The Duchess received a beautiful posy on arrival from eight-year-old Isabella, whose brother Luke is staying at the hospital.
The new 59-bedroom house offers comfort, support, and a safe environment where families can interact and share their experiences, and stay free of charge for as long as the need to whilst their child is in hospital. The facility is equipped with kitchens, playrooms, and laundry facilities, and has communal lounges so that families can feel at home. Just a five minute walk to the Evelina London, the location also helps families remain as close as possible to their child. Run in partnership with Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, which made a significant contribution to the cost of the build, and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, which provided the land and helped to bring the parties together, the house is expected to accommodate around 975 families each year.
The £13 million house is run by Ronald McDonald House Charities, an independent charity founded in 1989. There are currently fourteen houses across the UK, helping support over 7,000 families a year and keeping them together at a stressful time so that they can concentrate on the well-being of their child.
The Duchess met Dion and Danielle and their 8-month old baby Mia who has been at the children's hospital for over seven months. Kate told Dion and Danielle: "Having a baby is a life-changing moment but for you having to go through all that as well is extraordinary."
Kate learned more about Ronald McDonald House charities and the significance of the new house for families.
Kate chatted with the mother of a baby struggling with illness after being born at just 23 weeks. More from the Mail Online:
"Brave mother Rebecca Bridges-Wheeler, an NHS auditor married to navy officer Robert, told Kate about son Lewis' traumatic birth during a visit by the Duchess to the Ronald McDonald Evelina London House in Lambeth. Mrs Bridges-Wheeler, from Epsom, said: 'I got a bit emotional talking to Kate. She stopped talking and let me compose myself. You could see the sympathy in her eyes, she was so warm and down-to-earth.'"
Of course today is Pancake Tuesday, a topic that come up when she met James Wheeler, Lewis's older brother, revealing Prince George was busy making pancakes at his Norfolk nursery this morning. "In the kitchen of the £13 million Ronald McDonald house, James asked her: 'Where's George today?' Kate, looking smart in a Rebecca Taylor suit, laughed and replied: 'George? I should have brought him. He's at his Montessori nursery today making pancakes.' James then returned to his colouring-in but told Kate: 'There's a thunderstorm coming!' Kate replied: 'Yes, I know all about those. George likes storms too!'"
Kate took part in arts and crafts and decorating pancakes.
Baby Jack was born with half a heart and the Duchess found out more about how he defied all the odds and survived several operations. His parents, who live in Glasgow, now have the chance to stay with him while he receives treatment in London.
Kate met staff at a short reception and unveiled a plaque to mark the house's official opening.
Moving on to what the Duchess wore today. I'm sure many of you like myself had to do a double take when you saw the outfit.
The Duchess loves her Rebecca Taylor Sparkle Tweed Suit so much she elected to buy it twice... Well, almost. As you can Kate's skirt suit today is remarkably similar to the one she has worn a number of times by the designer (for fans of Rebecca Taylor, once can avail of a 20% discount with code SPRING2017).
The Sparkle Tweed Ruffle Jacket originally retailed for $495 before going on sale for $199 and selling out. It is described: "Loosely structured, this tweed jacket blends feminine details with classic style. Concealed snap front with spilt collar, patch pockets, ruffle hem and frayed finish throughout - all with a hint of sparkle."
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| Rebecca Taylor |
Thus far, we have been unable to locate a matching skirt online. The eagle-eyed Kate's Closet suggests the Duchess may have worn the dress and potentially had it altered into a skirt, a la her Luisa Spagnoli suit.
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| Rebecca Taylor |
Kate teamed the suit with her Rupert Sanderson Malory pumps.
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| Rupert Sanderson |
And carried her Stuart Weitzman Muse clutch.
Completing the look with her sapphire and diamond earrings and her hair styled in a demi-chignon.
You can view a video from the engagement here.
If you're just joining us, the Duchess made a very elegant appearance for the UK-India Year of Culture Reception yesterday evening, wearing the gorgeous Erdem Rhona dress and a shimmering pair of Oscar de la Renta pumps. You can view the post here.
Finally, a word of apology for the tardiness of the post. I have been travelling and unable to get the post out until now. Many thanks for reading as always! :)
