The Duchess of Cambridge has made a visit to the Imperial War Museum to view letters relating to the three brothers of her great-grandmother who fought and died in the war.
The three sons of Kate’s great-great-grandfather Francis Martineau Lupton were killed in the space of two years while serving as soldiers in the First World War.
After a short tour of the First World War Galleries, the Duchess of Cambridge read letters of condolence from the Keeper of the Privy Purse at Buckingham Palace about her relatives.
The letters relate to Maurice, who died aged 28 in action in 1915 Lionel, who died in 1916 aged 24, and Francis, who was killed in 1917 aged 31.
During the surprise visit, the duchess also spoke to director general of the museums Diane Lees as they looked at a sculpture of cascading poppies called Weeping Window.
Kate also met historians and the fellow descendant of a First World War soldier at the London museum.
She styled a blue shift dress by Jenny Packham with a Mulbury clutch.
The visit comes after Kate, who recently returned from maternity leave, was embraced by a fan on Tuesday during a visit to Basildon Sporting Village to highlight the ability of sport to change lives.
The Duchess of Cambridge spoke out about teaching her children the value of showing affection, declaring that "hugs are very important" during her visit.
She arrived ready for action wearing a checked jacket, black top, matching skinny jeans and Cuban-heeled boots for the event celebrating their Royal Foundation's Coach Core project.
Royal fan Janet Emery could not resist hugging Kate when she met the royal during the visit.
The duchess could then be heard telling her admirer: "Thank you very much, hugs are very important, I keep saying that to my children."
During the visit, the duchess showed off her tennis skills, while the Duke of Cambridge tried his hand at javelin practice.
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They met young trainee coaches who have enrolled in the Coach Core project which uses sport to empower those not in education or employment.
Additional reporting by Press Association.
