Kate Middleton is teaming up with an unlikely royal sidekick this week

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 25: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the Anzac Day Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey on April 25, 2022 in London, England. Anzac Day is the national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand marking the anniversary of the Anzac (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) landings at Gallipoli in 1916 during the First World War. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
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There is an unlikely royal duo preparing for a major first this week as they visit their two very significant patronages.

Princess Anne and Kate Middleton are two of the most senior members of The Firm so it might come as a surprise to some fans that they’ve apparently never teamed up for a joint engagement without being accompanied by fellow royals. However, that’s seemingly all set to change, with reports suggesting that within a matter of days Anne and Kate will be undertaking their first joint engagement with patronages close to their hearts. 

As reported by Hello!, the two royal women are set to visit the headquarters of the Royal College of Midwives and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists on April 27th. Kate, who took over Prince Harry’s patronages for the Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League earlier this year, is a Patron of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Anne, Princess Royal watch a flypast to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force

Whilst her aunt-in-law is the Royal College of Midwives Patron, with both based in the same HQ in London. According to the publication, Princess Anne and Duchess Kate are set to meet with representatives from Tommy’s National Centre for Maternity Improvement to discover more about what digital tools are there to support women with higher risk pregnancies. 

They will also reportedly be involved in a roundtable discussion with new mothers. The Duchess of Cambridge is known for her passion for early years development and has previously opened up about her method for “taking control” of her pregnancy health battles.

And whilst her visit with Princess Anne will no doubt be incredibly insightful, it's been claimed that it's also an interesting decision for them to team up as a royal duo.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (R) talks with Britain's Princess Anne, Princess Royal, (L) at a garden party

As reported by Express.co.uk, Pauline Maclaren, co-author of Royal Fever: The British Monarchy in Consumer Culture believes that there are benefits for both of them. 

“We have heard that Kate is going to be given more single duties to perform and who better to learn from than her aunt who has frequently been praised for her dedicated service,” Pauline suggested. “Kate will therefore benefit from Anne’s expertise and Anne’s work will gain a higher profile with Kate by her side.”

Princess Anne was the hardest working royal of 2020 and consistently delights fans with her unwavering dedication to her duties. Meanwhile, Kate is one of the most prominent royals, who's been stepping up even more in recent months and undertaking a huge number of engagements.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Royal and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace

In light of their distinct skills, their partnership could certainly see a brilliant collaboration between them. Pauline has also claimed that having these more unusual pairings keeps the family side of the British monarchy at the forefront of people's minds.

“Pairings like this also put the emphasis on the family brand elements of the monarchy and are likely to be seen more frequently to ensure the spotlight does not only fall on Charles and Camilla as its future representatives,” she stated.

Emma Shacklock
Senior Lifestyle Writer

Emma is a Senior Lifestyle Writer with six years of experience working in digital publishing, ranging from book publishing to magazines. She currently looks after all things Lifestyle for Woman&Home, Goodto.com, and My Imperfect Life.