The Duchess had engagements today focused on the value of parents supporting other parents and the mental health benefits that kind of activity can provide.
This morning Her Royal Highness spoke with representatives and volunteers from eight different organisations who run peer-to-peer support programmes about their services and the impact that COVID-19 is having on families across the country….A key part of many peer support networks is the ability to meet up and spend time together, which has been affected by COVID-19. The Duchess heard from parents about the impact this has had on them, and how important access to outside space, such as Battersea Park, is to their health and wellbeing.
A clip from the call.
Across the UK there are many thousands of parents who use their time, experience and knowledge to support other parents and families.
This morning The Duchess spoke with representatives and volunteers from seven different organisations who run peer-to-peer support programmes. pic.twitter.com/1emTYGBKOB
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) September 22, 2020
Organizations taking part in the call included: Home-Start UK, Parents 1st UK, the Island House Charity Community Parent Programme in Tower Hamlets, Better Start Blackpool, NCT (National Childbirth Trust) New Parent Support, Applied Research Collaboration North West coast, Coram Parent Champions National Network, and Leeds Dads.
Kate then met new parents at Battersea Park.
We learn more from The Telegraph’s story by Hannah Furness:
The Duchess, who met with mothers and their babies in a park to discuss the challenges of “lockdown” parenting, said connecting with others essential for their “emotional well-being”.
One of the organizations involved is Home-Start, a national charity supporting families and helping parents build better lives for their children. Volunteers at local Home-Starts support over 32,000 families every year. This is from The Daily Mail’s piece by Rebecca English.
Single-mothers Irma Martus, 47, and Carol Elliott, 41, told the duchess how they had been helped out with weekly check-up phone calls from volunteer Home-Start Wandsworth during the pandemic.
Kate said: ‘Does it help emotionally too? You feel less judged? Everybody needs to have those friendships’ Adding: ‘It must be difficult to meet up socially distancing.’
Afterwards Irma, who was referred to Home-Start after her 22-month-old son Emmanuel was diagnosed with Down’s syndrome, said: ‘She said she was passionate about support for single mothers through peer support.’
The duchess also met mums Nalini Sadai and Jessie Brett who provide peer to peer mum support for the National Childbirth Trust (NCT). Both told her they use their own experiences when helping new mums.
Kate said: “It’s good being able to listen and being listened while being off guard. It is so important for your emotional well-being. With your experiences its so important that you’ve been through it. Without what you are providing, that form of relationship, you can feel so isolated. You should be very proud.”
The Duchess had on two new necklaces today, one of the few times I remember her layering multiple necklaces. We’ll start with the top strands, part of what looks like the Double Strand Beaded Satellite Chain Necklace from Spells of Love. The necklace’s top strand measures 14,” and the bottom strand is 16″, with an additional 2 inches of adjustment chain. It is “a super thick 2.5 microns of 18K Gold over 925 Sterling Silver.” 
You may recall Kate wore earrings by Spells of Love for August engagements in South Wales. The independent Welsh firm was founded by designer Hayley Jones, who focuses on eco and ethically conscious designs. Thank you to Middleton Maven for her ID of this piece.
We haven’t identified Kate’s other necklace with the initial charms. It looks like each charm has two layers, with the smaller size showing the initial of each Cambridge child, sitting atop a slightler larger circle. 
UPDATE #1 SEP 23: The Daily Mail reports the initial charm necklace is also by Spells of Love. As I don’t see anything on the company’s site that looks similar, I have emailed for confirmation the necklace actually is by the company.
UPDATE #2 SEP 23: Haley at Spells of Love was kind enough to get back to me and she says the necklace is not one of her designs.
UPDATE #3 SEP 23: The necklace is by an Irish artisan jeweler called All The Falling Stars. Below, an Instagram post from the jeweler dated May 24, explaining a personalized version of this necklace was given to Kate when she was in Galway. The design is called the Personalized Gold Three-Layered Disc Necklace ($127.65). Thank you to Lauren for her ID work on this! 
The company describes itself this way: “All the Falling Stars designs handcrafted jewellery pieces with a delicate and minimalist aesthetic. Our designs embody a playful elegance and each piece comes beautifully packaged, sent with love from our studio in the west of Ireland.”
It turns out discovering the necklace designer also explained the (previously) UFO earrings worn by Kate at Baby Basics in August. They are called the Gold Disc Circle Earrings (€49, about $58). 
The Duchess brought back a Halcyon Days Maya Torque bracelet ($165) in 18ct gold plated twisted brass with glass cabochons at each end. It was first noted in January for one of Kate’s engagements launching the Early Years Study. 
She also repeated her Daniella Draper Minin Cupid Hoops ($245), worn initially with shamrock charms. 
Kate carried her Ray-Ban ‘Youngster’ Sunglasses ($147).
She also had on her Cartier Ballon Bleu wristwatch.
We’ll leave you with one more photo of the Duchess today. 
VIDEOS:
Simon Vigar of Channel 5 News has a two-minute piece covering the day.
The Duchess of Cambridge visited new lockdown mums and their babies today to encourage them to look for help during tough times.
Kate wanted to stress the importance of making new friendships for extra support, even under social distancing guidelines.@simonvigar5 | #5News pic.twitter.com/EAXaxAk1YM
— Channel 5 News (@5_News) September 22, 2020
The Royal Family Channel offers more than three minutes of raw video.
LINKAGE:
- Learn more about Home-Start on the group’s website; its Facebook page is here; the charity’s Twitter feed is here.
- Hannah Furness’s Daily Telegraph piece is here; Robert Jobson’s Evening Standard article is here; The Daily Mail coverage from Rebecca English is here;
- Emily Nash’s story for Hello is here;
I’m not a fan of pants on kate i think some indigo skinny jeans would of looked better!Anyway i like the top the trainers and her face/hair looks so beautiful.
I agree with Jessica that a soft scarf belt would have made a perfect belt. But maybe Kate is trying to start a trend — fancy belt loops standing on their own. They aren’t ordinary belt loops. I could deal with that.
Even though I love the very fancy expensive clothes she wears for big occasions, it is so heartwarming to me to see her mingle with her fellow mums, dressed down but not too down. I feel she is striving for that “one of the gang” look, but not overly so. She gets it just right.
And it’s always great to see a Royal promoting M&S!!
Great cause, perfect and appropriate for her to support.
I noticed in the picture of the model wearing the pants that she was also sans belt. Each to their own. I can like them either way. I thought the pictures of this event really captured Kate’s commitment and engagement. Love her big smile on a sunny day. Lifts the spirits. I liked the outfit with her runners (trainers etc.:)). With kids present, one needs to be able to move quickly. I thought this really made her look like “one of the gang” and noted that one of the Moms was also wearing sporty shoes or runners.
I esp notice what an active listener Kate is – despite the babies and the plane noise and a videographer/photographers – she really is present to whoever she’s talking to.
Love this look. I often find Kate overdressed for engagements and she was pitch perfect this time, particularly as the moms were so casual. She’s wonderful.
I, too, think Kate looks lovely, as always. Loved the t-shirt, and white tennis shoes. But if belt loops show, a belt should be worn. A wide, white belt would have been perfect.
Agree on the belt. 😊 Disagree on the “wide, white” part. 😉
A great outfit that hits all the right notes: comfortable, casual, yet polished.
I loved all the jewelry – understated earrings, delicate necklace and bold bangle. Certainly added that ‘little something’ to a simple outfit.
This was a lovely, fresh look, and I agree with others that it strikes the right simple tone, with affordable separates and relatable brands. I liked these trousers on their first outing, too, but I find that I like them even better with my beloved Supergas.
I often find myself wishing for a scarf–the few times that she’s worn one I feel like they really suit her. Here, a twisted-up scarf capturing some of the rose of the trousers could have made either a lovely headband or the belt that some are longing for.
I don’t hate the trainers, but I would have liked this outfit so much better if she had chosen a pair of flats instead.
On looks this outfit hits all the right notes : chic looking, yet casual, relatable. We all have similar items in our wardrobes, I am sure. I really like that Catherine has paired the trousers with just a simple tee, I have always wanted her to wear more tailored trousers on engagements and this length looks fab on her, much better than the wide-legged or flared crops she has worn before. And the layered necklaces are a charming touch to finish it off.
The fit may not be as good as it could be but to an extent I always think elastane/stretch element of fabric is to blame. I hardly ever wear belts with trousers myself and have no issue about the lack of that, in fact it would probably have detracted from the look – what colour should it have been? It would have just added an unnecessary extra. Also, as we know that Catherine is not a great trousers person, it makes total sense to re-wear something from the wardrobe and give it a new twist: job done.
My biggest quibble is the make up of the top – why does anything need 20pc nylon? I’d have gone for pure cotton…..
Pure cotton can be as rare as hen’s teeth these days. Virtuous organic or recycled cotton sites tend not to have quite the grace in styling of this one.
Love this outfit. Casual, yet classy. The relaxed look is great. A Belt on these trousers would look silly… love!
I have those Supergas and I love them! I wear a t-shirt, trousers and the white Supergas all the time so I’m so chuffed to see the Duchess wearing this! I love the dainty gold jewellery. I genuinely feel like she’s had a breakthrough with the jewelry today. Gold earrings + BRACELET + LAYERED DAINTY NECKLACES. Brb currently in sartorial heaven.
Also I’m quite glad that she didn’t wear a belt? The belt loops don’t really bother me and I’m quite glad she didn’t add another colour to the outfit. Gold wouldn’t have worked either. The only thing that would have worked was a self-belt but then that would have looked inaccessible and not approachable.
I so agree with you about the belt, it would have quite unbalanced the effortlessly thrown-together look which makes this outfit swing.
Ah, but there are belts and belts. A sporty canvas one, for instance, or even a chain one. We’ll agree to disagree, ElizaMo!
Marguerite, I am one who said belt loops require a belt. If I had those pants and decided against wearing a belt, then I would have taken out a seam ripper, or some sharp scissors and completely removed the loops. I agree with you that a sporty, canvas belt would work. It doesn’t need to be a heavy leather belt with a prominent buckle. Empty loops look like they are missing something.
We are on the same page, Bonnie. Rip!
Agree! Bare belt loops should be hidden or a belt must be worn. I, a commoner, should have grace for this mistake. A well-dressed duchess… she can take this minor criticism. 🙂
I must disagree with you, Margeurite and Bonnie! I feel like a belt, even a light one, would have made this look far less casual and approachable. But that’s what this lovely chat section is for!
I do think that certain aspects of an outfit can telegraph an attitude, but I don’t understand how a belt would make a person seem unapproachable. 🤔
More than happy to oblige 😉
Or not to tuck in the shirt…
I also adore the dainty jewelry!! Finally, Kate breaks into new territory
Yes I absolutely love it!
I also have those Supergas and absolutely love them but mine are filthy! Any tips on keeping them clean without destroying them?!
Scotchgard?
I just wash them in the washing machine once in a while!
Omg I am obsessed with this look!! Getting serious Jackie O vibes from the shoulder-length curls in Kate’s hair. 💃🏼 What a creative way to rewear those pink trousers! The white top and white trainers look so feminine and stylish paired with the pink. This whole outfit is modern, chic, and both casual and upscale in a very appealing way.
Finally, I’m thrilled Kate is finally wearing delicate metal jewelry in the style of the Duchess of Sussex. And Kate’s makeup and skin look particularly glowy today. A perfect look!
Kate definitely has something of Jackie O on various occasions. She can put together a minimum of preppy items, swing back that glossy dark hair, and effortlessly look a million bucks. Certainly not seen quite that élan since Jackie left.
You said it perfectly! I love to see the resemblance in their timeless styles!
I think this was pretty brilliant, actually. By (re)using those pieces she invited little focus on her clothes and could be ‘another mum’ at an outdoor event, talking to women in a low-key way. People often speak of her sartorial diplomacy and this was exactly that, down to the (inexpensive-ish) necklaces with her children’s initials.
I think you are spot-on, Nicola, and it looked wonderful to boot – feminine, but effortless. I love these trousers on her!
The Duchess is always beautiful, gracious and appropriate, but I don’t care for this outfit. Nice sunglasses. Nice casual jewelry. Nice hair.
I can not believe the woman that wears belts over coats and adds them when not needed has belt loops without a belt!
I’m no fan of this outfit. I feel her shoes are extremes- too high too dressy or tennis shoes.
Oh well- her work is more important and I’m happy to see her comfortable while she does nice things!
I do agree about the belt, Susan! Also, although I think it’s wonderful to support the beleaguered M&S, and the pants are a beautiful colour, the fabric is too soft and clingy, making these pants less than flattering. And on a figure as beautiful as the Duchess’s, well, enough said. The white runners are a vast improvement on the heels worn last time, and the T-shirt and jewellery are lovely, especially the double chain.
On another positive note, this cause is such a good one, especially at the moment, and diplomatic dressing on such an occasion shows a high degree of thoughtfulness.
I also hate the shoes. 1) Because I tried the Supergas on once in store to buy them, and they just felt stiff and cheap. If I wanted a solid white sneaker, then I’d just buy Keds. 2) They’re too casual to be paired with suit pants, even when worn as separates. I would have loved to have seen her wear flats–and maybe a pair that could’ve coordinated with a belt!
I love seeing Kate embrace the layered necklaces trend. The unidentified necklace with the three kids’ initials is super cute. This is actually more jewelry than we have seen her wear for a while on a casual engagement.
I like the pants and the top and I think her hair and makeup looked great today.
I have never liked those Superga trainers—they are probably comfortable but they just look clunky to me. I feel like cute flats would have looked better with this ensemble.
It is good to see her out and about after the traditionally slow royal month of August.
Nice casual look, suitable to the occasion, but once again Kate’s pants don’t quite measure up. When there are belt loops, then a belt should be worn. Obviously a belt is not needed, but the empty loops look a tad off. I would like the pants to be a bit longer. Also the crease down the leg is stitched, a feature that looks dated and unnecessary.
Kate’s jewellery is nice in its simplicity and in the sentimental touch of the initials of her children on the necklace.
Well, for me, this is the first time Kate has successfully worn tailored trousers to work. I’m not a fan of wide legs, especially in crop styles, although I can appreciate them for dramatic effect on occasion. But this is such a delightful pair of neat, slim leg, tailored crops that I’m chuffed to bits to see a classic pair that can be both comfy and smart without any loss of elegance.
And I think it speaks volumes for M&S that the pants both work on their own, sans jacket, and also team naturally with a top from the Ralph Lauren stable, admittedly the budget-friendly line, as all my life I’ve loved finding accessible M&S treasures that work well with higher end. This is the real High Street find, the one that maxes on affordability with style and quality, something M&S has long been famous for. The little top is perfect with its subtle puff on the sleeve shoulder and elegantly cut square neck.
The pants look excellent with Superga trainers, perhaps preferable to the heels worn last time. The ensemble as a whole majors as a chic win with its delicate mix of spidery necklaces, those smart Daniel Draper hoops, trusty Ray Bans, and all topped with the Maya bangle. Hair is fabulous and the Duchess is perfectly turned out for supporting such a worthwhile cause, combining casual chic with royal prestige, without overpowering anyone she meets.
Love your very eloquent evaluation of the trousers! I completely agree – they look fabulous on her. Always a pleasure to read your comments, ElizaMo
Thanks Rebecca, very kind of you. I was very taken with this outfit.
It’s always a pleasure to read your writing 🙂 I also love this look, and like you, I think a belt would have looked a little silly here
I definitely agree about the pants and the Supergas. I’m not a fan of crop pants – what happened to the rest of the leg?! 🙂 – and wearing them with heels just exacerbates the issue. The simple white Keds-style sneakers work with them, and make them work, better than any other shoe I’ve seen. A spot-on outfit for this engagement.
I like this outfit, in general, for this occasion, but I’m going to nitpick here. I don’t feel this specific T-shirt is the right style for the Duchess, or for most women. The both low and wide (almost squared) neckline is not flattering. The sleeves are an awkward length; they should be shorter or longer. And the bit of gathering at the top of the sleeve is not really appropriate for the Duchess’s body type IMO. She is so gorgeous and so slender that she can get away with styles that are not the best for her and still look very nice. But a few tweaks would make the outfit even more flattering. This is a rare criticism from me as I greatly admire the Duchess’s taste and her ability to wear clothes.
I’m so excited, for the first time EVER… I have something the same as Kate. We have the same sunglasses. I can’t even explain how happy this makes me. I feel so foolish. ha ha
Oh, good for you, Ruthi. How fun! 🙂
Congratulations! The nearest I’ve got is a backpack in the same range of luggage used on one tour, possibly India, and which I now can’t find!
I’m laughing that you can’t find the backpack, ElizaMo. I misplace things all the time. Can’t be our age….we just have too many things on our minds. BTW I don’t think I own anything that Kate owns.
For me it’s the Supergas!
You should be excited, Ruthi! She’s a fashion lodestar, in my opinion.
It’s only been the other way around for me– Kate wears it first and I’m inspired. 🙂
Except once, almost, when I already owned… Aquatalia boots, black suede! I missed by a few inches– mine were flat-heeled!
I think the boots count! 😅