Fresh from last night's gala dinner in support of the Anna Freud Centre at the Orangery, the Duchess of Cambridge supported another one of her patronages today, attending Place2Be's School Leaders Forum in London as part of her ongoing work relating to the mental health and wellbeing of children.
Place2Be’s School Leaders Forum brings together senior leaders from Place2Be partner schools in England, Scotland and Wales to share ideas, knowledge and practical insights. A line-up of expert speakers will consider how to provide practical support to children, young people and their families in the school environment. They discussed how interventions in the school environment can improve attitudes to learning, raise aspirations and nurture good mental health in children and young people, to give children the best possible start in life and achieve their full potential. This is the third School Leaders Forum, which this year is entitled "I’m Fine!".
Kate was warmly greeted upon arrival.
The Duchess was accompanied by her new private secretary Catherine Quinn. What Kate Wore points out it appears Ms Quinn wore the Clifton Dress by The Fold.
Kate joined delegates at the forum as they considered the key issues and latest thinking on the role that schools can play in tackling mental health problems early in life. The Palace noted "championing early intervention school support for children's mental health has long been a key priority for the Duchess".
Kate meeting with children from the organisation.
Championing school support for children's mental health has long been a key priority for The Duchess of Cambridge, as Patron of @Place2Be pic.twitter.com/wkckmj3cwM— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) November 8, 2017
The Duchess opened the conference by discussing her own experiences and adjusting to leaving George at the school gates: "As a mother just getting used to leaving my own child at the school gates, it is clear to me that It takes a whole community to help raise a child."
Kate's full speech:
'Four years ago, when I became Patron of Place2Be, I believed what you all know to be true: that getting support to children at the very earliest stage helps improve their outcomes later in life. Schools and teachers are at the heart of this support, and have a crucial role to play. You know your pupils. You know their circumstances. You can spot when a family's having a tough time. You occupy a special position because you can identify issues and take action when it's most needed.
Parents also have a key role to play in this support system. As a mother just getting used to leaving my own child at the school gates, it is clear to me that It takes a whole community to help raise a child.
Whether we are school leaders, teachers, support staff or parents – we're all in this together. We are all working to give children the emotional strength they need to face their futures and thrive. I'm proud that The Royal Foundation is playing its part too after the Heads Together campaign. Collaborating with experts like yourselves, we're looking at providing easy access to information and practical tools to support teachers, parents and children feel comfortable talking about their mental health.
We are all here today because we share the belief that every child deserves the chance to fulfil their potential. When I came to this conference two years ago, I left with a real sense of energy and passion about what we could all achieve together. And I'm looking forward to learning even more today.'
A video of Kate's speech.
Watch The Duchess of Cambridge speak at the @Place2Be School Leaders Forum. pic.twitter.com/HRQlrJVHD1— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) November 8, 2017
Topics discussed included parental mental health, early intervention and support in schools, with presentations by experts including Professor Sir Simon Wessely, Professor David Veale, Dr Richard Graham, Professor Louise Howard, and Professor Edmund Sonuga-Barke.
A letter from Kate was included in the programme for the forum. Kate wrote "Despite the great progress that has been made since Place2Be was founded 23 years ago, there is much to be done. Children and young people struggling with their mental health often wait many years between first experiencing symptoms and receiving help. Parents too often feel ashamed or to blame if their child needs professional mental health support." A new official portrait is included at the bottom of the letter. It very much looks like Kate's wearing the Catherine Walker jacket she wore for her first solo overseas visit to the Netherlands.
Kate looked chic in the £480 GOAT Eloise Tunic Dress.
The 100% wool, plum dress is described as "Simple, chic and timeless the Eloise dress in a deep purple hue is a wardrobe must-have. A line shaped with a high neckline decorated with shine pewter buttons the Eloise is perfect for teaming with flats for a more casual look or heels to dress up." It's available on the GOAT website. (For those interested in purchasing the dress, keep a check on the website over the next few hours as remaining stock will be uploaded to the site).
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| GOAT |
The dress is also available in Marigold and Navy at GOAT.
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| GOAT |
An evening version of the dress in black velvet - the Eclipse Button Detail Velvet Dress is available at GOAT and Farfetch.
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| GOAT |
Kate wore her new Tod's Block Suede Pumps. Masterly crafted by skilled artisans in Italy, this timeless pair sit atop a sturdy block heel and arch to a streamlined pointed toe. The label's signature pebbled sole provides traction for those on-the-go days.
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The Duchess accessorised with her Mappin & Webb Empress earrings.
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| Mappin & Webb |
Kate carried her black suede Mulberry clutch and wore her trusty Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.
A look at Kate's poppy. For anyone considering purchasing a poppy, take a look at the lovely selection available at The Poppy Shop.
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Also today, an exclusive from Richard Palmer reporting Kate will be taking more engagements outside of London in the weeks ahead:
'Kate, who attended a gala dinner for the Anna Freud Centre at Kensington Palace last night - her 33rd engagement of 2017 in the capital according to the Court Circular’s official record of royal duties - has proved reluctant to travel further afield.
Her last UK engagement outside London was on May 3, when she visited a farm for city children in Arlingham, Gloucestershire. Before that there was a visit to RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire in February and a children’s hospice at Quidenham in Norfolk in January. In part, her approach has been dictated by her decision to make her children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, her main focus.
In September Kate, who is pregnant with her third child, got ill with the severe morning sickness hyperemesis gravidarum, forcing her to abandon trips with her husband Prince William to Liverpool, Milton Keynes, and Belfast. A trip to Edinburgh had also been in the offing. But now she has recovered from the worst effects of HG, which can cause vomiting up to 60 times per day, her aides have drawn up plans for her to go out to the regions.
A Kensington Palace source said: “The Duchess has been very unwell and has been forced to postpone and cancel a number of planned visits around the country this year. “As her health improves in the weeks ahead she will be travelling to many regions of the UK for official visits and engagements.” The Duchess, whose occupation as a Princess of the UK was listed on Prince George’s birth certificate, and William are in high demand.'
We'll see the Duchess on Saturday night when she joins the Queen and other members of the royal family for the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. The performance begins at 7p.m.
