As part of Children’s Mental Health Week, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended Mitchell Brook Primary School in London on Monday.
The much-loved duo were eagerly greeted by dozens of flag-waving children, many of whom were fortunate enough to share a special moment with the young royals before the event commenced.
Kate, a longtime patron of the children’s mental health charity Place2Be, made a touching speech during the couple’s visit.
Recalling her own experiences as a child, Kate revealed that she hopes to pass many of the important life lessons her parents taught her onto her two children – Prince George, three, and Princess Charlotte, one.
“My parents taught me about the importance of qualities like kindness, respect and honesty, and I realise how central, values like these have been to me throughout my life,” the 35-year-old Duchess said.
“That is why William and I want to teach our little children, George and Charlotte, just how important these things are as they grow up. In my view, it is just as important as excelling at maths or sport.”
The Duchess wore a lovely red ensemble by Luisa Spagnoli for the occasion.
Many of the crowd were lucky enough to share a special moment with the Duchess.
The children seemed entirely enthralled by Kate!
The mother-of-two listened intently to many of the children.
Kate, who has been praised by mental health professionals for sparking a “sea change” in the way children’s mental health is addressed, also touched on her immense passion for the cause.
“People often ask me why I am so interested in the mental health of children and young people. The answer is quite simple: it is because I think that every child should have the best possible start in life,” she said.
“When I was growing up I was very lucky. My family was the most important thing to me. They provided me with somewhere safe to grow and learn, and I know I was fortunate not to have been confronted by serious adversity at a young age.”
While at the event, Wills and Kate celebrated the students’ many acts of kindness as they sat atop the school’s ‘kindness bench.’
The bench, which is usually located in the school’s playground, is an initiative that hopes to end loneliness within the school. If a pupil is in need of a companion, sitting on the bench acts as a silent way of prompting his or her fellow classmates to stand to attention and help out.
How lovely! Kate and Wills sit atop the ‘kindness bench’ as they hear stories of the students many acts of kindness.
Speaking to this initiative Kate said, “I know that in your school you have been working on a project to spread a little kindness and I think this is such an important thing to do. If you see someone who you think might need help, try and be kind to them. Keep a look out for them if they are on their own or seem sad or worried. Perhaps they just need a hug or someone to talk to.
She added, “I know it is hard if you are feeling down yourself. But helping someone out will also make you feel so much better, too.”
Kate was all smiles at the close-to-her-heart event.
And of course, Kate’s signature blow dry looked immaculate on the day.
After the moving speech, Kate presented the ‘Kindness Cup’ to 10-year-old Nadia Dhicis, but was sure to thank each and every child for their contributions to the school.
She said, “Do remember that even if you don’t win today, the fact that you are helping make your school such a supportive and friendly place is so important…You should all be very proud of yourselves and each other. Thank you so much for having me here with you all today.”
