**Princess of Wales Delves into Eclectic V&A East Storehouse Collection in Stratford**
The Princess of Wales made a memorable and hands-on visit to the recently opened V&A East Storehouse in Stratford, east London, aiming to experience first-hand how members of the public can connect with the museum’s extensive collections. During her visit, Princess Kate explored the museum’s innovative “order an object” initiative, which allows visitors to select pieces such as paintings, historical furniture, books, and sculptures, and then privately examine them with the guidance of museum staff.
With her well-known passion for art and the wonders of the natural world, the Princess curated a personal selection of objects for her behind-the-scenes exploration. Her choices included an imposing William Morris sample book, a variety of decorative textiles, and a musical instrument, all reflecting her interest in nature and craftsmanship.
The V&A East Storehouse, part of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s multi-million-pound expansion, currently houses more than 500,000 items—from remarkable individual artworks to unique collections such as the Glastonbury Festival archive. The sheer breadth of the collection provides an exceptional opportunity for visitors to engage with cultural treasures that are often hidden from public view.
As a patron of the V&A, Princess Kate expressed her appreciation for the diversity on display. In conversation with Tim Reeve, the museum’s deputy director and chief operating officer, she remarked on the wide-ranging mix of the exhibits, saying, “It’s so eclectic.” She added that the act of displaying and curating such a diverse array was a significant part of the museum’s ongoing mission.
The royal’s appearance at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park venue saw her dressed in a crisp trouser suit and stiletto heels—a fashion choice that put her at odds with the location’s usual footwear advice, given the site’s distinctive metal grid flooring. Despite this, the Princess appeared at ease as she navigated the space and engaged with staff and their work.
Tim Reeve voiced his satisfaction with the day’s visit, noting that Princess Kate was fully engaged with the concept of opening up the museum’s storage areas to public scrutiny. “She really enjoyed seeing how we’re giving people a glimpse behind the scenes,” Reeve said, explaining that the Princess’s presence demonstrated how everyone – not just royals – could get privileged access to the museum’s treasures.
Among the items displayed for the Princess were objects of special historical and cultural interest. These included a dramatic musical instrument and the aforementioned William Morris textiles book, which Reeve described as “enormous” and a particular highlight. The Storehouse also boasts a remarkable array of memorabilia, including a drum kit once played by legendary Who drummer Keith Moon, examples of Queen Elizabeth II’s designer dresses by Norman Hartnell, and, from September onwards, the full archive of the late David Bowie, following a donation by his estate.
The visit was not without opportunities for hands-on learning. Princess Kate donned a protective glove to handle a 19th-century female riding habit, marvelled at its vibrant red lining, and examined an Alexander McQueen dress coat. Photographer Sarah Duncan demonstrated the careful documentation of ballet shoes worn by Alicia Markova during a 1934 production of Giselle, guiding the Princess through the technical process to ensure that every historical scratch and scuff would be captured.
Elsewhere in the building, the Princess engaged in conversation with Dr Christina Juan, Head of the Philippines Department at the School of Oriental and African Studies, who was researching 19th-century turban scarves woven from banana leaves. Dr Juan later described her surprise at the ease with which the Princess embraced the Storehouse’s ‘order and examine’ system, likening the experience to “ordering an Uber.”
The Princess’s visit once again highlighted her commitment to the arts and her interest in making culture accessible to all. The V&A East Storehouse exemplifies a new wave of museum engagement—blurring the lines between public and private, and offering an open invitation to learn, handle, and connect with the objects that have shaped the cultural landscape of Britain and beyond.