Kate Middleton makes surprise solo visit to Imperial War Museum for special family reason

Kate Middleton, 36, paid an unscheduled visit to the Imperial War Museum this afternoon, visiting for a reason close to her heart.

The Duchess dropped by to look at some of her family’s old letters, relating to the three brothers of her great-grandmother.

The 36-year-old looked elegant yet understated for the occasion, wearing a plain, structured dress.

Reflecting the sombre nature of the venue and visit, Kate’s dress was navy blue.

The dress was tailored and fitted, showing off Kate’s slender figure.

Protecting her from the winter chill, the dress had long sleeves and a high neck.

While it was relatively plain in style, the dress did subtle pleats in the skirt and structured, raised shoulders.

Kate paired the classic dress with a pair of nude, suede pointed-toe stilettos.

The shoes matched her small clutch bag, which appeared to be leather and in the same shade.

Keeping her look understated, the Duchess wore minimal jewellery apart from a watch, her engagement ring and a pair of drop-down earrings.

She wore her hair in its signature style, loose and curly falling down around her shoulders.

The dress was similar in style to the fuschia Alexander McQueen dress worn by the Duchess at the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.

Kate was visiting the museum to view letters related to her three great-great uncles, who all fought and died in the Great War.

She was visiting the museum to learn more about her relatives, and what they wouldn’t experience on the front line.

The Duchess also learnt about her great-grandmother, Olive, who served as a VAD nurse with the British Red Cross during the war.

The Palace revealed that the eldest Lupton brother, Major Francis A Lupton fought with the 8th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment in 1917 and was killed in action.

Kensington Palace said: “Sadly, each of the brothers was killed in action over a period of three years: Maurice in 1915, Lionel in 1916 and Francis in 1917.”

Kate seemed enthralled as she toured the museum finding out more about her family history.

This is the Duchess’ second appearance in two days, making a visit to a sports centre in Essex yesterday with Prince William.

For the special day, Kate braved the autumn chill in an outfit reminiscent of Meghan Markle.