In her role as patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices, the Duchess began the day with a visit to the Emma Bridgewater factory to learn more about a special pottery project which will help to raise vital funds and awareness for the EACH Nook appeal.
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 new hospice - the Nook - but needs to raise £10 million to make this dream a reality.
Raising a sum of £10 million is no mean feat, and since the launch over ten weeks ago they have raised over £500,000. It is hoped with increased awareness, the help of their royal patron, and collaborative projects with businesses such as Emma Bridgewater it can be achieved. If you wish to donate to the appeal please click here.
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| EACH |
The Duchess toured the factory and saw how the traditional earthenware products are made and decorated by using traditional techniques.
Kate decorated a mug.
Emma and her husband Matthew used to live in Norfolk and were delighted to team up with the charity to design mugs titled the 'Insects and Flowers', 'Ladybirds' and 'Ladybirds Baby Mug'. The partnership was encouraged by the Duchess of Cambridge and for those eager to purchase one, they will be available for pre-order from today with £5 from each sale going directly to EACH.
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| Emma Bridgewater |
Kate was first shown the pottery by Emma in November when she attended the launch of the Nook appeal.
Emma Bridgewater began in 1985, after Emma tried and failed to find a birthday present for her mum. "I was looking for a really special cup and saucer, but everything was either too formal or too clunky. That was my eureka moment. I realised there was a gap in the market for pottery that was beautiful and practical – pottery for a relaxed, colourful, mismatched life." For pottery lovers, the website is something of a treasure trove. Stockists include John Lewis and Selfridges. Below we see the pink vase collection.
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| Emma Bridgewater |
Her Royal Highness then joined families from the Donna Louise Children's Hospice in a ceramic painting workshop.
Before unveiling a plaque to commemorate the visit.
The plaque unveiled by the Duchess (perhaps the nicest one I've seen).
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| David Wilkinson CNN |
Next, the Duchess visited Action for Children's Cape Hill Children's Centre.
Kate received an introduction to the charity and its work in providing early support for vulnerable families across the UK from staff and volunteers.
The Duchess of Cambridge then attended a private roundtable discussion with families who have accessed Action for Children services including the organisation's Sandwell Family Partners programme, which is based at the centre.
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| Action for Children Twitter Feed |
It was an emotional visit for Kate. More from the Express:
'Michelle Griffiths, 33, from Smethwick, told Kate how she has "died" six times and then been brought back from the dead after suffering heart attacks. Her daughter, Chloe, 13, is her main carer and her son, Alfie, 4, has had to be taught to call 999 if she suffers a heart attack.
"I was telling her that sometimes I feel like I have stolen my daughter's childhood but she doesn¹t see it like that," Michelle said.
It was all too much for the 33-year-old Duchess, who has become an ardent advocate of early intervention to help children suffering with emotional difficulties because of challenging family circumstances.
"You've brought a tear to my eye," said Kate.
"She got choked up and I had to give her a tissue," said Michelle, who in February last year underwent open heart surgery to fit a defibrillator that shocks her back to life after she suffers an attack known as a fatal arrhythmia.'
A youngster made a pink beaded bracelet for the Duchess.
Her Royal Highness also watched a play session and meet the children and parents who use Cape Hill Children’s Centre. She said "I should have brought George. He would have loved this".
High five!
Founded in 1869 by Methodist minister, Reverend Thomas Bowman Stephenson (the charity recently celebrated their 145th birthday), Action for Children is a national charity that supports and speaks out for the most vulnerable and neglected children and young people. It works with more than 300,000 children, young people, parents and carers each year at 650 services based in the heart of communities across the UK.
Founded in 1869 by Methodist minister, Reverend Thomas Bowman Stephenson (the charity recently celebrated their 145th birthday), Action for Children is a national charity that supports and speaks out for the most vulnerable and neglected children and young people. It works with more than 300,000 children, young people, parents and carers each year at 650 services based in the heart of communities across the UK.
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| Action for Children |
The organisation would make a great future patronage for Kate and would be very much in keeping with her desire to work with young people.
The Palace confirmed Kate's blue coat is by Max Mara.
Following much searching, the wonderful ladies at Kate Middleton Style discovered the garment is from the 2014 SportMax Collection. The style name is Gerbera; and while it's not identical, it's the closest piece to Kate's. Ashley Marie called the brand and discovered the piece originally retailed for $2,490 and came with a belt.
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| MaxMara |
Underneath, Kate wore her Seraphine '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. Readers will remember Kate debuted the dress for a day of engagements in Kensington last month.
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| Seraphine |
The Duchess wore her navy suede Jimmy Choo 'Georgia' pumps.
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| Jimmy Choo |
It appears Kate carried her matching navy suede L.K. Bennett Frome clutch.
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| L.K. Bennett |
Kate accessorised with her sapphire and diamond earrings.
A look at Kate's hair today. It was worn partially up and as you can see from the shot below it's looking particularly long at the moment.
You can watch videos from the day at ITN Source and the Kensington Palace Twitter Feed.
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| Action for Children |
At present, there are no engagements scheduled for Kate, however I wouldn't rule out seeing her carry out one or two more before she takes maternity leave. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the events and Kate's look today :)
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