Kate Middleton shopping at The Range is a massive PR win following the Meghan Markle ‘rift’ as it shows ‘she’s a wholesome, country girl who loves a bargain’ royal expert reveals

And Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, is no different.

Yesterday the mum-of-three was spotted loading up her trolley with festive goodies at cut-price outlet The Range in Kings Lynn, Norfolk.

But while shoppers were stunned to see the duchess at the DIY and homeware store, a royal expert has revealed it’s a smart move and massive PR win for Kate, whose been surrounded by negative reports about an alleged rift with Meghan Markle in recent weeks.

“By no means do I believe this was a calculated move by Kate,’ Royal Biographer and commentator Ingrid Seward says, “but it shows what a down-to-earth, wholesome, country mum she really is.”

Unlike sister-in-law Meghan, who's used to a life of Hollywood glamour and fame, Kate family-life, especially in Norfolk is far-more low-key.

“Kate definitely loves a bargain while the closest we’ve ever seen Meghan to the high street is when she was spotted with a shopping bag from Sarah Chapman, which specialises in luxury skin care products.”

“I don’t suppose Kate is out bargain hunting every day but she’s never taken on the mantle that ‘I’m too grand to go shopping’."

Kate's often been seen out shopping in the past.

Over the years, we’ve often seen Kate shopping at her local Waitrose (when she and William lived in Wales) or at Peter Jones when she is in London.

“Her and William have always said they want their children to have as normal a life as possible and that includes taking them shopping,” Ingrid continues.

“As parents they’re determined that the children experience the real world when they can instead of being hidden away in a 10-bedroom mansion.

“Kate has always gone out to the shops, it’s very normal for her – just like Diana, really.

"The late Princess was always seen taking the Prince William and Harry to shops on Kensington High Street.”

But Ingrid notes that The Range isn’t the sort of place where you’d see Kate's sister-in-law Meghan Markle shopping.

“We’ve actually never seen Meghan at a check out like Kate was yesterday and for some reason it would be far more surprising to see her sifting through the bargains at a store like The Range,” Ingrid says.

“We know that Meghan’s very attuned to online but now she’s been deprived of her blog and her Instagram, maybe she’s switched her online addiction from blogging to shopping so she doesn’t need to do a last minute shop like Kate.

“This is where the sisters-in-law differ.

"The general public still perceive Meghan as this untouchable, glamorous creature while Kate is more of a wholesome, country girl – she is far more relatable.

Meghan was once seen leaving a Heidi Klein designer beachwear store in London and was reportedly spotted at the high-end organic supermarket, Whole Foods.

Last month Buckingham Palace were forced to deny claims of a row between Meghan and Kate.

It all began when reports emerged that Kate allegedly slapped down sister-in-law Meghan after the Duchess of Sussex spoke rudely to royal staff.

Kate was also reportedly reduced to tears after Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress fitting in the run-up to Meghan’s May wedding.

But Ingrid says any tensions are now “water under the bridge”.

“The rift was a long time ago," Ingrid continues.

"I’m sure Kate’ll be bending over backwards to help Meghan through her pregnancy.

"Whatever her personal feelings are, I’m sure she’ll be giving her as much guidance as she can.”

Kate and Meghan are both expected to arrive at Sandringham today to begin the royal Christmas festivities.

The royals’ love of cheap Christmas Eve gifts saw Kate give Harry a “Grow Your Own Girlfriend” kit back in the days before he met Meghan.

And Harry once bought the Queen a novelty shower cap.

See Meghan Markle’s most expensive outfits of 2018, including her £400k Givenchy wedding dress and £140k pre-Christmas Erdem dress.

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