The embargoed engagement was kept under wraps until the Duchess arrived this afternoon.
The visit provided an opportunity to learn more about Kate's family history and to gain a closer insight into the role several of her relatives played, and gave their lives for, during the war. I thought the personal connection added another dimension to this engagement - it's a very appropriate time to highlight the museum with ongoing centenary commemorations taking place.
The Duchess viewed the ‘Weeping Window’ installation at the Imperial War Museum.
Comprised of several thousand ceramic poppies, the work was originally created as part of part of the ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ at the Tower of London in 2014, with each poppy representing a life lost in WWI.
William, Kate and Harry visited the installation at the Tower of London in 2014.
Before looking at the letters Kate took a short tour of the First World War Galleries, where she was shown elements that relate to the experience of her relatives.
The Daily Mail reports: "The IWM's director-general Diane Lees said: 'We are delighted that these documents are now part of IWM's documents archive. They provide a truly fascinating insight into what life was like in the trenches, and show the sacrifice that so many families made during the First World War. Our documents archive remains one of the world's foremost archives covering the personal experience of warfare since 1914. This latest acquisition will only enhance our collection and will be an invaluable resource to research into a conflict that still has relevance and impact today.'"
The letters and documents provide a fascinating and poignant account of life and death in the trenches. The letters are part of IWM’s Documents Archive, which allows a means to research, reflect and remember the extraordinary contribution and sacrifice made by so many families during the First World War.
The Duchess views several documents relating to her relatives’ experiences.
Kate was shown her great-grandmother Olive’s registration card. Olive and her younger sister Anne were both VAD nurses with the Red Cross during the war.
Olive Middleton and her VAD registration card.
The mother of three, 36, spoke about her great-grandmother’s experience working as a nurse during WWI, caring for wounded servicemen in a field hospital, during a February visit to St. Thomas’ Hospital in London.
“This campaign means a lot to me personally. My great-grandmother and grandmother were both volunteer nurses,” she said in a speech. “They would have learned first-hand from working with the Voluntary Aid Detachment and the Red Cross about the care and compassion that sometimes only nurses can provide.”
Francis Martineau Lupton, the Duchess's great-great-grandfather, had five children. His three sons Francis, Maurice and Lionel were all killed in action while serving during the First World War. Their sister Olive (pictured above), who worked as a nurse in the Voluntary Aid Detachment, is the Duchess of Cambridge's great-grandmother. She married Lieutenant Richard Noel Middleton, who also corresponded with the family during the war. The eldest brother, Major Francis Lupton, served with 8th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment and was killed by a bomb on 19 February 1917 aged 31. His brother Lieutenant Lionel Lupton, youngest of the three, had been killed in action only a year earlier aged 24. Lionel served with 28th Brigade Royal Field Artillery, spending significant time in the front-line trenches in France. Captain Maurice Lupton served with 7th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment and also spent time in the trenches, occasionally meeting with his younger brother, Lionel. Maurice was the first family casualty of the war and was killed by a sniper in 1915, aged 28.
The war brought devastating loss and tragedy to the Lupton family, who like so many others, endured the ultimate sacrifice. This telegram from Noel Middleton to the family, informed that Francis's body had been found: "Bad News Francis Body Found Near Taylors Killed Instantaneously Bomb Saw Norman Yesterday And Grave In Churchyard Writing Middleton".
The items include this field service postcard from Lionel dated 16 July 1916, where he notes that he is "quite well". Sadly, Lionel was killed in action on the same day, aged just 24.
"The King realises that this is the third beloved son you have given to your Country’s cause, and His Majesty trusts that you may be granted strength and comfort in the further sorrow which you have been called upon to bear." – a Letter of condolence sent on behalf of George V
The Mail Online reports:
'Despite the sombre nature of the visit, the duchess and her hosts were keen to touch on some of the lighter moments contained in the letters. In one of them, Maurice wrote about a soldier adopting a magpie as a pet. In another, he wrote home requesting a consignment of vegetable seeds.
‘A very Middleton thing,’ the duchess noted brightly. ‘My grandmother loved gardening. I’ve got a lot to live up to.’ Results have been mixed in the Kensington Palace vegetable patch, by all accounts. ‘You shouldn’t see my cauliflowers,’ the duchess added.
The duchess had never seen photographs of her three great great uncles – Francis, Maurice and Lionel Lupton – until yesterday afternoon. She was particularly struck by the family resemblance in young Maurice. The boys’ mother Harriet had died in 1892.Nor had she seen family heirlooms like the standard issue postcard from Lionel on July 16, 1916, telling his family: ‘I am quite well.’ Just hours later, he was killed by enemy shell fire.
‘It’s all so sad,’ said the duchess, her words tailing off.'
The Imperial War Museum was founded in the midst of the First World War with a mission to preserve and tell the stories of all kinds of people, not only from Britain but from the countries of its empire. They continue to do this work right up to present day conflicts, covering 100 years of experience throughout the Commonwealth. As well as permanent displays, they have a dynamic programme of temporary exhibitions, events and educational activities to help our visitors to get close to the lives of those affected by war and to develop a deeper understanding of its effect on the world.
A video from the engagement.
The Duchess wore her bespoke blue fitted dress by go-to designer Jenny Packham, first worn for the Cambridges' arrival in Canada during their 2016 tour. It's a beautifully crafted, tailored garment with gathered shoulders, a belt, and detailing at the collar and back.
A photo of the back of the dress taken in Canada in 2016.
Kate wore her trusty Gianvito Rossi praline pumps.
Kate carried the £495 Mulberry Amberley clutch (with thanks to the UFO No More team).
The Duchess accessorised with her diamond and sapphire earrings.
And Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.
Kate's Royal British Legion poppy brooch is the Women of the First World War Poppy Brooch (with thanks to Lauren). The £29.99 piece is described: "Designed exclusively for the Centenary year, this stunning brooch adds a vintage feel to the classic two petal enamel poppy. Plated with a gold tone and hand finished with brilliant baguette crystals, this charming brooch is the perfect way to support the Royal British Legion."
Kensington Palace confirmed the Duke and Duchess will attend the attend the Tusk Conservation Awards at Banqueting House on Thursday, 8 November.
