Ahead of the engagement Kensington Palace noted "The Duchess of Cambridge has been patron of Place2Be since 2013, reflecting her interest in child mental health and the importance of early intervention to provide children with in-school mental health services at the earliest stage possible." The charity is also a partner of the Heads Together initiative and has participated in a selection of events since it launched last year.
William and Kate received a very warm welcome from schoolchildren.
Rebecca English reported "Very sweet children shouting 'we made something for you'. William and Kate went over to get their pictures".
Kate was in her element chatting with the children.
Kate looks at one of the fantastic drawings she received. How adorable is this? :)
Place2Be is an extraordinary organisation providing emotional and therapeutic services in primary and secondary schools, building children's resilience through talking, creative work and play. Place2Be works with 282 primary and secondary schools, reaching a school population of 116,000 children, helping them to cope with wide-ranging and often complex social issues including bullying, bereavement, domestic violence, family breakdown, neglect and trauma.
Today's engagement marked the beginning of Children's Mental Health Week 2017. This year the focus is on kindness, and its benefits for wellbeing. "It can be difficult to know how to help someone going through a difficult time, but small acts of kindness can make all the difference. Throughout the week, Place2Be is encouraging children to ‘spread a little kindness’ in their schools and at home, for example by looking out for classmates who may be having a difficult time, listening to how they feel, and if they need it, asking an adult for help".
To mark Children's Mental Health Week, Place2Be brought a child's art to life. It's a lovely animation - encouraging us all to spread a little kindness. Reading about the theme of the week reminded me of the late Princess Diana's quote "Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you." It was a very apt choice of theme instiling the importance of kindness with young children.
The Duchess gave a speech speaking about how it's as important to be kind as it is to excel in maths and sport "I think that every child should have people around them to show them love and show them kindness, and that is what Place2Be is doing so amazingly here in your school".
Kate's speech in full:
'Thank you so much for your very warm welcome. It is great to be here to support Children's Mental Health week. 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. 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.
For some children, maybe there are some here today; I know that life can sometimes feel difficult and full of challenges. I think that every child should have people around them to show them love, and to show them kindness, and nurture them as they grow. This is what Place2Be is doing so amazingly here in your school.
Recently I met an 11 year-old girl who was helped by Place2Be. She told me that if you keep your feelings inside, you can feel as though you will blow up like a balloon. But, by talking to someone about them, it can make you feel so much better. I thought that was such a clever way of looking at it. If we are worried, upset, lonely or angry – the best thing to do is to talk to someone about it. Whether that is your mother or father, a teacher or a friend.
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. I know it is hard if you are feeling down yourself. But helping someone out will also make you feel so much better too.
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. 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.
Now, I am very excited about presenting the Kindness cup and hearing your stories. 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.'
I thought Kate's speech was one of her best. It was well written, personable and delivered eloquently. The speech opened with Kate revealing why she's so interested in mental health "The answer is quite simple - it is because I think that every child should have the best possible start in life." I enjoyed hearing the Duchess refer to her own upbringing acknowledging how important her family has been and the lessons she learned growing up. Now as a mother herself, Kate wants to teach George and Charlotte how important kindness is. Public speaking is never easy, in fact it can be incredibly nerve-wracking. It's great to see HRH giving more speeches and becoming more comfortable with it.
Nice speech from Kate today about how it's as important to be kind as it is to excel in maths and sport @Place2Be kindness assembly pic.twitter.com/IH0gPfS16Y— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) February 6, 2017
Kate presented the first Place2Be 'Kindness Cup' to ten-year-old Nadia Dhicis who has shown exceptional kindness in their school community and beyond.
William and Kate congratulated Nadia.
Pupils also acted out role plays about being kind, and the school choir performed.
Deputy Headmistress Nicola Harmer discussed 'The Big Assembly' and 'The K Factor':
Children at the assembly celebrate 'The K Factor'.
The Duke and Duchess joined a discussion with pupils on how kindness can help us through difficult times. A survey released by Place2Be - polling over 700 10-11 year olds, reveals that 63% of Year 6 pupils say they worry “all the time”.
Deputy Headmistress Nicola Harmer discussed 'The Big Assembly' and 'The K Factor':
'We've launched through a series of assemblies different people who have the K factor, the kindness factor, and then we've discussed with the children how they can have it. Whether it's helping a friend out who feels a bit lonely on the day and supporting them, and we've also talked to the children about being kind to ourselves, that's around the negative talk we may have of putting ourselves down.'
Children at the assembly celebrate 'The K Factor'.
The Duke and Duchess joined a discussion with pupils on how kindness can help us through difficult times. A survey released by Place2Be - polling over 700 10-11 year olds, reveals that 63% of Year 6 pupils say they worry “all the time”.
Catherine Roche, Chief Executive of Place2Be spoke to Simon Perry about the positive effects of Kate's involvement with the organisation "We can see how this is becoming an issue that is being publicly discussed — which is a real sea change. Kate’s commitment and understanding is making a huge difference to the level of interest that this previously neglected area is now receiving.” Roche says that Kate “shares our passion and commitment for our cause,” and adds, “It is clear that she has a genuine passion for, and truly understands, the importance of providing early intervention mental health support to children and young people, and the positive impact this can have on a child’s personal development".
The Duchess brought back her much loved red Luisa Spagnoli suit today.
The Duchess brought back her much loved red Luisa Spagnoli suit today.
The Duchess next wore it in Christchurch during the 2014 tour of Australia and New Zealand where she played a spot of cricket in the garden city. Kate had the dress altered to a skirt for additional length, which elevated the look into a sophisticated skirt suit.
And Kate chose it for the Queen's pre-Christmas luncheon in 2015 when the Duke of Edinburgh passed his patronage of the RAF Air Cadets to her during an audience at Buckingham Palace.
Kate teamed the suit with her black suede Gianvito Rossi pumps. They retail for $675 at Net-A-Porter.
Kate carried her black suede Mulberry clutch.
The Duchess accessorised with her Mappin & Webb earrings and pendant.
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| Mappin & Webb |
I may be mistaken, but I think Kate had an issue with one of her earrings. When she arrived, it appears she removed one and when leaving she was wearing it again, but looked to be adjusting it.
And completed the look with her Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.
Place2Be posted a video of the full assembly including Kate's speech.
This evening, William and Kate will attend the Guild of Health Writers conference.
