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Kate Middleton revisits the moment that began her royal journey with Prince William


The pair boarded a boat at the river Thames, a throwback to Middleton's first royal outing


The moment represented a sweet throwback for Middleton's first public appearance as a royal© Getty Images
Maria LoretoSenior Writer
MARCH 12, 2026 4:57 PM EDT

Kate Middleton and Prince William are reminiscing about the start of their relationship. The royal couple recently honored the works of lifesavers, boarding a boat on the River Thames with the crews of the Royal National Lifeboats Institution. The moment was a throwback to Middleton's first royal outing. 

William and Kate were spotted aboard a lifeboat in the River Thames© Getty Images
William and Kate were spotted aboard a lifeboat in the River Thames

The Prince and Princess of Wales visited the lifeboat station at the Tower of London, and were taken out for a ride by the city's employees sporting the necessary gear, including yellow jackets, life vests, and baseball caps. 

In their visit, the pair met the station's manager, the duty crew, and learned about the ways in which they operate and how they conduct rescues. They also visited various famous locations in London, including the Borough Market, the Southwark Brewing Company, and more.

The moment represented a sweet throwback for Middleton's first public appearance as a royal© Getty Images
The moment represented a sweet throwback for Middleton's first public appearance as a royal

15 years ago, when Middleton joined William for her first outing as a royal, the pair visited a lifeboat station in Wales, representing their first official duty together before their notorious 2011 wedding. 

While they didn't board the lifeboat, they launched it and took photos by it.

Kate Middleton's reluctance to take on the title of 'Princess of Wales'

A book that was recently published explores Kate Middleton's relationship to the title of Princess of Wales, one she inherited after King Charles ascended the British throne. 

The book, titled "William and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story," revealed that Kate was initially wary of embracing the title since it was so closely attached to Princess Diana, with her not wanting to encroach on the legacy. 

The Prince and Princess of Wales visited various popular locations in London © Getty Images
The Prince and Princess of Wales visited various popular locations in London

According to the reporting, a meeting between Charles, William, and Kate played a pivotal role in her accepting the title, with her being reassured that while comparisons to Diana were unavoidable, she would be able to define the role on her own terms.

Since she's taken on the title, Kate has put an emphasis on her own missions, including working with ventures that support early childhood development, raising mental health awareness, and taking a hands-on approach with different communities. While there will always be parallels between Kate and Diana, the current Princess of Wales continues to chart her own path and has become a beloved figure within the world of the British monarchy. 

Kate and William during one of their first royal outings, in 2011© Getty Images
Kate and William during one of their first royal outings, in 2011

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