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PICTURE perfect Kate Middleton reopened London's V&A Museum today after Covid forced it to close.

The Duchess of Cambridge put recovery in the frame as she stepped out for an Alice in Wonderland Exhibition as the venue welcomed its first visitors back for months.

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Kate Middleton visited London's V&A Museum today
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Kate Middleton visited London's V&A Museum todayCredit: PA
The Duchess of Cambridge with Tristram Hunt, director at the V&A
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The Duchess of Cambridge with Tristram Hunt, director at the V&ACredit: PA
She spoke to staff at the museum's Alice in Wonderland exhibition
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She spoke to staff at the museum's Alice in Wonderland exhibitionCredit: PA

Kate, 39, visited the museum’s Raphael Court, home to the Raphael Cartoons, following a nine-month refurbishment to mark the 500th anniversary of the artist’s death.

The Renaissance tapestries, painted by Raphael in 1515, have been lent to the V&A from the Royal Collection by The Queen.

During the visit, the duchess learnt about the gallery's new interpretive approach, which features an on-site digital experience, and how it will transform the way visitors view Raphael's work.

Wearing a face mask and a dress by Alessandra Rich, the duchess also saw the V&A’s landmark 2021 exhibition Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser, ahead of its opening this Saturday.

It features more than 300 objects spanning film, performance, fashion, art, music and photography.

The Duchess of Cambridge was given a guided tour of a series of works by the old master Raphael
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The Duchess of Cambridge was given a guided tour of a series of works by the old master RaphaelCredit: PA
Kate wore a black face mask and a dress by Alessandra Rich
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Kate wore a black face mask and a dress by Alessandra Rich
She was among the first to see two exhibitions at the V&A museum as it opened to the public
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She was among the first to see two exhibitions at the V&A museum as it opened to the public
The duchess is royal patron of the cultural attraction in central London
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The duchess is royal patron of the cultural attraction in central LondonCredit: Twitter

Visitors can delve into the origins, adaptations and reinventions of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll over 158 years.

It explores the cultural impact on Salvador Dali, The Beatles and Vivienne Westwood.

The V&A is the first museum to fully explore the cultural impact of Alice in Wonderland and its ongoing inspiration for creatives.

Kate, royal patron of the cultural attraction in central London, also chatted with staff.

The Duchess of Cambridge in the Alice exhibition with curator Kate Bailey
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The Duchess of Cambridge in the Alice exhibition with curator Kate BaileyCredit: PA
The immersive VR experience 'A Curious Game of Croquet' at the upcoming exhibition 'Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser' exhibition at the V&A
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The immersive VR experience 'A Curious Game of Croquet' at the upcoming exhibition 'Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser' exhibition at the V&ACredit: Getty
The V&A is the first museum to fully explore the cultural impact of Alice in Wonderland and its ongoing inspiration for creatives
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The V&A is the first museum to fully explore the cultural impact of Alice in Wonderland and its ongoing inspiration for creativesCredit: Alamy

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Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall toured a historic open-air market in Co Down on the second day of their visit to Northern Ireland.

Charles and Camilla were greeted by local schoolchildren as they arrived in Bangor this morning.

They then toured the town's market, which is in its 97th year, and met with various stall holders while inspecting the range of locally sourced produce.

Earlier in the day, Charles and Camilla met with staff at Hillsborough Castle and signed the visitors' book.

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A psychedelic Mad Hatter's tea party with colourful light projectionsCredit: Alamy
A Virtual Reality station, developed in collaboration with HTC VIVE Arts, invites visitors to play flamingo croquet
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A Virtual Reality station, developed in collaboration with HTC VIVE Arts, invites visitors to play flamingo croquetCredit: Alamy
The 'Infinity' dress by Iris von Herpen and 'Omniverse' sculpture by Anthony Howe
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The 'Infinity' dress by Iris von Herpen and 'Omniverse' sculpture by Anthony HoweCredit: Getty
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