Kate Middleton and Prince William Step Out for a Rare Appearance With Prince Charles and Camilla – Yahoo Lifestyle

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Prince Charles and Camilla and Prince William and Kate arrived for a rare joint engagement today, where they will be visiting a rehabilitation center for members of the armed forces. The foursome pulled up in two cars at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre in Loughborough just before midday to meet staff and patients.

Despite heavy hail before they arrived, the weather brightened in time for the royals to walk from their cars to the 300 million center.

Photo credit: Joe Giddens - PA Images - Getty Images

While all four royals have busy timetables of official engagements, it is rare to see a joint trip, and the visit reflects the importance of supporting servicemen and women to the royal family. It also offers a look at the monarchys future, with the two couples now holding the fort when it comes to duties supporting the Queen. With Prince Philip retired, Prince Andrew stepping back, and Prince Harry and Meghan forging their own path, the number of family members carrying out engagements has significantly fallen.

But those in the direct line of succession have demonstrated they are carrying on as usual, with several visits already announced for both couples for the next few weeks.

Photo credit: Joe Giddens - PA Images - Getty Images

Today they were welcomed by Captain Alison Hofman QARNNS, Commanding Officer of the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) and taken on a tour of the site.

They were due to visit some of the therapy areas and observe patients undertaking gym rehabilitation sessions. A stop at the prosthetics workshop to hear from patients and staff about the services available was also planned. A reception for staff and patients and the unveiling a plaque will conclude the visit.

The new 300 million Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, known as DMRC Stanford Hall, is operated by the Ministry of Defence and began admitting patients in October 2018. It took over from Headley Court in Surrey as the main rehabilitation center for the armed forces.

Prince William was patron of the charity raising money for the new center, and said at the handover: "I have seen the growth of an idea transfer into what we see today, and it is a rare and immensely satisfying thing to have witnessed.

The DNRC initiative stemmed from the 6th Duke of Westminsters idea to support servicemen. Gerald Grosvenor initiated a founding gift of 70 million. Following his death in 2016, his son Hugh and the Grosvenor family have carried forward his idea and the familys overall gift now stands at 105 million.