Prince William & Kate Middleton First Autum Engagement, Royal Couple Opening Oxford University’s China Centre
Prince William and Kate Middleton are scheduled to travel to the University of Oxford for their first autumn engagement, who are set to open The Dickson Poon University of Oxford China Centre Building. Dedicated to students and researchers for China-related studies, the new facility is a part of St. Hugh's College. Thanks to generous benefactors including Mr. Dickson Poon CBE, who donated £10m for the £21m total cost of the building.
Confirmed by Kensington Palace, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge royal visit is scheduled on Monday, Sept. 8 where they are expected to take part of the Chinese ribbon cutting ceremony located at the courtyard of the building. Before touring the facility's interior, the couple will also meet St. Hugh's College staff and students who will be working and researching interest related to China.
The new state-of-art facility features 63 en-suite student bathrooms, a 100-seat lecture theatre, dining area and variety of conference and seminar facilities. Bringing together academics that are in different range of disciplines, the China centre contains a dedicated library that provides a home for books from the Bodleian Library's China Collection.
Preparing for her first solo trip to Malta, the news about the couple's joint engagement comes shortly after the Duchess itinerary was confirmed. Currently, enjoying their month-long vacation with Prince George in Anmer Hall, William and Kate are taking some time off before they will begin another season of royal engagements and public appearances.
Flying out to the Mediterranean country on Sept. 20, the Duchess will spend two days in the island nation as they celebrate their 50th anniversary of independence. Representing Queen Elizabeth for her first solo trip, Kate Middleton has a jam-packed schedule in Malta including paying a visit to St. John's Co-Cathedral in the country's capital of Valleta, where she is going to view two paintings of renowned Italian artist Caravaggio.
But before flying out to Malta, Prince William and Kate Middleton are busy planning Prince Harry's 30th birthday. Based on reports, Kate is collaborating with Harry's friend and nightclub owner Guy Pelly to transform Kensington Palace into a rave party hot spot. The 29-year-old bachelor will be turning the big 3-0 on Sept. 15 and currently busy with his Invictus Games that will kick on Sept. 10 to 14.