Kate Middleton seen in Kensington for the first time since returning from the royal tour to Ireland

Kate Middleton made her first appearance back in London after returning from her and Prince William’s official tour of Ireland as she went shopping for books in Kensington.

The Duchess of Cambridge, 38, was pictured carrying a huge bag of books as she stepped out of the Waterstones store near her Kensington Palace Home on Friday. 

A source told MailOnline that the mother-of-three had asked Waterstones staff for history and military-themed books for children.   

Kate opted for a matching blue polo neck jumper and overcoat, which she teamed with a pair of dark denim jeans, loafers and a black bag on a gold chain.

The Duchess of Cambridge, 38, was pictured carrying a huge bag of books as she stepped out of the Waterstones store near her Kensington Palace Home on Friday

She opted for a matching blue polo neck jumper and overcoat, which she teamed with a pair of dark denim jeans, loafers and a black bag on a gold chain 

The Duchess was seen opening her own car door as she stepped off the busy pavement with the Waterstones-branded bag slung over her shoulder

As she carried the Waterstones-themed bag The Duchess was seen opening her own car door as she stepped off the busy pavement amid crowds of people.

Kate has a keen interest in the development of young children and could well have been stocking up on books for her own children; Prince George, six, Princess Charlotte, four, and Prince Louis, who is 11 months old.

In January, she launched the early years development survey, which aims to spark a UK-wide conversation on raising the next generation. She revealed that 10,000 people had signed up in the first week of its launch.

Prince William recently revealed that his children are fans of Room On The Broom by Julia Donaldson. It tells the story of a friendly witch who is threatened by a dragon.

While on an engagement in South Wales last year, he said of the book: ‘I read this to our children all the time.’

Ms Donaldson’s other popular book, The Gruffalo, is also read in the Cambridge household.

George and Charlotte are also familiar with Harry Potter. Kate revealed in BBC documentary Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70 in 2018 that her husband reads the fantasy series to them.

She said: ‘He reads Harry Potter and he can do all the different voices and I think the children really appreciate that.’ 

Kate’s outing comes just two days after she joined her husband the Duke of Cambridge at a special event in Tribeton, Galway, during their three-day royal tour of Ireland. 

The couple had enjoyed a clifftop walk, were shown how to play the Irish sport of hurling and met performers, young people and volunteers taking part in this year’s Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture events.

Kate has a keen interest in the development of young children and could well have been stocking up on books for her own children; Prince George, six, Princess Charlotte, four, and Prince Louis, who is 11 months old 

 In January, she launched the early years development survey, which aims to spark a UK-wide conversation on raising the next generation

Kate was flanked by a bodyguard as she stepped off the pavement in Kensington and climbed into her car

Kate and Prince William will make their first public appearance alongside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle since the latter couple announced that they wish to step down as senior royals when they attend the Commonwealth Day service on Monday at Westminster Abbey. 

Harry and Meghan have been carrying out a string of final public appearances over the past few days in the wake of their decision to spend most of their time in Canada and earn their own income. 

The service at Westminster Abbey will be broadcast on BBC One and and across the world.

The Queen used her Commonwealth Day message to praise the diversity of the family of nations whose blend of traditions ‘serves to make us stronger’.

Taking control: The Duchess did not need the help of her security team as she opened her car door

She had the Waterstones-themed bag slung over her shoulder as she got into the back of her waiting car

Kate was visiting the Waterstones book shop which is a very short drive from her home at Kensington Palace

Kate looked calm and collected during her shopping trips for books in Kensington on Friday

In her annual message, the head of state highlighted how global connectivity makes people aware their ‘choices and actions’ can affect the ‘well-being of people and communities living far away’ – and inspires many to be more careful with natural resources.

The Queen’s words will be printed in the order of service accompanying the Commonwealth Day service on Monday, which will also be attended by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and a 2,000-strong congregation. 

During the final day the royal Ireland tour, Kate and Prince William also travelled to the family-owned traditional Irish pub Tig Coili in Galway.

The duchess recycled her bespoke military-style khaki coat by one of her much-loved designers, Alexander McQueen, which she wore on a visit to Bradford in January.

Kate wore her hair in loose and flowing curls as she donned matching coat and polo neck while out shopping

Kate added a pair of velvet loafers for her shopping trip, which she made without her husband, Prince William

Kate is clearly a fan of Suzannah – she wore a white button-up gown by the British designer at Wimbledon last year.

At one point, Kate looked bemused and ducked out of the way as her husband showed off his impressive juggling skills with four white balls.

Kate appears to have taken to literal dressing – which involves turning up at an event and taking the theme of the occasion very literally – this trip, nailing the trend by selecting two green ensembles on day one, and opting for shamrock jewellery.

She also wore a khaki green Dubarry jacket for a a romantic clifftop walk in the Howth peninsula with William the day before. 

Kate and Prince William were in Ireland during the week on a three-day official ‘charm offensive’ to soothe post-Brexit relations between the UK and the Republic. The Duke of Cambridge paid tribute to Irish independence fighters (pictured, the pair enjoyed a stroll in the Howth peninsula east of central Dublin towards the end of their second day)