Kate Celebrates Foster Carers in Islington
The Duchess of Cambridge attended an event hosted by The Fostering Network in Islington today to celebrate the work of foster carers.
It is the second of several engagements the Duchess, who is around six months pregnant, is carrying out this month. Yesterday she officially named The Clore Art Room and on Monday, Kate will have a busy day of appearances in Kensington.
Kate received a very warm welcome. As always, Kate was a natural with very excited children who met her.
Today's visit ties in with Fostering and Adoption Week, Barnardo's annual campaign to raise awareness for fostering and adopting children in the UK. Fostering organisations are sadly often overlooked and, as a supporter of young people and a mother, such a patronage would be a fantastic future choice for HRH. It's been quite some time since she's taken on a new charity and I do hope it's in the running for future possibilities.
Her Royal Highness was given an overview of the world of fostering when she met carers, care leavers and social workers who discussed their experiences. Kate said it was a "great opportunity" to find out more.
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The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading fostering charity, dedicated to creating a better future for everyone who is fostered. The organisation brings together everyone involved in fostering to help children and young people achieve the very best they can. The charity also celebrates fostering and the amazing role of foster carers, and highlights the need for more people to come forward and foster.
The Fostering Network
Every day more than 63,000 children live with over 52,500 foster families across the UK, while they are unable to live at home. These children have often experienced neglect and abuse, or have witnessed domestic violence or substance misuse. Whatever their experiences, all of them will be suffering the trauma of being separated from their own families, and need love, support and stability. Carers can provide these children with what they need, and often give them their first positive experience of family life.
The Fostering Network
Right now there’s a need for at least 8,600 new foster families across the UK. If you wish to donate please click here.
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Lucy Peake, director of developing at the organisation said: "A visit from the Duchess helps to shine a spotlight on fostering and the need for more foster carers, particularly to look after teenagers, disabled children and groups of bothers and sisters. We are very grateful to her for her interest".
Kate joined a reception where she met staff and carers.
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The Duchess wore her Hobbs London Animal Shirt Dress. The chocolate shirt dress has been updated with this animal-print embossed silk jacquard. It features a covered placket and coordinating belt. It originally retailed for £169 before being reduced to £50 and selling out.
Hobbs London
It's the first time we've seen the dress properly on Kate, however she first wore it last November underneath her Matthew Williamson coat during a visit to Wales.
The Duchess wore her Stuart Weitzman Power Pumps. The pointed-toe stilettos are currently reduced from $355 to $178 in a variety of colours on the Stuart Weitzman website. They are also available at Nordstrom with Free Shipping.
And completed the look with a new pair of gold earrings by Mirabelle Jewellery (with thanks to Anna). Like yesterday, Kate opted for darker colours today and the earrings added a splash of glamour to the look.
There's been some confusion about whether Kate wore the Gina or Lolita earrings (contradictory statements have been posted on the brands social media accounts). The eagle-eyed Anna believes they are the £25 Lolita Earrings pictured below. With thanks to our reader Laura for the tip!
Felt London
You can watch a video at ITN Source.
View image | gettyimages.com
We'll see you on Monday. In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend :)
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