Kate Middleton Makes Solo Royal Outing to Discuss Mental Health Initiatives at a West London School
Kate Middleton started her day with a serenade from an adorable group of kids and a cuddle with a therapy dog. The Duchess of Cambridge received this glorious welcome on the day after her 36th birthday during a solo royal visit to the Reach Academy in the West London town of Feltham, a school for students between the ages of 4 and 18 that works closely with Place2Be, the children’s mental health charity for which Kate has been the royal patron since 2013.
Before she entered the school, the expectant mother met with the students lined up outside and listened to their rendition of Nina Simone’s “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free.” According to People, the duchess told the students she was “very impressed” with their vocal abilities. She added, “I wish every morning could start off like that.” Afterward, she toured the school and its nursery, and met with staff, parents, and students to chat about the school’s mental health initiatives. She reportedly spoke to a group of older students about the “addictive” nature of social media and, as seen in a photo posted by the official Kensington Palace Twitter account, was introduced to the school’s fluffy therapy dog, Bear, while checking out the school farm.
According to the Palace, through its work with Place2Be and other national mental health and wellness charities, Reach Academy “provides a range of support for students, parents, and staff members throughout their time at the school, including emotional wellbeing, LGBT groups, and a Girls’ Group.”
Kate has made several other royal outings to advocate for increased mental health awareness in schools, community centers, and elsewhere. Most recently, in late November, just one day after her brother-in-law Prince Harry announced his engagement to Meghan Markle, Kate visited London’s Foundling Museum to learn about their art therapy programs and meet with a few families who have joined the museum’s education and outreach program.
Related: Kate Middleton Goes Health Goth in Black Athleisure Look at the National Tennis Centre
17 of Kate Middleton’s Best Hair Moments Over The Years
At the Charities Forum Event in London, Middleton unveils an even shorter version of her tousled lob paired with natural hint of blush on the cheekbones.
The Duchess of Cambridge debuted her newly chopped locks in her signature curls as she attends the first round on the opening day of Wimbledon 2017.
Attending the Chelsea Flower Show press day in London in 2016, Middleton kept her hair in a tousled half up do.
Wearing her hair in her signature blown out curls with a playful, braided headband, Middleton visits the Haida Heritage Centre in Canada in 2016.
Attending a Christmas Day church service in King’s Lynn, England, in 2015, Middleton wore her hair in a low bun with a soft smoky eye.
Wearing her hair in a tousled high pony, Middleton attended the WW1 commemorative and Flying Day at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in New Zealand in 2014.
Visiting the Christchurch City Council Buildings in New Zealand in 2014, Middleton wore her hair in a effortlessly tousled half do with a hint of blush on the cheeks.
Attending the naming ceremony for the new Princess Cruises ship ‘Royal Princess’ in 2013, Middleton paired her tousled half up do with a chic black hat.
Looking stunning at the official launch party for Team GB and Paralympics GB for the London 2012 Games, Kate Middleton’s hairstyle pairs beautifully with her dark smoky eye.
The Duchess of Cambridge wore her hair in natural waves while visiting the Tuvanipupu Island on their Diamond Jubilee tour in 2012.
Arriving at the St. Andrew’s School in Berkshire, England, in 2012, Middleton wore her brunette curls with side swept bangs and a nude lip.
The Duchess of Cambridge looked radiant on her wedding day in 2011 wearing her hair in an elegant half up do with a hint of blush on the cheekbones.
Celebrating her royal engagement to Prince William in 2010, Middleton wore her shiny, polished locks in soft curls with luminous skin.
Wearing her brunette curls side-parted with a soft smoky eye, Middleton looked all done up at the wedding of Lady Rose Windsor and George Gilman in 2008.
At the Cheltenham Festival in Gloucestershire in 2007, Middleton kept her look simple, wearing her tousled waves under a black beret.
Attending the wedding of Laura Parker-Bowles and Harry Lope in 2006, Kate Middleton wore her brown hair in soft curls with a natural lip color.
Kate Middleton at the premiere of ‘A Street Cat Named Bob’ in London, England, November 2016
