Princess Kate's new hidden device for public appearances – did you spot it?


The Princess of Wales returned to sunny Wimbledon at SW19 on Thursday with a major outfit change that almost went unnoticed


Eleanor Dye
Eleanor DyeOnline Royal Correspondent
1 hour ago
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The Princess of Wales has seemingly begun wearing a nifty device for her recent public appearances. 

Eagle-eyed royal fans spotted that Kate, 44, wore a microphone during her recent Three Peaks mountain challenge at the weekend, and for her visit to Wimbledon on Thursday. 

The Princess had a small microphone pinned to her rucksack as she scaled the three highest mountains in England, Scotland, and Wales over 24 hours. 

She was seen with the technology once again at SW19, subtly pinned to the inside of her blue blazer, part of what appeared to be a linen-blend suit from Gabriela Hearst. 

Kate could be seen wearing a microphone under the collar of the blazer, above her white top© Getty
Kate could be seen wearing a microphone under the collar of the blazer, above her white top

One person noted on social media: "It seems like the Princess of Wales is wearing a microphone or small recording device."

Others speculated that it could be for an upcoming filming project or even a documentary.

Princess Kate's 'soft-spoken' voice and struggles with public speaking

However, the Princess has previously confessed to being soft-spoken and having a quiet voice, meaning people can struggle to hear her. 

During a reception in April to mark the 100th anniversary of the birthday of the late Queen Elizabeth, she confessed: "I find these environments are really hard. I've also got a very soft voice, so I always get told 'Speak up a bit louder!"

Princess Kate makes a keynote speech during the Shaping Us National Symposium in 2023.© Getty Images
The Princess of Wales has admitted people can find it hard to hear her (pictured 2023)

It means that she may be using the microphone to ensure she's heard better in the future. 

Speaking on HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast earlier this month, author Catherine Mayer said Kate does "very little" speaking in public and does "no confessional spilling". Instead, she chooses to work with "symbolic gestures". 

It's been reported that Kate had a fear of public speaking when she joined the royal family, but she's become more confident over the years. 

The Princess of Wales's busy week – from mountains to Wimbledon

The Princess of Wales has had a very busy week! 

Princess Kate in a baseball cap hiking up a mountian
Princess Kate took on the Three Peaks Challenge at the weekend

Last weekend, she climbed Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England, and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in Wales over 24 hours, and was greeted by her family, including husband Prince William and their three children, at the bottom. 

On Tuesday morning, as the rest of the royal family travelled to Scotland for Royal Week, she returned to work with an engagement out of the public eye, receiving Australian philanthropist Nicola Forrest for an engagement at Windsor Castle. 

On Thursday, she made her way down to SW19 to meet fans in the queue and children from Shine Camera Club, before taking to the stands to watch some tennis. 

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