Kate Makes a Pre-Tour Salon Visit

Kate Middleton on April 20, 2011

Fame

While Prince William has been in Wales this week working and enjoying a low key birthday celebration, his wife has been busying herself with last-minute fashion and beauty preparations for the couple's first overseas tour.

With 11 days of engagements in North America ? from boat racing to black tie galas, the Duchess of Cambridge has had a busy week of appointments.

After reportedly stopping by the Alexander McQueen head office in East London on Wednesday, Kate was back to her favorite stomping ground on Friday afternoon, spending two hours getting coiffed with hair stylist James Pryce at the Richard Ward salon and going through hairstyle ideas for her first oversees tour with her husband.

The Duchess who has decided to style herself with the help of her own fashion contacts has taken time this week to make sure she is fully prepared in every way. "She is going through the program, having briefings and no doubt going through the wardrobe too," a palace source told PEOPLE.

Dressed in a demure black dress and large sunglasses, Kate slipped into the hair salon largely unrecognized before being greeted by a bodyguard and making her way upstairs.

Leaving Richard Ward two hours later displaying her signature glossy blow out, an onlooker tells PEOPLE: "She seemed so relaxed and smiled at everyone as she left. She didn't appear fazed by the people staring at her ? she was radiant."

Before the newlyweds embark on their tour, they've got an engagement that's closer to home: On Saturday, William and Kate will give out service medals to members of the Irish Guard in Windsor.

� With reporting by Simon Perry

Source: http://feeds.people.com/~r/people/headlines/~3/qvrGLtP7fSU/0,,20395222_20505498,00.html

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