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William and Kate make landmark visit to Cambridge to honour Diana's charity

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have visited the historical university city from which they take their name. It is the first time the couple have travelled there together since they were decorated with titles after 2011's glorious royal wedding. Both were there to set up a shelter for Princess Diana's homeless charity, Centrepoint. Swathed in a stylish beige coat by MaxMara, Kate looked elegant and seasonal as she and her husband arrived by train to carry out their series of engagements. Her newly-cut fringe offset the look perfectly, although she confessed to being "not sure" about her locks, which were whipped around by strong winds.

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Between new hairstyles and the historic trip, it was a week of firsts, and the residents of Cambridge were suitably welcoming. Students at Caius College were spotted leaning out of their hall's windows to get a bird's eye view of the royals' arrival. A visit to the prestigious university – where William made a speech in the magnificent halls of the Senate House – was just one stop on a packed itinerary.  The VIP visitors also had front row seats to see a drama, music and dance presentation at Manor School, which receives funding from a Prince of Wales charity – the Prince's Teaching Institute – so teachers can develop their skills and methods.

During a walkabout between their various destinations, the young Windsors met with delighted well-wishers from their namesake city. Joanne Baldwin, 30, spoke to the Duchess as she meandered through the rustic streets and commented on her new hairdo. "I told her I loved her new hair style," she said. "She (Kate) said: 'I'm not sure about it. It's a bit windy today.' I said don't worry, it looks lovely."

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And the royal brunette was also left smitten by a younger fan – a seven-month-old baby who was born on the anniversary of the royal wedding. The child's mother Tessa Davies revealed: "She said how cute he was. He was due on their first wedding anniversary. His name is James William - the William was named after Prince William. I told her that and she said that was wonderful."

Undoubtedly, the highlight of the day was the inauguration of a new shelter for the Homeless charity Centrepoint, an organisation introduced to William by his mother Princess Diana, and with which the future King obviously has close ties. "I remember my mother taking myself and Harry to visit it when we were children," William previously said of the charity. "I was much younger, better looking and naïve then, but it helped to open my eyes to the world so many young people face."

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