To many of her youngest fans, Duchess Kate is a fairy-tale princess. One such fan had the chance of a lifetime to meet her favourite royal in person on Tuesday (June 11) in Cumbria, but was adorably confused by what Kate wore.

As the Duchess of Cambridge happily accepted a bouquet of flowers from two young girls during the visit with Prince William, their dad said, “It’s a princess. You love princesses!”

The two shy girls shook Kate’s hand, and their dad said to Kate, “She wanted to know if you'd be wearing your Princess Elsa dress.” He was referring to the main character from Disney's Frozen.

Kate helped shear sheep in Cumbria. Photo: © Andy Commins - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The mom of three showed off her natural charm and love for children, and played along seamlessly.

“I know. I'm sorry,” she said to the little ones. “I came in my trousers and my coat because I’m going to see some sheep.”

PHOTOS: Duchess Kate shears a sheep while visiting farmers with Prince William

We’re sure the girls understood why she left her gown and tiara at home, but her casual ensemble – from her Troy London UK jacket down to her See by Chloe boots – definitely wasn’t lacking.

Just after the walkabout was over, Duchess Kate had another moment to shine with a little girl sporting pigtail braids. Her ease with kids shone through again as she knelt down in front of the girl and commiserated on how tough braiding hair can be.

“I tried to do a plait on Charlotte this morning but it didn’t really work very well,” Kate told the girl.

For the exciting day in the English countryside, the Cambridges visited rural communities to participate in sheep shearing. The day was to meant to celebrate the resilience of these communities – and they even got to try some local cheese!