**Princess of Wales Gets Up Close with Artefacts in Groundbreaking Museum Experience**
The Princess of Wales has enjoyed a uniquely engaging encounter with British heritage, as she visited London’s newly opened V&A East Storehouse in Stratford. This innovative space, attached to the Victoria and Albert Museum, offers members of the public an unprecedented opportunity: the ability to request items from the institution’s vast collection for private viewing sessions. Princess Kate, a known arts enthusiast and patron of the V&A, embraced this “hands-on” approach, selecting a series of artefacts that reflect her personal interests in both the arts and the natural world.
During her tour, the princess explored the innovative “order an object” system, designed to offer visitors access to some of the museum’s 500,000 stored works. Whether drawn by curiosity towards a 19th-century musical instrument or awe at the intricate designs of William Morris, Kate experienced the thrill of handling history normally reserved for expert archivists or academics. The process involves requesting specific items in advance, which are then brought out by staff and displayed in a private room for the visitor to investigate up close – an offering that brings the museum’s treasures out from behind glass and within touching distance.
As she toured the facility, Kate was reportedly captivated by the diversity of the exhibits. In conversation with Tim Reeve, the V&A’s deputy director and chief operating officer, she commented on the sheer variety within the Storehouse, describing it as “eclectic” and reflecting on the important processes underlying curatorship and exhibition. The new storehouse forms part of the wider redevelopment of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, demonstrating how cultural spaces can breathe fresh life into modern urban areas.
Notably, the princess appeared unconcerned by the museum’s sartorial guidelines, opting for a chic trouser suit and high stiletto heels, despite signage recommending flat shoes due to the site’s distinctive metal grid floors. This choice sparked gentle amusement among museum staff, yet seemed a fitting reflection of her characteristically practical yet stylish approach to royal engagements.
The V&A East Storehouse serves as both a treasure trove and a working archive. Its catalogue ranges from iconic pop culture artefacts, such as Keith Moon’s drum kit, to regal attire—including dresses worn by Queen Elizabeth II designed by Norman Hartnell. Later this year, David Bowie’s legendary archive will also be made accessible to the public at this site, highlighting the institution’s ongoing commitment to preserving diverse elements of creative history.
Kate’s personal viewing included an intriguing selection of naturalistic items, a hefty William Morris pattern book, and a musical instrument, illustrating her attachment to both artistic craftsmanship and the environment. Donning a special glove for conservation purposes, she handled a vibrant 19th-century riding habit and admired contemporary couture, such as an Alexander McQueen dress coat, bridging centuries of design innovation.
During her walkthrough, Kate engaged with staff and fellow researchers, including Christina Juan of the School of Oriental and African Studies. Ms Juan was studying delicate 1850s Philippine scarves, crafted from banana leaf fibres, and recounted with delight the princess’s curiosity regarding the cloth’s unusual sheerness and production techniques. The accessibility provided by V&A East’s system impressed many, with Ms Juan likening the convenience of ordering historical artefacts to summoning a car via popular ride-hailing apps.
Museum officials highlighted the significance of the princess sharing this experience with the public. Tim Reeve explained that the Storehouse project aims to democratise access to the V&A’s enormous holdings: “What we want is for everyone to enjoy that same behind-the-scenes discovery that until now was reserved for specialists.”
The princess’s visit has brought attention both to the V&A’s innovative approach and to the importance of connecting modern audiences with the tangible realities of history and art. In an age where digital engagement often trumps physical interaction, the Storehouse’s hands-on philosophy offers a rich, tactile layer to the museum experience.
With new approaches such as these, the V&A East Storehouse stands to inspire a new generation of museum visitors—making the treasures of past and present not only visible, but touchable. As the Princess of Wales’s visit underscores, the future of heritage preservation may well lie in opening storerooms as much as galleries, and in welcoming curious hands alongside curious eyes.