New Photographs of Princess Charlotte..

Today we were treated to a lovely surprise - new photographs of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge.

Kensington Palace released the photographs this morning - the first ones features a more serious Princess Charlotte..

photo via Kensington Palace Twitter Feed

The second shows the Princess giggling with glee at her stuffed toy..

photo via Kensington Palace Twitter Feed

Princess Charlotte's toy is the - the Jellycat Fuddlewuddle Puppy, which is available for £17.

The photographs were taken by the Duchess of Cambridge at Anmer Hall in Norfolk.

They were released to celebrate the Princess being 6 months old and also as a thank you from the Duke and Duchess for the privacy the British press and paparazzi have given the royal children.

We have not seen much of Princess Charlotte since she was born. The first photographs we ever saw were of her leaving the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital.

photo via the Daily Mail

The second were of Charlotte and George at Anmer Hall, when Charlotte was around 2 weeks old.

photo via Kensington Palace Twitter Feed

The last were of Princess Charlotte after her christening.

photo via Kensington Palace Twitter Feed

It is thought that they may release photos of Prince George and Princess Charlotte at Christmas, but we will have to wait and see!

Duke and Duchess Spend the Day in Wales

Today the Duke and Duchess wrapped up a busy week with a visit to North Wales.

photo via The Daily Mail

Their first engagement was a visit to the Mind Organisation in Caernafron.

photo via The Daily Mail

They viewed a photography project run by the local charity. The project is designed to "give young people a voice to talk about their experiences of living with mental health problems".

photo via The Daily Mail

Next, the Duke and Duchess visited GISDA. GISDA gives opportunities to improve the lives of young vulnerable people.

photo via The Daily Mail

After visiting GISDA centre, Kate was presented with flowers from Theo Hayward.

photo via The Daily Mail

Next, and possibly the most fun engagement of the day, was a visit to the Outdoor Education Centre in Snowdonia.

photo via The Daily Mail

Here, the Duke and Duchess had a go at abseiling.

photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess admitted that this was her first time abseiling and seemed to enjoy it a lot, despite looking a little nervous beforehand!

photo via The Daily Mail

At the Outdoor Education Centre they also met student from Holyhead High School.

photo via The Daily Mail

Their last engagement of the day was a visit to the Vale of Clwyd Mind Men's Shed Project in Denbigh. They met men from the project and visited the Peace Garden.

photo via The Daily Mail

For today's busy schedule the Duchess chose a practical outfit. She re-wore her Reiss Angel Fit & Flare Coat. The Duchess teamed the coat with a black roll-neck jumper and black skinny jeans.

The Duchess first wore this coat on Christmas morning in 2011 and then for a visit to St George's Park in 2012.

She also wore her Aquatalia Hi and Dry Boots.

Although, for the visit to the Outdoor Education Centre, she changed into her Brasher Walking Boots.

She also wore her Kiki McDonough Citrine Pear Drop Earrings.

It was a classic Kate Middleton look and I thought it was perfect for today's mix of engagements and weather!

Duchess Attends Place2Be's Headteacher Conference

Today the Duchess of Cambridge attended Place2Be's Headteacher Conference.

photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess was greeted by large crowds.

photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess has been a royal patron since April 2013 and has supported the charity through a number of events. The charity aims to support children with metal health problems.

photo via The Daily Mail

Kate attended to be able to learn more about the key issues and ideas that schools can do in tackling mental health problems in young children.

photo via The Daily Mail

Today's conference brought together senior leaders from Place2Be's partner schools in the UK. It was designed to increase knowledge and understanding of young people's mental health. This years conference was titled "My Head is Too Full".

The Duchess made a surprise speech as the event...

'I want to start by saying a big thank you to all of the head teachers here today. I know how much is asked of you. The fact that you are all committing your valuable time to support Place2Be, and prioritise the mental health of your students is something that all parents should be grateful for.

 I often get asked why I decided to spend time highlighting the mental health of children. I imagine my answer might be similar to many of yours.

I know that I was lucky. My parents and teachers provided me with a wonderful and secure childhood where I always knew I was loved, valued and listened to.
But of course many children are not so lucky. Since beginning my work in areas like addiction, for example, I have seen time and time again that the roots of poor mental health in adulthood are almost always present in unresolved childhood challenges.

I am sure you will agree that all children deserve time, attention and love from the adults in their lives. These basic qualities are so much more valuable than the always changing material and social concerns that can seem so important to young people.

As today's theme reminds us, many children – even those from stable, happy homes – are finding that their heads are just too full. It is our duty, as parents and as teachers, to give all children the space to build their emotional strength and provide a strong foundation for their future. Of course, not all children have the anchor of a strong family. Many will arrive through your school gates feeling a real lack of love and devotion in their lives. This often leaves them feeling insecure and without confidence and trust in the world around them. That is why your work is so important.

Parents, teachers and other school staff need the tools to help these young people early in their lives. And the earlier, the better. It is proven that early action prevents problems later in life.

Imagine if everyone was able to help just one child who needs to be listened to, needs to be respected, and needs to be loved – we could make such a huge difference for an entire generation. As head teachers you have the chance to reach tens of thousands of children during your careers, and make an impact on a great scale. Thank you for making the work of Place2Be part of your mission. I hope you know how much your work is valued.

 Thank you – I am really looking forward to the rest of the afternoon.'

photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess chose to repeat a dress today. It was the Matthew Williamson bespoke dress that she wore to the premiere of "African Cats" in April 2012.

photo via The Daily Mail

She teamed the dress with the same shoes and bag as she did in 2012 - Emmy London Valerie Carbon Suede Pumps..

..and Emmy London Natasha Carbon Suede Clutch.

The Duchess chose a pair of newer earrings in the form of Kiki McDonough Lauren Yellow Gold Pave Diamond Leaf Earrings.

She also wore her Cartier Ballon Bleu Watch.

It was very windy today and the Duchess did get a little windswept on her arrival!

photo via The Daily Mail

It was a lovely smart outfit for the Duchess today.

photo via The Daily Mail

Duchess's Busy Day..

This afternoon the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the French Embassy where they signed the book of condolences for victims of the Paris attacks.

They were greeted by the French Ambassador, Sylvie Bermann. The Duchess asked Sylvie Bermann: "Do you know anyone who was affected?" The French Ambassador replied: "No.". 

photo via The Daily Mail

Prince William described the attacks as "truly dreadful".

photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess of Cambridge signing the book..

photo via The Daily Mail

In the book, Prince William wrote:

"To all those who have died and were injured in the heartless attacks in Paris, and to tall the people in France. Nos plus sincères condoléances."

photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess wore a black dot pattern suit that we have seen a few times before. She first wore to watch Prince William be made a member of the Order of the Garter back in 2008.

She wore it again to sign a book of condolence for Nelson Mandela in 2013.

Once again, it was a very appropriate choice.

***

This evening both the Duke and the Duchess attended separate engagements.

Prince William attended the England v France match. He wasn't scheduled to attend, but decided to attend after Friday's tragic attacks. 

photo via The Daily Mail

Fans on both sides gave sang the French national anthem La Marseillaise. Supporters also held up sheets of coloured paper to make the French flag

photo via The Daily Mail

Kensington Palace said: "Tonight's game is a chance to pay tribute to the bravery and resolve of the French people."

***

Meanwhile, the Duchess attended the Fostering Excellence Awards in London. It was a tea party held at the British Medical Association House.

photo via The Daily Mail

Back in January, the Duchess was invited to an attend event hosted by the Fostering Network where she had chance to meet foster carers and foster children and learn more about the organisation.

photo via The Daily Mail

The event was hosted by presenter Holly Willoughby who sat next to the Duchess throughout the event.

photo via The Daily Mail

Kate met awards winners and also presented the Fostering Achievement Award. This award celebrates "extraordinary achievements in the last 12 months by young people aged 16 to 24 who have been fostered".

photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess chose to wear a dress by Indian designer Saloni. It was a nice nod to the recent news that next Spring the Duke and Duchess will undertake a Royal Tour in India.

She chose the Martine Crinkle-Effect Dress. The bold blue colour is also a nice subtle nod to France at this time, given that blue is one of their national colours. This could be coincidence or a conscious decision - either way it works perfectly.

The Duchess also debuted a new pair of heels by Gianvito Rossi. They are the Gianvito Rossi Black Suede Pumps.

The Duchess teamed the outfit with her black suede Alexander McQueen belt and carried her black suede Mulberry clutch.

photo via The Daily Mail

She also wore her Catherine Zoraida Fern Hoop Earrings.

It was a lovely outfit for the Duchess and thought it worked wonderfully for the event.

Remembrance Sunday..

Today was Remembrance Sunday and once again members of the Royal Family gathered in Whitehall, to remember those who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were once again in attendance.

photo via The Daily Mail

The Queen laid a wreath at the base of the Cenotaph.

photo via The Daily Mail

Prince William and Prince Harry also laid wreaths.

photo via The Daily Mail

They saluted the Cenotaph as a sign of respect for those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

photo via The Daily Mail

Kate watched the ceremony alongside the Countess of Wessex and Sir Timothy Lawrence from the balcony of the foreign office. 

photo via The Daily Mail

Queen Maxima, of the Netherlands, was also in attendance on the baloney, whilst King Willem-Alexander laid a wreath.

photo via The Daily Mail

It is the 5th time that the Duchess has attended the Remembrance Sunday parade. In 2011, the Duchess wore a Diane von Furstenberg coat. In 2012 she re-wore the same DVF coat. In 2013, she wore the Temperley Noa Coat that first made another appearance in 2014 during their official tour of Australia. In 2014 the Duchess wore an Alexander McQueen coat. This year the Duchess debuted a new coat and hat. 

She wore a bespoke version of the Alexander McQueen Velvet Trim Double Breasted Wool Felt Coat which is available for £2,165.

The Duchess wore a new hat which is believed to be a bespoke piece by Sylvia Fletched for Lock & Co and carried her Mulberry black suede clutch.

photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess also wore her Annoushka Pearl Drop Earrings.

***

There have been a couple of additions to Kate's calendar including;

17th November - The Duchess will attend The Fostering Network's Annual Fostering Excellence Awards.

18th November - The Duchess will attend the Place2Be's Headteacher Conference.

I will be back then!!