The Cambridges enjoyed a day away in Sunderland today, where they got to visit two of the city's major new developments.

First on the agenda was the offical opening of The Fire Station, one of Sunderland’s most iconic buildings, recently converted into a new arts hub for the city which houses a dance studio, drama studio, a heritage centre and a popular bistro, the Engine Room.

Young actors, dancers, musicians and writers who use the facility got the chance to talk to The Duke & Duchess as they were given a tour of the building.

The couple watched workshops and performances from some of the groups using The Fire Station, including a Bollywood dance.

They also met with some of the musicians from The Bunker and Pop Recs, as well as a group of young people involved in the Little Inventors project.

The Duchess received a temporary henna flower design tattoo on her hand, and took a bindi for Princess Charlotte's forehead.

The Duke & Duchess then traveled to the Northern Spire Bridge that runs over the River Wear and has been under construction since 2015.

At a height of 105 metres, the Bridge is the tallest structure in North East England, and is being constructed in order to improve transport links while also helping to improve the city's image.

William and Kate met with some of the workers involved in the £117million bridge's three year construction, before officially crossing the landmark bridge, which is set to open this Spring.

Ahead of their visit, the Mayor of Sunderland, Coun Doris MacKnight, said, "I understand The Duke of Cambridge takes a keen interest in engineering, so I hope he will find it really interesting."

The couple donned high-vis vests, hard hats and safety glasses to screw in one of the final few nuts and bolts on the bridge.

For today's visit to Sunderland, The Duchess picked a new green coat by Dolce & Gabbana and another Seraphine dress.

The custom-made coat is a very similar style to her plum version worn in Oslo, Norway a few weeks ago . The military-style coat features 16 buttons, two pockets, a pointed collar and classic tailoring detail.

For the dress, Kate returned to her favourite maternity label, Seraphine. She wore their 'Phaedra Woven Maternity Dress', which is £159 and will be back in stock soon.

It is described as "a classic choice for every stage of pregnancy. Made in soft woven fabric, the flattering A-line shape drapes beautifully over your figure, while a curved empire waist highlights your slimmest point."

Kate carried her Emmy London 'Natasha' carbon grey clutch (£350) and wore her black Cornelia James 'Beatrice' merino wool gloves, available for £70 in a variety of colours.

For jewellery, she opted for her Mappin & Webb 18ct white gold 'Empress' earrings (£3,750) and her Cartier Ballon Bleu watch ($5,750).

The Duchess completed her look with her trusty black suede block Tod's heels (sold out). When visiting the bridge, she changed into her pair of Russell & Bromley 'Half N Half' boots, available for £455.