Prince William & Kate visited Hayes Muslim Center today, possibly empty-handed

Prince William finally got off his ass this week and made his first public appearance since St. David’s Day last Wednesday. William and his keen wife stopped by the Hayes Muslim Center in London today. They’re highlighting the work the center has done to fundraise for the communities affected by the massive earthquakes in Turkey and Syria last month.

While they weren’t entering a mosque, Kate still showed respect to Muslim culture by covering her hair with a black-and-white headscarf. The scarf is apparently from Pakistani brand Elan, and she bought the scarf years ago for their 2019 trip to Pakistan. Kate also “recycled” a McQueen dress in black. A respectful length on the skirt too – when in doubt, simply cover up.

The Hayes Muslim Center raised £25,000 for the Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal. William and Kate met with volunteers who raised the money, and with aid workers who have only recently returned from Turkey and Syria. Um… it looks like William and Kate turned up empty handed and they didn’t make a donation? Maybe I’m wrong – it’s possible that they donated via their Royal Foundation and the announcement will come later, but considering that they keep showing up to foodbanks and refugee centers empty-handed, I don’t think it’s some wild speculation that they also didn’t bring anything (financial or otherwise) for this visit.

Photos courtesy of Avalon Red.

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120 Responses to “Prince William & Kate visited Hayes Muslim Center today, possibly empty-handed”

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  1. Tessa says:

    Kate must grin at the cameras

    • jane says:

      the question is , did they make ANY donation, or is it always about her clothes gosh shes nauseating, and she looks tired get some sleep woman!!!

      • Sugarhere says:

        Like these two care about Muslims at all, or anyone else for that matter. Copykate really needed to emulate and ape the Duchess of Sussex’s 2019 visit to a South African mosque:
        https://tribune.com.pk/story/2064604/prince-harry-meghan-markle-visit-south-africas-oldest-mosque?amp=1

        As long as fixated Catherine Middleton duplicates Meghan’s life, I can only look at her lanky raggedy persona as a joke turned sour.

      • Startup Spouse says:

        They show up empty-handed because they truly believe their presence creates value for these organizations.

        I mean, don’t you see it? All that value they are creating *waves jazz hands wildly*?! That’s why they only spend 20 minutes at these places. Because that’s all they need. It’s so much value we can’t even see it because we are peasants! *manic grin*

        /s

    • WHAT says:

      Meghan was 📸 on daily smell in an all black outfit with a black and white 👜. Now copying princess of 🧱 had to do her cheap version of the look. The 🧣 is pretty I would wear it but funny she is in black and white and not matching will. Which can someone iron his clothes

      • Sam says:

        Omg yes!!!!!!! I just saw a picture of Meg from yesterday and she was dressed (almost) all in black!
        How sick can kate be that she had to copy that the next day! And that can’t be a coincidence. Nobody wore mourning clothes there except Kate.

      • Emme says:

        William insulting the people at this centre by turning up in casual, rumpled clothes as usual. Whilst all the other men wear smart suits as a mark of respect.
        William is a disgrace.

  2. Tulipworthy says:

    All I have to say is that is a beautiful scarf.

    • Seraphina says:

      Yes, it makes the entire outfit – well done to whomever chose it.

      • Becks1 says:

        It really is. A very pretty scarf with an all black outfit is a very nice look for this visit.

        In general, this is more of the kind of look Kate should lean into. Not necessarily THIS look, but overall something relatively simple or monochromatic with one statement piece. I wonder if she tried to add a big necklace or earrings or something and someone actually told her no.

    • Layla says:

      Most Pakistani suits I buy are because of the artwork on the scarves. For example Jasmin pK, insane!

    • LadyO says:

      Yes, it looks good. She looks much more at ease and the outfit suits her.

      • Sam says:

        Eh I don’t get it. I really don’t want to criticize superficiality, but she looks like the opposite of at ease. Her face looks totally bloated and puffy. And if you look at up close pictures: her lipstick is applied sloppily, the eyebrows are made up strangely and oddly and she has red spots on her face… Really strange.
        The scarf is very pretty! Unfortunately I can’t say anything nice about the rest of the outfit. And the non-transparent tights in the pumps don’t work at all!

      • tamra says:

        @Sam…I thought her face looked really puffy too!

    • Sunday says:

      It is a gorgeous scarf, but I do have to say that for someone who loves to cosplay, it would’ve been a nice nod if Kate had worn something Turkish or Syrian since the whole point of this visit was to highlight the fundraiser for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. To me it’s like she thought ‘whatever, Pakistan is close enough.’

      Also, why on earth does this woman with a wardrobe expansive enough to fit in several airplane hangars not ever wear boots? First it was the weird orange hose feet in Boston and now it’s mismatched black stockings and heels when a nice pair of boots would’ve looked great. It’s just weird to me.

    • MJM says:

      I like the look. Appropriate, respectful and flattering. William needs a kick in the pants. Would it kill him to wear a nice suit?

  3. jgerber says:

    Oh, no question empty-handed. Kate is probably delighted she gets to cosplay a Muslim woman. I’m sure that’s how she thinks of it, rather than a matter of respect for another religion. She understands only dress-up, not showing true tolerance and respect for other people.

    • Layla says:

      I’m Pakistani and I was kinda disappointed with the suits she wore. It was basically a full on Diana cosplay. The elan one which wasn’t even planned was the best one. she could’ve had so much fun and showcased some amazing designs. Honestly some of the suits I get to wear for Eid or if I visit a relatives house or attend a wedding you, guys should see the detail and artwork on the scarfs and Kurtas. Out of this world!

    • Betsy says:

      I am in agreement with both you and Layla. Muslim cosplay, but mostly Diana cosplay.

    • Nic919 says:

      She should have been called out on using British designers to make pseudo Pakistani looks during that tour. There was a Catherine Walker get up that was particularly egregious whereas the few Pakistani designers she used did the best work.

    • Original penguin says:

      Naw – she’s cosplaying Diana, not a Muslim woman here

  4. Layla says:

    They all seem to be out in full force today *surprise surprise* you KNOW w was incandescent about the christening and the titles bts. Remember the rage last time?

    • Kristina says:

      Gotta save face, am I right?

    • Becks1 says:

      YUP.

    • L84Tea says:

      Ding! Ding!

    • Roseberry says:

      I have a suspicion/theory about their recent ‘work’ – whenever there’s a negative story about them, e.g multiple homes, racist behaviour, copykeening they ‘coincidentally’ manage to do an appearance to counter that. So, visits to food bank, homeless centre and now Muslim cultural centre- I’m a Londoner with relatives I regularly visit in the Slough and Eaton area, all of these centres are within a 15 minute drive of Windsor. Are they pre listed on the court circular, or just thrown together the day before, hmm?

      • Pointillist says:

        💯 – it’s ramped up since Spare too. Last year they would go weeks with an appearance – that’s not work.

  5. Fly says:

    I’m sorry but she looks different? She looks older or tired? in these pics.
    2 events in a week must be exhausting her

    • Carrot says:

      She looks pregnant to me, but the reality of that?

      • Tessa says:

        I hope not . Will said he did not want more children in any case.

      • Lia says:

        Just because she’s not as photoshopped as usual and we can see her true face today, we shouldn’t immediately assume that she is pregnant. And I really hope she isn’t. The world doesn’t need more of these people!

    • SAS says:

      Right?! I am a hater but have been saying her face is looking great recently. This is… wildly different. The outfit is nice but I think she must be haaaaaating covering her mane- it obviously distracts from her face more than I ever realised! She definitely looks much older here.

    • Becks1 says:

      LOL that was my thought looking at these pics. She looks like hell. I said last week or the week before that its weird because in every event we see pics from she looks different, some from one day to the other. Some days she looks like this – exhausted or hungover – and some days she looks relatively fine. Some days her eyebrow is super wonky and the next day its fine.

      People were saying yesterday in one of the posts that had pics from St Davids Day that she and William looked old and i didn’t really see that in those pics. But I see it in these pics.

      also lets not forget St. Patricks Day is coming up. They’ll be “busy” until then and then disappear for a month.

      • Nic919 says:

        I think some of it relates to certain photos being photoshopped more than others. It used to be more consistent photoshop and Chris jackson specials, but now he isn’t always there and so that is probably why we are seeing such a difference.

      • Mary Pester says:

        The scarf is lovely but I think she was using it to hide the fact that her wiglets were having the day of! They must have been EXHAUSTED after all the spinning they did when she saw Megan looking her normal beautiful well dressed self, AND having to see and read the words “Prince Archie and Princess LILLIBET. Orrrrr did they get singed by BULLYAM’s incandescence 😂

  6. Seraphina says:

    I actually like this entire outfit – more so due to the headscarf. It helps cover her hair up – which always helps. I also like the way it was the length of coat and pulled it together.
    And even if they did help monetarily, it would be nice to see some outward display of support for the victims of the earthquake.

  7. Cessily says:

    Empty handed again? What do they actually spend the money in the Royal Foundation for if not to support the charities that they are patrons of and highlight? Is there any point in having it at all? I really would like to know.

    • Well as you know all they can offer is a handshake and a smile ( as manic as the smile is) so they did their job. What more can we expect from this pair.

    • BothSidesNow says:

      @ Cessily, it’s actually quite disgusting that these 2 grifters show up at all. They aren’t putting the necessary work in OR actually bringing forth the desperate need that the organizations that they visit to the forefront. It’s all simply playing dress up and gracing them with their mere presence.

      They both cause me to want to vomit every time they waste the time and energy for these organizations.

    • The Recluse says:

      I guess their presence IS the donation?
      They deign to show up with their photogs and that’s supposed to do the trick?
      Let the monarchy end with Charles.

  8. Snuffles says:

    This is the best Kate has looked in ages. Probably because we can’t see her wiglets.

    • Naomi says:

      actually i was thinking how obvious it is in these photos that she’s had work done! (likely not surgical, but botox & filler)

    • Tessa says:

      Kate is rather plain looking. She may have improved her appearance by cutting back on the makeup.

      • WHAT says:

        We’re into all black outside the funeral realm and wearing pantyhose with no holes this time-no matching will. Thought 🤔 it was against royal protocol to wear it any other time outside of mourning, but don’t let me digress. Length of coat is fine since CA came on the scene. You can’t mess up an all black look. So it’s decent and that’s all I got

  9. Rana says:

    Why does she wear a hijab? Not all Muslim women are veiled.

    • FancyPants says:

      I wanted to ask this too- why does she wear a scarf if she’s not that religion? Does that make it cultural appropriation or something?

      • Alexandria says:

        I’m Muslim and I don’t think she’s appropriating here. I don’t wear a hijab but I wear one when in a mosque. This is more of a shawl. Maybe she would have to enter the prayer area in the centre so she just donned one. Maybe they checked on the dress code so I will give her benefit of the doubt. I think she is presentable here.

        I will not give them benefit of the doubt on being empty handed or donating.

      • Ameerah M says:

        That isn’t what cultural appropriation is. The centre is a masjid. It’s respectful to cover your hair where prayers are conducted.

      • Becks1 says:

        I would not be surprised if for this visit, her people reached out first to ask what was appropriate and she was asked to wear a scarf.

        I also think she probably wanted to err on the side of being respectful.

        The woman greeting her is not wearing one as someone pointed out but she might have put one on inside.

      • Jais says:

        Unfortunately becks1, her team did not research who can shake hands with who. Lordy.

    • SarahCS says:

      Probably because her ‘diplomatic dressing’ is as shallow as she is and there wasn’t one national flag she could single out to base her outfit on.

    • Elise says:

      She isn’t wearing a hijab. She is wearing a shayla.

      I actually don’t mind this at all. Kate’s probably shallow reasons aside, many non-Muslim women wear a shayla out of respect in similar circumstances.

      • Eshe says:

        I actually think she looks good. The scarf is beautiful and glad she kept the rest of the outfit monochromatic. William rly not complimenting her at all. And yes, I think it was correct to cover her hair out of respect.

    • Layla says:

      Hayes Muslim centre is a mosque. They offer daily salah (prayers)

    • equality says:

      Interesting that she does when the one woman greeting her does not. She could have stood in solidarity with women fighting the restrictions instead of pandering to what the men demand.

    • Ameerah M says:

      Because it is a house of worship – they conduct prayers at the centre. And as a non-Hijabi Muslim woman, I would have covered my hair as well. We all cover our hair in masjids and mosques and during prayers.

    • L4Frimaire says:

      I thought the scarf was a bit much, because it was so long and obvious, especially since there is a conservative turn in Turkey and tension between staying secular and Erdogan’s government pandering to more conservative Islamist elements, including trying to bring back wearing headscarves, which were banned from universities and public institutions. I’m sure some would interpret her wearing it as a message and not necessarily a good one. But I digress. She was being respectful so it’s fine,but I’d just throw on a silk Hermès.

    • SourcesclosetoKate says:

      I noticed that too. It’s giving appropriation and COSPLAY, she can never say no to playing dress up.

      • Ameerah M says:

        Y’all really need to learn what cultural appropriation IS. Like the ACTUAL meaning of the term. Because this isn’t it.

    • Jaded says:

      Maybe those of you disparaging Kate’s outfit should pay attention to what the *Muslim* women on this thread are saying — it’s not appropriation, it’s a sign of respect as the centre is a Mosque and daily prayers are said there. Kate may be many bad things but wearing a head scarf is not cosplay, appropriation or playing dress-up.

      • QuiteContrary says:

        Agree, Jaded.

      • MaryContrary says:

        This. I’m no Kate fan, but she looks respectful here.

      • BQM says:

        Agreed. Same as putting on a scarf or shawl to cover the head and/or shoulders when entering some Catholic and orthodox houses of worship. I love to visit churches and cathedrals and always carry one with me. And the orthodox can be STRICT. Head covered, shoulders covered, knees covered, no shorts or jeans.

  10. Noor says:

    The royal charity foundations are very different from lets say Bill Gates or Warren Buffet’s philanthropic efforts where these billionaires used their own funds for their charity efforts. Whereas the royals are more into fundraising ie using their names to raise funds for charity,

    • BothSidesNow says:

      @ Noor, but they aren’t actually committed to raising funds. They are simply visiting for the sake of a photo-op and nothing more. No actual effort on their part raise ongoing awareness taking place in Syria and Turkey still today. IF they actually spoke out to for the benefit to these organizations that would be another matter all together. But simply showing up empty handed and empty headed has simply erased any “goodwill” of their visits.

  11. MrsCope says:

    Beautiful scarf. William looks like he has aged a ton. He better find a way to get himself together, because the incandescent, catatonic rage with a grin slapped on his not very convincing or flattering.

    • SarahCS says:

      The profile show of William looks like an Edward/Phillip combo, and not in their younger days.

      • Tessa says:

        Will did not inherit Philips good looks. He is more of a Windsor with Hanoverian features

      • Elise says:

        William looks straight up Hanoverian, especially in profile. Look at any one of the portraits of George III or his sons and you can see it clearly – particularly in his nose.

        On another note, Beatrice looks almost exactly like Queen Victoria.

        Those Hanoverian genes are strong.

    • Kit says:

      I do agree that William dare l say it looks unwell even frail maybe seems to have lost a lot of weight ? Kate is loving this new title although her kneels are far to high here please will someone anyone stop.sending this wannabee those stupid looking mini bags!!!!!

      Scarf is lovely and l.hope they donated

  12. Amy Bee says:

    Kate’s trying too hard. You’re only required to wear a head covering in a mosque. I look at this as her trying to show up Meghan as she never covered her head when she went to the Almanaar Muslim centre where the Hubb Kitchen is.

    • LadyO says:

      Haynes Muslim Centre is a mosque.

    • SourcesclosetoKate says:

      Yep. The lady greeting them didnt wear a scarf, expect the women who wear head coverings every day are covering their hair. She should have worn what Meghan wore yesterday for here. Though, I guess for kates liking that wouldn’t attract as much attention with the flats and all

  13. Jan says:

    Cain’s pants are so ill fitting in the crotch area.

  14. Eurydice says:

    Two unremarkable people – one is wearing a nice scarf.

  15. Tessa says:

    She may have been told not to go In for g u r n i n g and the exaggerated grins.

  16. Ameerah M says:

    As a Muslim woman who doesn’t wear a hijab, there are a LOT of ignorant comments on this thread about head coverings. Most of y’all don’t know what you’re talking about and/or are being offensive about it.

    • QuiteContrary says:

      As a non-Muslim woman, I agree, Ameerah. Sometimes it’s better just to read and learn.

    • Dee(2) says:

      Yeah don’t be so eager to bash them to not listen to what is being said. You know what my atheist self did when I went to the Blue Mosque? Covered my hair. Costs nothing to be respectful, every moment isn’t about making a stand.

  17. Curmudgeon says:

    I saw a clip yesterday of The Daily Show with guest host Marlon Wayans where he was making fun of the very, VERY bad wax sculptures of these two in a Poland museum – worth a look if you haven’t seen them – and the audience was laughing so hard just looking at it (side note: looks like comedy central uk took it down from its youtube channel already HA HA). Colbert has also been regularly making fun of the clownshow that is the coronation. Talk about losing America. It’s not about showing up on an episode of South Park as the British rags were desperately screeching about. These people are not serious and they’re not taking seriously, they have become the butt of the joke to be laughed at and deservedly so.

  18. SquiddusMaximus says:

    Well, it’s become clear that the sole mission of the monarchy is to perpetuate the monarchy, so it stands to reason that all funds must be saved for and applied to the monarchy alone. So, fancy button coats and grotesque displays of opulence = YES; refugees and unhoused persons = NO.

    To use a phrase I heard in a history podcast this morning, all funds must be directed to the IMPERIAL CARAPACE.

  19. Maxine Branch says:

    These folks are true to their brand. They are just worthless and a complete waste of the taxpayers time and money. Most comments here are about a pretty scarf. Wow. The best folks can do is compliment outfits because they surely have nothing else going for themselves.

  20. TheWigletOfWails says:

    The outfit’s fine. But does she have to pose with big blue in every photo?

    • atorontogal says:

      I came to say the same thing. In every damned picture, she is tossing her hair (in this instance, her scarf) just to show off big blue.

  21. L84Tea says:

    Another day, another fashion show.

  22. D says:

    Katia is looking very old in the face

  23. Likeyoucare says:

    Aww come on guys. Wearing scarf or shawl in a mosque is paying respect not cultural appropriation.
    I think catholic also wear headscarf in church (sorry if I’m wrong)
    It is okay to have an opinion but insulting religion is not good guys.
    Every religions have their own way of living and
    I do believe it musn’t be force if they didn’t want to follow it.

    • QuiteContrary says:

      Catholics use to wear hair coverings, but that was decades ago — pre-Vatican II.

      I remember as a kid in Catholic school that if a girl forgot her lace hair covering, the nuns would make her wear a Kleenex on her head LOL.

      Relatedly, our parish priest (who later married the nun who taught us music) was very into egalitarianism. So he insisted that we all wear the same plain white robes and plain veils for our First Communion. I’m no longer a practicing Catholic, but I remain miffed that I didn’t get to wear a fancy dress and veil like my sisters. I was robbed!

    • Nic919 says:

      It was mandatory for Catholic women and girls to cover their heads in church until Vatican II in the mid 60s. It has not been required since then and most women do not.

    • Emily_C says:

      Catholics do not wear head coverings in church.

      (Also at this moment, Iranian women are being arrested, abused, and murdered if they won’t wear a hijab, or don’t wear it what the morality police believe is “correctly” and said police feel like kidnapping and raping that woman that day, and this is leading to massive protests in Iran, so this soft sweet ooh it’s their culture let’s be nice about it thing does not fly with me at all.)

    • BQM says:

      To visit the Vatican and many cathedrals you need your shoulders covered. And don’t think about stepping foot in an Orthodox Church, at least in Europe, without multiple body parts covered. I always have a scarf or shawl ready when traveling.

  24. Lauren says:

    I have no problem with what Kate is wearing, including the scarf, but why is William the only one not in a suit?

    • QuiteContrary says:

      Likely because he couldn’t be bothered. He’s such a lazy git.

    • Feeshalori says:

      He’s also disrespectful to these organizations when he can’t bother to dress professionally. This man just doesn’t care.

  25. girl_ninja says:

    So now they’ve decided to support the Muslim community? Didn’t one of their sycophant accuse Duchess Meghan of associating w/ and/or supporting terrorist when she and the folks at the Community Kitchen put together their Together cookbook?

    Other than showing up what have Willy and Katy really done for this community? I would really like to know.

    • Ellyn George says:

      What has Meghan done. You should all lay off Kate

      • zebz says:

        She literally said what she did for the community in her comment.

      • Kkat says:

        And no, we won’t be laying off khate here.
        We were around when she helped to try to drive her pregnant sister in law to suicide.

      • Nic919 says:

        She helped get a cookbook published which raised thousands of dollars to permit the women at HUB kitchen to open their facility seven days a week.

        What has kate ever done that is that concrete. The answer is nothing.

  26. Amy Bee says:

    I must say it’s interesting to see William and Kate do these type of visits since they hardly had much interest in humanitarian work in the past.

  27. L4Frimaire says:

    This is a serious issue so not gonna knock them for showing up. I hope they highlighted ways to donate so others can help out. I think Kate’s clothes were a little heavy handed but I guess she’s trying to be respectful. If the Royal Foundation did donate, they should say so, and include links. Anyway, there is so much extensive damage caused by that earthquake so bringing attention to any groups that help out are a good thing.

  28. WhatKateHerselfSaidOnPageSix says:

    I’m seeing a lot Muslim approval but I’m just seeing this as one more opportunity for her to cosplay. Black women have called her out and it’s time for the Muslim community to do the same

    • Ameerah M says:

      Are you Black or Muslim?? Because I’m both and I would prefer it if you didn’t think you could dictate what EITHER community SHOULD or SHOULDN’T be doing. Thanks.

  29. Enis says:

    I am going to nitpick a bit because I am irritated at how she is wearing her headscarf.

    She didn’t even bother to wear her hair in such a way that her scarf would cover it in the back. The whole idea is to cover your hair, not just the top. Letting her hair hang out in the back is a bit disrespectful.

  30. C says:

    Yikes. This is the most exhausted and puffiest I’ve seen them look.

    • SueBarbri33 says:

      William looks just like Uncle Edward now. In a few years he’ll look like the Duke of Kent. When his looks went they *really* went. Too bad.

  31. TeamMeg says:

    From army fatigues one day to head scarf the next. When is it not dress-up day for this gal?

  32. swiftcreekrising says:

    So Meghan wore all black with a black and white handbag yesterday for International Women’s Day, and today Kate also rocked the monochromatic look with one black and white accessory? Coincidence?

  33. Saucy&Sassy says:

    Wails needs weights in the hem of the dress. I’m surprised she didn’t let the wind blow up her skirt and show off her hooha!

  34. HeatherC says:

    I always thought William’s wife had a nose job, maybe a push present for one of the kids, but these pictures just show how much make up she usually wears if she’s been contouring her nose that much!

  35. Elfje99 says:

    I am sorry, but I have to laugh when I saw her smirking around. More than a decade a royal and still don’t know that you don’t give as a female a hand to a muslim man. A bad kween in the making.

  36. jgerber says:

    Heather C, you’re right. Her nose is usually much slimmer, but in these pics, her whole face, including her nose, look puffy or fat. For such a thin woman, I wonder what’s going on with her face.

  37. Cathy says:

    I am surprised that no one briefed Kate on who she can shake hands with? I was surprised when she reached out to shake the Iman’s hand.

  38. Anyname says:

    Love the coat

  39. Alexandria says:

    These 2 look exhausted from plotting, leaking, scheming, exerting rage, and furiously copying Harry and Meghan. The poor dears. They need another house to escape to!