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The Duchess in New Coat & a Maternity Favorite for Place2Be School Visit

After privately celebrating her 36th birthday yesterday Kate was back to work today, she had an engagement at Reach Academy Feltham.

The school is part of the Place2Be program.

The Duchess being welcomed by students; Reach Academy has pupils ages four to eighteen.

Here is what I thought was the best part of the photo you see above: the look on the face of the little boy in the center, and the little girl just above and to the left.

Some readers will remember that Place2Be was one of Kate’s earliest patronages. The charity’s work is based in-school to maximize the support offered to students, families, and staff. More from The Express:

Place2Be helps children experiencing issues such as bullying, bereavement, domestic violence, family breakdown, neglect and trauma.

Kate took part in an art class with the children.

Something she always seems to enjoy.

In addition to touring the school and speaking with parents who have benefited from Place2Be, Kate heard from students about the support they receive from the charity.

More about Kate’s visit from The Telegraph

….she spoke to older children about the challenges of social media and said she has heard it can get “so addictive”.

She asked them: “Do you feel that social media puts a lot of pressure on young people?”

After hearing some of their stories, she said: “From what we’ve been learning from the work we’ve been doing [with Heads Together] it can get so addictive,” she added. “It becomes part of your lifestyle, doesn’t it?

Kate also spent time outside with the children. 

She saw the school farm and learned about the animals cared for by the students, including rabbits, guinea pigs, and chickens. Victoria Murphy of The Mirror shared this video of the students showing Kate their guinea pig.

There is also a puppy named Bear. 

Back to The Telegraph story by Hannah Furness

The Duchess, who owns a pet dog herself, immediately took to poodle and bischon frise cross Bear, stroking him and asking about his training before presenting him with a rosette to mark the completion of his puppy training. 

Now for our look at what the Duchess wore for today’s engagement. She was in a new (to us) coat from Hobbs London.

It is the Gianna style, made in Portugal of a wool/poly blend. The midi-length design is reminiscent of a classic peacoat with its double-breasted styling; deviates from that silhouette with the flare at the waist and deep inverted pleat at the back. The Gianna also features a wide curved collar, notched lapels, pewter buttons, and side welt pockets.

We saw the return of Kate’s Florrie dress ($109).

It is by Séraphine maternity, a label the Duchess has worn frequently through all three pregnancies. Below, Kate in the dress during her last pregnancy (on the left) and again today. Her delightful penchant for funny faces and animated expressions hasn’t changed.

Kate carried her navy ‘Muse’ clutch by Stuart Weitzman.

It is a style she would have purchased at Russell and Bromley; the British heritage brand partners with Stuart Weitzman on an exclusive collection of footwear and handbags. The Muse is still offered at Russell and Bromley in a pale pink, almost a nude, as well as a deep red patent.

The Duchess also carried gloves I believe to be by Cornelia James; I am checking with them to see if we can sort out the style, which may not be possible from the available photos.

Kate wore her Georgia suede heels by Jimmy Choo

And her diamond/sapphire earrings.

Kate’s hair was down and loosely curled.

One more look at the Duchess as she arrived.

Here is an absolutely beautiful card made at Reach Feltham and given to Kate today, as shared on Twitter by the school.

Reach Academy Twitter (Click photo to go to Twitter feed)

A quick reminder: if you haven’t voted in the oh-so-challenging Favorite 2017 Day Dress poll, click here to look at the broad array of frocks we saw from the Duchess last year!

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Amy Nic

Saturday 13th of January 2018

Lovely ensemble and I love the shade of blue. Not a huge fan of the dress, but I don't hate it. I think the gloves might be: https://www.corneliajames.com//products/imogen-merino-wool-gloves?variant=5254651075 - I'm pretty sure she's worn that style before.

Ashly

Thursday 11th of January 2018

I started counting her coats, and lost count at 65.... I love to see them. This is another great one.

sue d

Friday 12th of January 2018

How many shoes does she have? court shoes, pumps, etc?

Jenny

Thursday 11th of January 2018

Kate looks gorgeous and happy, love it all! I got a kick out of seeing the bottled water on the car door. She's just like the rest of us :)

Rona

Thursday 11th of January 2018

Susan, Kate was in a conference today hosted by Anna Freud. Looking forward to your post about it. I heard she spent most of the day there.

Larissa

Thursday 11th of January 2018

I was critical of Kate's last public outfit so this was the perfect contrast to follow that up with (especially since I ended that comment begging for some Seraphine repeats!). I loved this dress three years ago and I still do, and it was accessorised well this time around with the sapphire earrings.

The coat is gorgeous. At this point I've accepted that Kate buys similar styles in different brands (I've always been amazed how anyone can ID all those different black suede pumps), so despite it being a bit reminiscent of the navy Beulah London or even the MaxMara coat Kate wore with this dress before, I still like it. The inverse pleat at the back is a fun touch.

I love that birthday card the students made for her!

sue d

Thursday 11th of January 2018

Perfect, pretty and polished. Love it all!

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