Kate Middleton spotted on rare solo shopping trip at her favourite eyewear brand

The Princess of Wales was spotted on a rare solo shopping trip in Notting Hill last night, visiting one of her favourite eyewear stores, Finlay and Co opticians.

Marking her gradual return to public life after her treatment for cancer last year, the latest sighting of Kate Middleton comes a week on from her poignant visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital.

The princess shared her diagnosis last January, with the hospital visit her most significant royal engagement in more than a year. Speaking with patients and medical staff, she expressed her relief at being in remission from cancer.

Adapting to life after treatment, the princess browsed spectacles at Finlay and Co on Wednesday evening. But, despite the casual outing, Kate’s outfit for the occasion was effortlessly elegant.

Styling a long navy coat with a tie waist over her go-to pair of Sezane mottled grey trousers (£130, Sezane.com), the princess accessorised the simple winter outfit with her checkered Aquascutum scarf (£160, Aquascutum-active.com), which she’s been wearing for more than a decade.

Something that is new, however, is the bag on her arm. Kate was carrying a small crossbody from Smythson (£850, Smythson.co.uk) in a luxurious dark taupe hue. The British luxury bag brand is a firm favourite of Kate’s, with various styles spotted on her shoulder over the years.

This also isn’t the first time Kate has shown her love for the independent, Italian-made eyewear brand Finlay and Co. On a royal engagement in the Bahamas, she plumped for the brand’s Henrietta light tortoise shell sunglasses (£150, Finlayandco.com), and has re-worn them at occasions like Wimbledon and the Royal Charity Polo Cup.

The princess stepped out the shop with a Finlay and Co bag, so it’s safe to say the mid-range brand has the royal seal of approval. As for what’s inside, stay tuned.

Kate Middleton just wore this burgundy polo jumper – and I’ve found a £15 alternative