UPDATED: Kate in Seraphine for Day of Engagements in Kensington!
Following a relaxing weekend in Bucklebury with Prince George and the Middletons, Kate, who is about six months pregnant, looked refreshed and was all smiles as she arrived for the first engagement of the day - a coffee morning at Family Friends, a voluntary organisation providing befriending and mentoring services to families in deprived areas of the borough.
The Duchess was given an overview of the organisation's work before meeting some of the network of trained volunteers and families.
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Those from the Kensington area will more than likely be somewhat familiar with the work of Family Friends. Established as a charity in 1993 to support families-in-need living in disadvantaged areas of Kensington & Chelsea, and now also Hammersmith & Fulham. Through a network of trained volunteers, the organisation offers two services – Child Befriending and Mentoring and Parent Befriending.
Family Friends
Its aim is to ‘help families to help themselves’ through building confidence in parenting and parent/child relationships, improving access to health and community services, reducing isolation, planning for economic improvements, introducing greater stability into children’s lives, giving academic support to children and building aspirations. Volunteers are crucial to the success and longevity of the services and they do a splendid job with tireless commitment and dedication.
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Family Friends have assisted over 700 families to date, with over 95% reporting improvements as a result of using the service. In 2013, Family Friends won The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. If you wish to donate or find out more please click here.
Family Friends
A spokesperson for the charity said: "As a small, nice charity providing a vital service in deprived areas of West London, a Royal visit is a huge visit". It is hoped today's visit will increase awareness and encourage more people to volunteer.
Family Friends
There was a particularly adorable moment when Kate met a shy toddler.
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More from The Telegraph's story which includes a great video:
'He had spent all weekend practising for his big moment presenting a bouquet to the Duchess of Cambridge, but when two-year-old Ryan Dixon came face to face with the Royal guest, he had a sudden attack of shyness.
The normally boisterous toddler took one look at the Duchess, said “no no, Mummy, no Mummy,” and did his best to run away.
The Duchess laughed off the rare snub, telling Ryan: “I would be shy as well.”
It was left to Ryan's mother, Tracy Samuels, to present Kate with the bouquet :)
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Another interesting quote from Kate from the Express:
'It's moving all the time. I can feel it kicking now," she told Martina McDonagh, 17,'
For the second engagement of the day, Kate formally opened Kensington Aldridge Academy.
Her Royal Highness met governors, staff and students, toured the new building and watched part of a lesson.
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The Duchess then watched a dance performance in the school's theatre, and unveiled a plaque.
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Kate also visited the school's Creates Hub for young entrepreneurs, and met students who are designing items for sale at Portobello Road Market.
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Interestingly, William and Kate opened another Aldridge Academy in Darwen back in 2011. It was their final joint engagement before the royal wedding. Readers will recall Kate wore a navy Amanda Wakeley suit.
The Academy is a new school for pupils aged 11 to 18, situated in the heart of North Kensington. The new academy is a local school serving the North Kensington community, with all of its students living less than a mile away. Before the academy opened many students from North Kensington had to travel outside the Royal Borough to complete their secondary education. A first-class cirriculum will be delivered with a specialism in creative and performing arts.
Kensington Aldridge Academy
Finally, the Duchess walked across the site from the academy to formally open Kensington Leisure Centre, a new development which replaces the former building where Princes William and Harry had swimming lessons at school.
Kate toured the facilities, including the swimming pool, gym and sauna and watch groups of children from nearby primary schools in the Main Sports Hall playing various sports.
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The Duchess also attended a reception in the dance studio and heard speeches before unveiling a plaque.
Among the many facilities available at the leisure centre are a 25-metre, eight-lane swimming pool for teaching and swimming at all levels; 250-seat spectator gallery; 20-metre teaching pool with mobile floor; 120-station gym; eight-court multi-use hall; two fitness studios and sauna/steam facilities with treatment rooms.
The Duchess was presented with an inflatable duck for Prince George along with an embroidered kit bag.
RKBC Twitter Feed
The Duchess debuted a gorgeous new blue coat by her go-to maternity brand Seraphine. It's amazing how distinctive the brand's designs are (or perhaps how one can instantly recognise a maternity wear garment) the moment I saw it I thought it must be a Seraphine piece.
Kate wore the brand's £195 Natasha Cashmere Blend Coat (with thanks to Monique) The soft mist-blue garment features mother of pearl buttons, an understated collarless style, a sleek straight cut and stylish faux pockets. It is described as "an elegant addition to your wardrobe for before, during and after pregnancy".
Seraphine
Underneath, Kate wore Seraphine's 'Florrie' Floral Printed Dress. The £99 dress comes in "stunning marine ocean shades" and is made in soft woven fabric. Both the coat and dress are part of the brand's Spring/Summer 2015 Collection. They will be available for pre-ordering soon.
Kate carried her Stuart Weitzman for Russell and Bromley Muse clutch. The bag is known as the 'Raz' in the US and is available in a number of colours at 6 p.m. Zappos and Nordstrom.
Kiki McDonough
It is arguably Kate's best look from the past week with her previous choices proving a little hit and miss. One imagines it can be difficult to select comfortable and stylish clothing for a changing figure, which is why maternity wear is an excellent option for the Duchess. Thus far, her Seraphine choices have all been popular ones.
You can view videos at ITN Source and
There are currently no future engagements announced for Kate's diary, however, that is very much subject to change. It is thought Kate and Prince George will join the Middleton family for their annual holiday in Mustique, where Carole Middleton's 60th birthday will be celebrated. It is not yet known if Prince William - who is studying and undertaking exams - will accompany them. Two reliable reporters have suggested he will not.
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