Kate Middleton heartwarming visit to a 94-year-old local resident

Kate Middleton traveled to West Sussex this Wednesday to mark the 50th anniversary of a community minibus service for the elderly.

There was an interesting coincidence in the British Royal Family's schedule: just weeks after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle—the Duke and Duchess of Sussex—returned to the UK, Kate Middleton headed to the county that gives her in-laws' dukedom its name. The Princess of Wales traveled to Pulborough, West Sussex, on Wednesday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of a community minibus service that has become a vital lifeline for elderly residents in rural areas.

Kate Middleton arrived in the town aboard one of the West Sussex Minibus vehicles, where she shared one of the warm, personal interactions that often characterize her visits. The Princess accompanied Stella Drewett—a 94-year-old and new user of the service—from her home to the minibus that takes her shopping and to a weekly Wednesday lunch gathering at the Pulborough parish hall each week.

Dressed in a grey ensemble featuring an oversized coat, a pussy-bow blouse, and burgundy heels, Kate walked up to Drewett’s front door and greeted her with a cheerful "Good morning." She then walked alongside her as she moved through the garden with her walker, offering a helping hand. "Well done," the Princess said when the woman reached the vehicle, positioning herself behind her as she boarded to ensure she did so safely.

The meeting served to highlight the work of West Sussex Minibus, a service run entirely by volunteers that helps elderly residents and neighbors who struggle to access public transport get around. What began half a century ago with a single vehicle now boasts a fleet of eleven minibuses, 284 volunteers, and eight departure points across the county.

Kate’s visit concluded at the Pulborough parish hall, the venue for a weekly lunch for seniors. There, the Princess spoke with service users and volunteers, learning firsthand how community transport helps combat isolation and enables older people to maintain their independence.

Amidst the minibuses, local residents, and volunteers, Kate continued her official schedule, once again turning a public engagement into an occasion for genuine connection. For now, the Prince and Princess of Wales's relationship with Sussex remains focused on the county itself, despite Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK.

Why did Kate Middleton visit West Sussex?

Kate Middleton visited Pulborough, West Sussex, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of West Sussex Minibus, a community transport service supporting elderly residents.

Who is Stella Drewett, the 94-year-old woman Kate Middleton visited?

Stella Drewett is a 94-year-old local resident who recently started using the West Sussex Minibus service to travel to shops and attend a weekly lunch gathering.

What did Kate Middleton do during her visit to Stella Drewett?

Kate accompanied Stella from her home to the community minibus, offered her a helping hand as she walked with her walker, and helped ensure she could board the vehicle safely.

What is the West Sussex Minibus service?

West Sussex Minibus is a volunteer-run community transport service that helps elderly people and residents with limited access to public transportation travel to essential destinations and social activities.

How long has West Sussex Minibus been operating?

The service celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2026. It began with a single vehicle and has grown to operate a fleet of 11 minibuses.