Although she’s unlikely to spend a great deal of time in the servants’ quarters of her own residences, Kate Middleton took a trip to the kitchens of Downton Abbey on Thursday.
The U.K.’s Duchess of Cambridge — due to give birth to her second child next month — visited Ealing Studios, home to many of the show’s “below-stairs” sets, including the boot room, kitchens and bedrooms.
On hand were Downton creator Julian Fellowes and executive producer Gareth Neame, plus castmembers including Michelle Dockery, Joanne Froggatt, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Rob James-Collier and Phyllis Logan.
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Lesley Nicol and Sophie McShera, who play Mrs. Patmore and Daisy, respectively, presented Middleton with a cake in the Downton kitchens, while 4-year-old Zac Barker, who plays Lady Mary’s son, George, gave the duchess a wooden train for her first child, Prince George.
The royal watched a scene being filmed and was given a tour of the construction workshop and prop store. But she sadly missed out on receiving a frosty reception from the Dowager Countess; Maggie Smith reportedly missed the event due to an illness.
“We are so honored to have had Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge join us on the set of Downton Abbey,” said Neame, also managing director of Carnival Films, which produces the series. “The Duchess is a great fan of the show so it was interesting to see her step into the world-renowned sets and see the characters come to life. She was so incredibly gracious to spend time with our actors and those behind the camera who bring the saga of the Crawley family to life.”
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