You’ve probably seen the headlines about Kate Middleton "becoming a curator," but honestly, the reality is way more interesting than a simple PR stunt. It’s not just about a Royal Patron putting her name on a plaque. In late July 2025, the Princess of Wales unveiled her "Makers and Creators" display at the newly opened V&A East Storehouse in Stratford, and it’s basically a peek into her own brain.
She's an Art History grad. That matters.
When she walked into that massive space in East London—which, by the way, is roughly the size of 30 basketball courts—she wasn't just there to cut a ribbon. She spent hours geeked out over the archives. The Kate Middleton V&A East Storehouse display is actually a "mini-display," one of about 100 tucked into the ends of the museum's literal storage racks. It’s a radical way to show art. No velvet ropes. No stuffy galleries. Just high-end history sitting right where the curators work.
The Secret Meaning Behind the Objects
Most people see a bunch of old stuff, but Kate’s selection is actually pretty personal. She chose nine specific objects. One that caught everyone's eye was a watercolor of a forest glade by Beatrix Potter. Now, if you're a royal watcher, you know the Potter connection is deep. Reports have floated around for years that Prince George’s nursery was decked out in Peter Rabbit themes.
🔗 Read more: Emma Thompson and Family: What Most People Get Wrong About Her Modern Tribe
It feels intentional.
She also picked a 1960s ballet costume from The Sleeping Beauty, designed by Oliver Messel. We know she’s a huge dance fan—remember her taking Charlotte to the ballet? Then there’s the Qing dynasty porcelain vase and a 19th-century quilted bedcover from Wales. That last one is a bit of a "nod" to her title, sure, but it also highlights the "piecing" technique that she reportedly found fascinating during her tour.
What’s actually in the "Makers and Creators" display?
If you're planning to head down to Stratford before the display ends in early 2026, here is the vibe of what you'll find:
💡 You might also like: How Old Is Breanna Nix? What the American Idol Star Is Doing Now
- The Potter Collection: Not just the watercolor, but a photo album belonging to Beatrix's father, Rupert Potter.
- The Textiles: A three-panel Morris & Co. screen designed by J.H. Dearle. It’s got that classic arts-and-crafts floral look.
- The Oddities: A 15th-century earthenware tile from South Cadbury Church and a sculpture of hands by Clemence Dane.
- The Fashion: That Oliver Messel costume is the showstopper. It was worn by Diana Vere, and it’s basically a masterclass in stage design.
Why the V&A East Storehouse is Different
The whole point of this place is the "Order an Object" service. It sounds fake, but it’s real. You can literally go online, browse the V&A’s 600,000-object archive, and ask to see something in person. For free.
Kate was reportedly obsessed with this. During her June visit, she spent way more time than scheduled looking at how the museum conserves things. She even identified a black and gold coat dress as Alexander McQueen on sight. No notes needed.
The display itself is written by her. The information sheet says: "Written by: Her Royal Highness Princess of Wales." She writes about how "individual, unique objects can come together to create a collective whole." It’s a bit philosophical, but when you see the 15th-century tile next to a 1960s ballet tutu, it kinda makes sense. It’s about how the past keeps poking its head into modern fashion and film.
📖 Related: Whitney Houston Wedding Dress: Why This 1992 Look Still Matters
How to see the Kate Middleton V&A East Storehouse display yourself
Don't expect a traditional museum. You’re walking through a working warehouse. It’s buzzy, it’s a bit industrial, and it’s totally free.
- Location: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford.
- Timing: The display is set to run until early 2026.
- Hours: They stay open late (until 10 pm) on Thursdays and Saturdays.
- The Pro Move: Use the "Order an Object" system before you go. If you want to see a specific piece of jewelry or a 100-year-old dress that isn't in Kate's display, you can book a slot to have a curator bring it out for you.
Honestly, the coolest part isn't even the royal connection. It's the fact that you're standing in front of things like the world's largest Picasso canvas (which is also there) without a glass wall between you and the art.
If you want to experience the display as the Princess intended, look for the "Makers and Creators" signage on the racking ends. It’s meant to be a self-guided trail. Take your time with the Beatrix Potter sketches—the detail is insane when you’re only inches away. Once the display finishes in early 2026, these items will likely head back into the deep storage of the 250,000 other objects, so it's a "catch it while you can" situation.