The day marks the Cambridges' final official engagement of 2016. It's a nice one to close the year with, as Heads Together has been a focal point for the young royals this year. The royal trio were all smiles upon arrival. Prince Harry has just enjoyed a romantic few days in London with girlfriend Meghan Markle, which included Christmas tree shopping and a theatre trip.
Meanwhile, the Cambridges are looking forward to Christmas with the Middletons in Bucklebury. Camilla Tominey reports Carole Middleton has been busy planning a Boxing Day shoot at the Yattendon estate in Thatcham, near the Middleton family home.
The trio chatting as they made their way inside.
A young girl from the Harrow Club presented Kate with a beautiful posy.
More on the work carried out by The Mix:
'Life’s tough, we know that. It can throw a lot your way and make it hard to know what the hell to do with it all.
So, welcome to The Mix. Whether you’re 13, 25, or any age in between, we’re here to take on the embarrassing problems, weird questions, and please-don’t-make-me-say-it-out-loud thoughts you have. We give you the information and support you need to deal with it all. Because you can. Because you’re awesome.
We’ll connect you to experts and your peers who’ll give you the support and tools you need to take on any challenge you’re facing – for everything from homelessness to finding a job, from money to mental health, from break-ups to drugs.
We’re a free and confidential multi-channel service. That means that you choose how you access our support, without the worry of anyone else finding out. Whether it be through our articles and video content online or our phone, email, peer to peer and counselling services – we put the control in your hands. You can even volunteer with us too.
We want to be the first place young people turn to get support. Sometimes what you’re told at school or at home just doesn’t cut it. We’re here whenever you need us, wherever you are. We can ensure you have all the best information to make the right choices for yourself.
Life is hard, but support doesn’t have to be. We’ve got this.'
The Mix is passionate about applying a multi-faceted approach to helping young people with issues that often feel too embarrassing or overwhelming to discuss. Thanks to their digital support services, countless under-25s have availed of their help. Their vision is to be the first point of contact for young people, providing them with the knowledge that "with the right skills and opportunities, you can take on anything life throws your way". It's a very empowering and encouraging statement for anyone to hear.
There were several elements to the day, beginning when William, Kate and Harry joined an annual general meeting hosted by youth support service, The Mix, to celebrate the volunteers and counsellors who support people through tough times in their lives.
Next, the royals had the opportunity to see the organisation's work first hand and participate.
The Duchess joined a live online chat about counselling with volunteers.
Prince William and Prince Harry will each join a group breakout session where counsellors and volunteers will share knowledge and receive training on dealing with a range of issues, with a focus on supporting people who are suicidal and helping young people coping with homelessness.
The royals chatted with young people who shared their experiences.
Festive fun in the form of some paper decorations.
A look at some paper chains created by Kate.
Kate appeared to be thoroughly enjoying the activity.
Prince William got stuck in creating a bauble masterpiece.
Naturally, chatter was firmly focused on the festivities with William revealing one very cute little prince is finding it difficult to wait until Sunday morning to open his presents. :)
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| Rebecca English Twitter |
At the Christmas party reception they met the exceptional volunteers who support people through tough times in their lives.
One of the incredible gingerbread houses the royals helped complete.
The Duchess admired the beautifully decorated houses.
During the party, Their Royal Highnesses kicked off The Mix Annual Awards by presenting the Volunteer of the Year Award to George Yeorghaki. It's been a special year for The Mix and the other organisations involved in the Heads Together initiative; to mark this, volunteers from all the charity partners were invited.
More from Simon Perry's story:
'Volunteer George Yeorghaki also spent some time with the royals. “It was good to see them getting involved,” he says. “We spoke about the stigma around mental health and volunteering and getting more people to volunteer. At The Mix young people can contact us and talk about any issue they want to talk about.” The trio took part in making decorations and building gingerbread houses and met with those doing workshops and talks on homelessness, suicide prevention and counselling. He adds of the royals, “They have total understanding about the issues around mental health and the importance of trying to raise it in the public eye. They have huge passion and understanding of what we need to do to raise mental health up the agenda.”
Charity of the Year 2017, Virgin Money London Marathon - Heads Together campaign partners - are working together to tackle the taboo on talking about everyday mental health, so that people feel they can access support when they need it during tough times without fear of being judged.
A brief video of Kate talking to Donna and James during the Place2Be demystifying counselling session.
The Duchess of Cambridge @KensingtonRoyal talking to Donna & James during the @Place2Be demystifying counselling session #TheMixVolDay pic.twitter.com/1PLld5Nu2i— The Mix (@TheMixUK) December 19, 2016
A very festive-looking Duchess selected the Cai Floral-Print Jacquard Dress by Vanessa Seward for the engagement. Kate has been experimenting with a host of new labels this year, and Vanessa Seward is a prestigious addition to her wardrobe. Having previously designed for Chanel and Azzaro her eponymous line is centred around chic, minimalist, classic basics. Born in Argentina in 1969, Vanessa grew up in London, later moving to Paris with her mother. Following the 2014 launch of her brand she noted: "It has always been one of my wildest dreams to start my own label."
The combination of red and green makes the dress an excellent seasonal piece - and I'm sure the Duchess chose it with such an occasion in mind. It is described as "cut from a silk-jacquard woven with a subtle pattern. This knee-length design has a button-fastening neckline and side slit pockets. Cinch your waist with the tie-fastening sash". As of writing, the dress is available in limited sizing at Net-A-Porter where it is reduced from $1,245 to $623.
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| Net-A-Porter |
A closer look at the print.
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| Net-A-Porter |
The Telegraph shared their thoughts on the look:
'While Seward might be a new designer for the Duchess, the dress's delicate floral print and midi-length are tried-and tested style signatures. Indeed the last time we saw Kate in a dress like this was the L.K Bennett 'Cersei' dress which she chose for a visit to the Natural History Museum less than a month ago.
The assumption that the dress has been bought on Net-A-Porter.com also implies that this is a piece Kate may have chosen from the comfort of her sofa, perhaps with a little help from her stylist Natasha Archer. Just last week the Duchess wore a cashmere jumper by Iris and Ink, the in- house label of TheOutnet.com, and she has worn several pieces purchased on MatchesFashion.com in the past.
As reports have suggested that the Duke and Duchess won’t be attending the Royal family’s Christmas Day celebrations at Sandringham, and will instead be with the Middletons in Bucklebury, Berkshire, it’s unlikely that we’ll get to see how the Duchess decides to tackle Christmas Day dressing this year. But with this holly-like print and a Santa-style belt, she’s at least offering up some fun-yet-sophisticated festive fashion inspiration.'
The always insightful What Kate Wore noted actress Drew Barrymore recently wore the dress too. Click here to view a short video of Drew modelling the piece.
It's not the first time the Duchess and Drew have shared a fondness for the same sartorial piece. When Kate wore the colourful Tory Burch Floral Mesh Gown in Bhutan, several readers quickly noted Drew wore it that night to the annual Bergh Ball in New York.
Kate teamed the dress with her McQueen Glossed-Leather belt.
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| Net-A-Porter |
A closer look at the belt on Kate.
Kate accessorised with her very pretty Catherine Zoraida Gold Fern Hoop Earrings.
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| Catherine Zoraida |
Kate carried her black Mulberry Bayswater clutch.
And completed the look with her very chic black suede Gianvito Rossi pumps.
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| Gianvito Rossi |
As the royals left, one little girl was particularly excited to see Prince William and decided a hug was in order. I think this one wins photo of the day :)
It was a lovely event ahead of Christmas.
We'll see you tomorrow for the Queen's pre-Christmas luncheon :)
It was a lovely event ahead of Christmas.
We'll see you tomorrow for the Queen's pre-Christmas luncheon :)
