaur Uprising” exhibit, which stages prehistoric props in their environment for kids to learn about the creatures.
The Duke and Duchess meet one of the baby dinosaurs from the @edenproject ‘Dinosaur Uprising’ programme pic.twitter.com/D3REHlkzc0
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 2, 2016
It’s the tropics in Cornwall! We’re inside the Rainforest Biome – the world’s biggest undercover rainforest pic.twitter.com/9rc8UcAG2P
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 2, 2016
Kate, always the fashion trendsetter, was coordinated in blue, wearing her trusty blue blazer, her favorite wedges, a pair of blue-and-white printed pants from the Gap — which will likely sell out soon — and a gorgeous pair of sapphire earrings that matched her sapphire engagement ring.
The couple’s two-day visit, dubbed the “Royal mini-tour” ahead of their eight-day Canada tour in a few weeks, has sent them hopscotching across the Cornish coast.
The two received a rock star welcome Thursday as thousands of people lined the streets to catch a glimpse of their beloved future king and queen.
We’ve had a wonderful time exploring #Cornwall today!
Looking forward to visiting the Isles of Scilly tomorrow… pic.twitter.com/53snUh8kZT
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 1, 2016
Kensington Palace said in a statement that they had “a wonderful time exploring Cornwall” on Thursday.
Though the couple missed their morning itinerary on the Scilly Isles, the weather cleared up and they were able to salvage the trip and visit the Tresco Garden. They will also visit St Martin.
Thanks for the warm welcome on Tresco. Next stop St Martin’s – we’ll be there shortly! pic.twitter.com/PZRW4QeVxM
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 2, 2016
It’s now a lovely day for a walk on St Martin’s. pic.twitter.com/2k6a3XLFnE
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 2, 2016
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