Kate looked happy upon arrival and was greeted by large numbers of the media and many interested spectators.
The fundraising event took place from late morning to early afternoon at the Norfolk Showground, just under an hour's drive from the Cambridges' country home, Anmer Hall, located on the Queen's Sandringham estate where the Royal family spend Christmas annually. It was revealed over the weekend renovation have completed and the family have moved in. It is believed they will spend much of their time there in the coming years with William beginning his new role as a pilot for East Anglia Air Ambulance in the spring.
An overview of the Norfolk showground area.
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| Norfolk Showground Facebook Page |
The Duchess received a posy of flowers from local children.
Kate has been royal patron of EACH since January 2012. It was one of her first choices following private visits and much consideration. Since then the Duchess has opened The Treehouse Hospice for EACH, visited other hospices in the UK, recorded a video message supporting Children's Hospice Week and forged links with organisations and hospices abroad during royal tours, including Hospis Malaysia.
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Speaking about Kate's involvement with the charity, chief executive of EACH Graham Butland said:
'Everyone at EACH is honoured and extremely proud to have the Duchess of Cambridge as Royal Patron. The Duchess's support continues to help us increase awareness and understanding of the care and support we provide, and in this instance, to highlight the need for a new children's hospice in Norfolk.'
Hundreds of guests gathered to learn more about the appeal which has been organised to bring people together from all walks of life in Norfolk and beyond including individuals, businesses, charitable trusts, schools and community and voluntary groups.
Her Royal Highness met families, volunteers and supporters of the hospice and discussed their experiences before joining the launch of the appeal.
Among them was Leigh Smith whose baby daughter Beatrice was just sixteen weeks old when she passed away from a rare heart condition called restrictive cardiomyopathy in January (with thanks to Rebecca via Twitter) Mrs. Smith revealed Kate wrote to her personally:
'I was so surprised to receive a letter with such personal comments and signed by her. It was a lovely gesture and helped me through a terrible time. I was touched she had taken so much time to carefully read my letter and then to reply herself - it shows how much she cares. I hope Beatrice was looking down as I met Kate.'
Leigh gave an emotional speech at the launch about her daughter Beatrice. Reporters said afterwards, a tearful Kate put her arms around her and said "you're a brave lady". Below we see a beautiful photo of Leigh and Beatrice taken by talented Norfolk based photographer Rob Dodsworth.
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| Rob Dodsworth Photography |
The Duchess was appropriately seated at the 'George' table. A selection of the 100 most popular names were used for each of the tables.
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| Emily Andrews Twitter Feed |
Kate admired a new range of pottery she helped designed to raise money for the appeal with Emma Bridgewater.
The Duchess helped design two 'Flower and Insect Mugs'. £5 from each sale will go to directly to EACH. They will go on sale in March.
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| Emily Andrews Twitter Feed |
Regular readers will be very familiar with the work of East Anglia's Children's Hospices, and many of you kindly donated to the charity in aid of the Baby Cambridge Fundraiser, a charitable endeavour spearheaded by five royal bloggers, which I was incredibly proud to be part of. The organisation offers care and support for young people with life-limiting conditions and their families at a terribly painful time.
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| EACH |
Let's discuss the appeal in a little more detail.
Due to the high demands of the charity's specialist services in Norfolk, the team has outgrown their current hospice in Quidenham, a very old two-storey building. Accessibility and flexibility within the building is restricted and there isn't scope to expand. EACH has obtained planning permission for a five-acre site but needs to raise £10 million to make this dream a reality. The organisation relies entirely on donations and requires £6 million annually to deliver essential services.
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| EACH |
If you wish to support the fundraiser by donating, getting involved or attending one of the many events planned to spread the word and help achieve the target please click here. One can also visit the charity's online shop and purchase an array of interesting items including the EACH bracelet (previously worn by Kate), the EACH Umbrella and the charity's single 'Each and Every Day'.
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| EACH |
Kate wrote a foreword for the launch "I greatly admire the dedication, generosity and achievements of the charity's supporters and volunteers and look forward to seeing the progress of this campaign".
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| Victoria Murphy Twitter Feed |
£10 million is quite a sum and it will be no mean feat to achieve this target. It is hoped Kate's presence will give the campaign a boost and help to capture the attention of potential donors.
I've always felt EACH is particularly special to Kate, and even more so now as a mother expecting her second baby.
There was some confusion regarding Kate's choice of designer for the day. Initially reporters were told she was wearing a Catherine Walker design. It turns out the Duchess was in fact wearing Katherine Hooker. It could be a last minute change of dress or simply an error at the Palace.
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| Katherine Hooker Twitter Feed |
Katherine Hooker confirmed the Duchess wore the Ascot Dress in custom red fabric.
The classic shift dress features a high neck which is described as the ideal choice for daytime or evening wear. It retails for £380 and is available in navy and black. Those who would like a custom colour like Kate's can order one by contacting the team.
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| Katherine Hooker |
Kate has been a fan of the British designer for almost a decade. Most notably she has worn a herringbone coat by Ms. Hooker many times and the very elegant dove grey Buxton Grey for the Order of the Garter ceremony in 2011 and to the wedding of William's cousin Emily McCorquodale.
Kate wore her black suede Jimmy Choo Aimee Pumps.
The eagle-eyed Anna quickly noted Kate accessorised with the £4,000 Mappin and Webb Fortune Pendant and her Kiki McDonough green amethyst cushion cut earrings.
And carried her black suede clutch.
The Duchess wore her hair in a gorgeous ponytail today - it's a great look for her.
There's a good video at ITN Source and YouTube.
Finally, a new photo of William, Kate and George has emerged (with thanks to Rebecca). The photo was taken by Jason Bell before the tour and was the official tour gift. It's a gorgeous family shot and Kate gave a nod to New Zealand in her blue Rebecca Taylor suit. The designer was born in NZ.
Wishing our friends across the pond a very Happy Thanksgiving!
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| Mappin and Webb / Kiki McDonough |
And carried her black suede clutch.
The Duchess wore her hair in a gorgeous ponytail today - it's a great look for her.
There's a good video at ITN Source and YouTube.
Finally, a new photo of William, Kate and George has emerged (with thanks to Rebecca). The photo was taken by Jason Bell before the tour and was the official tour gift. It's a gorgeous family shot and Kate gave a nod to New Zealand in her blue Rebecca Taylor suit. The designer was born in NZ.
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| Hot Monarchy |
Wishing our friends across the pond a very Happy Thanksgiving!
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