**Princess of Wales Engages with Public at New V&A East Storehouse in Hands-On Encounter**
The Princess of Wales has brought a personal and interactive approach to her latest royal engagement, taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the newly inaugurated V&A East Storehouse in Stratford, east London. This distinguished site, which only recently opened its doors, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore objects often hidden from public view—and Her Royal Highness was keen to experience it first-hand.
Marking a refreshing departure from traditional royal visits, the Princess explored the museum’s innovative “order an object” system. This allows members of the public to book and handle items from the Victoria and Albert Museum’s vast and diverse archive, ranging from paintings and furniture to textiles and rare musical instruments. A private room is made available for these viewings, demonstrating a bold shift towards greater accessibility and inclusivity in the museum sector.
Displaying her enduring passion for the arts and the natural world, The Princess personally selected several exhibits with nature as their central theme. Among the items she examined were an ornate sample book of prints by William Morris, lavish textile rolls, and an unusual musical instrument, each reflecting her interests and the breadth of the museum’s 500,000-strong collection.
As patron of the V&A, the Princess spoke with Tim Reeve, the institution’s deputy director and chief operating officer. Standing among shelves brimming with intriguing objects, she remarked on the diversity of the collection, calling it “so eclectic”, and praised the museum’s efforts in curation and display. The visit was further notable for the Princess’s sartorial choice: she wore a sharp trouser suit and stiletto heels, disregarding the Storehouse’s advice for flat shoes due to its metal-grid floors.
After the tour, Tim Reeve commented on her engagement, stating: “It was clear that she genuinely appreciates our mission here—offering the public a window into what typically happens behind the scenes. This project is all about transparency, about inviting everyone to experience the collection on equal footing.” He added that while the Princess had previously seen much of the museum’s private holdings, sharing the moment with the public provided added significance to her visit.
Among the objects chosen for her viewing, Reeve highlighted the impressive William Morris sample book, describing it as “enormous” and ideal for browsing, as well as a striking musical instrument. He noted that natural motifs threaded through many of the pieces on display for her.
The Storehouse also houses an eclectic mix of artefacts, such as the late Keith Moon’s drum kit, elegant dresses crafted for Queen Elizabeth II by Norman Hartnell, and—soon to be accessible—the private archive of music legend David Bowie, courtesy of his estate.
The Princess’s tour began with an introduction to furniture designed by Roger Fry, a key figure in the Bloomsbury Group, accompanied by the V&A director Tristram Hunt. As the day unfolded, she donned a purple glove to delicately inspect a 19th-century women’s riding ensemble, marvelling at the vibrant red lining, and later viewed a striking Alexander McQueen coat-dress.
The experience encouraged interaction with museum professionals. Photographer Sarah Duncan demonstrated how she documents well-worn ballet shoes, once worn by Alicia Markova, remarking that even “scratches should shine” in preservation photography.
In an adjacent room, the Princess encountered Christina Juan, a lecturer from the School of Oriental and African Studies, who was studying rare Philippine textiles, including banana-leaf scarves from the 1850s. Juan explained, “She expressed surprise at how sheer the cloth was and asked if these techniques are still used today. I told her how easy the booking system was, just like ordering an Uber.”
By allowing such close encounters with its treasures, the V&A East Storehouse marks a remarkable step forward in making the arts more accessible. The Princess of Wales’s active engagement during her visit has placed a spotlight on this ground-breaking initiative, heralding a new era where royal patronage meets public participation in the appreciation of culture and heritage.