Kate Middleton and Prince William Make First Solo Outing as Prince and Princess of Wales

Together, his 40-year-old senior royals stepped out at Sandringham

on Thursday to see flowers, balloons, notes and

other tributes left by her well-wishers in honor of Queen Elizabeth.

The outing was particularly memorable as it marked the

couple's first solo appearance as the new Prince and Princess of Wales.

It was passed to Prince William by his father, known as III.

The Royal Palace was one of the Queen's two privately owned homes,

where she usually spent the Christmas season with her family.