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PRINCE WILLIAM AND HIS FAMILY WOWED THE CROWDS IN WARSAW
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge talk babies in Poland
The serious reason for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s tour of Germany and Poland is to build stronger relationships with European countries as Britain prepares to leave the EU. But the big question after the first few days was are they planning to add to their young family?
The topic came up during a visit to a start-up hub for entrepreneurs in the Polish capital of Warsaw, when Kate was presented with a pair of high-tech teddies for Prince George and Princess Charlotte. When she learned that the toys were designed to comfort newborns, Kate turned to William. “We should have more babies!” she said, laughing.
The bookmakers immediately shortened the odds on a pregnancy being announced before the end of the year to 4-6 on, meaning they think there’s a 60% chance it will happen.
“It’s a perfect example of why they make such great ambassadors for their country,” says one member of the royal party. “They are so natural and relaxed together, and so delightful as a family that people can’t help but love them.
“At the same time, they are comfortable tackling serious topics with senior politicians and fellow royals. William is really growing into his role as future king and Catherine is a highly intelligent partner. It’s a winning combination.”
“Internationally, William, Catherine and their children are the biggest guns their country can wheel out,” adds a friend. “That’s why they were asked to do this tour by the Foreign Office.
“This is soft diplomacy – a Brexit charm offensive in action. They’re brilliant at it.”
The stars of the show when the royal plane touched down were, inevitably, George (4) and Charlotte (2) – although he seemed
overwhelmed by the Polish red carpet and turned to his father for reassurance, while Charlotte clung to her mother.
“But they had a royal welcome at the presidential palace, with a nursery full of wonderful toys,” says the royal party insider.
With a tepee, a wooden bicycle, a rocking horse and a climbing frame to amuse them, the youngsters soon settled down, while their parents went out to meet a crowd of wellwishers gathered outside.
It was just one of the stops in a busy schedule that included visits to a former concentration camp and the theatre, as well as garden parties and museums.
Certainly, there are no visible signs Kate is pregnant yet.
Plus, she was seen trying Goldwasser, a traditional liqueur containing flakes of real gold. As she navigated an itinerary that brought together photo opportunities and high level relationship-building, she was slim and elegant in a series of designer outfits, including a fluted white suit from Alexander McQueen.
She was wearing it when she met the crowds who had gathered to greet her family – and used her easy humour to wow her starstruck fans.
“We love her style and her contact with people,” gushes student Magda Mordaka (21). “We were waiting for this visit from the very beginning. What would she wear? Would she bring the children?
“We were telling her that she is beautiful and perfect, but she said, ‘It’s just the make-up!’”
The highlight of the Polish tour was a white satin dress with a plunging neckline by the woman known as “the tsarina of the Polish fashion scene”, Gosia Baczynska – a compliment to the host country that did not go unnoticed.
“It wasn’t just tactful, it was a massive boost to Polish fashion,” says one of her fellow guests at a society garden party.
“Her patronage will make a real difference to the scene here, especially as she looked so beautiful and elegant. Accessorising it with modern pearl jewellery was like saying that Poland has something new and fresh to offer. It was perfect.”
William, meanwhile, took the opportunity to highlight the shared history and close relationships between Poland and the UK, dropping in the fact that Polish is England’s second most-spoken language.
The tour engagements were also chosen to emphasise what the countries have in common and included a Shakespeare play.
“Shakespeare’s plays were performed in Poland – and indeed in Polish – very soon after they were first staged in London,” reveals William.
The couple also accompanied two former inmates of the Stutthof concentration camp back to its site. Manfred Goldberg and Zigi Shipper (both 87), have lived in England since the 1940s and were visibly moved when the Cambridges left stones at a memorial to honour the 28,000 Jews killed at the camp during the Holocaust.
“They wanted to draw attention to the need to teach young people about this tragic episode in our shared memory,” according to the Holocaust Educational Trust.
“This is an extraordinary young couple who are using their influence to bring people together and highlight genuinely worthwhile causes,” says a former diplomat.
“They are maturing into a potent force within Europe and beyond. I look forward to seeing what else they achieve as they become more confident and influential.”