The Princess of Wales chose vibrant red separates by Alexander McQueen for her first major speech in her new role. 
The speech was part of an event at BAFTA headquarters tonight in London’s West End that was a pre-launch for the new “Shaping Us” campaign that officially launches tomorrow (Tuesday). Shaping Us is a key part of the Princess’s Early Years work and the first major campaign from the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. 
Victoria Ward’s Telegraph piece has more.
The Princess of Wales outlined her vision for a major new public awareness campaign about the importance of early childhood on Monday evening, warning that it is “essential” to understand how the first five years shape the adults we become.
The Princess, accompanied by Prince William, attended a launch event at Bafta, where she introduced the long-term campaign that will form the foundation of her future work
The Centre for Early Childhood notes, “Shaping Us”… aims to transform the issue from one of scientific interest to one of the most strategically important topics of our time.”
A number of celebrities are supporting the Shaping Us campaign. Below you see the Princess with entrepreneur and author Sol Lovemore (C) and broadcaster Fearne Cotton (R). 
More from Danielle Stacey’s Hello article.
The royal couple were joined by a host of celebrity supporters at the evening event staged at Bafta’s London HQ, with former Saturdays singer Rochelle Humes, rapper Professor Green, presenter Fearne Cotton and England football captain Leah Williamson among the guests.
A video from tonight’s engagement.
The Princess and Prince of Wales at @BAFTA this evening at a reception for the Princess’ #ShapingUs @Earlychildhood campaign. Kate: “The campaign is fundamentally about shining a spotlight on the critical importance of early childhood and how it shapes the adults we become.” pic.twitter.com/XJt5mQStjM
— Roya Nikkhah (@RoyaNikkhah) January 30, 2023
Below, the Princess with Rochelle Humes (2nd from right), a champion for the upcoming campaign, and journalist Kate Silverton (right), who hosted tonight’s event. 
More from The Daily Mail’s story.
Rochelle Humes brought her nine-year-old daughter Alaia Mai Humes to the event and joked the youngster had said about Kate: ‘She’s got the best hair’
Below, the Princess meeting Alaia-Mai.
The Daily Mail reports Ms. Humes “spoke about her childhood being brought up by just her mother, and ended her speech by saying: ‘Everyone in society needs the very best for every child, because if every child realises their full potential we’ll have a society that is infinitely better off than the one we have today.'”
The Princess spoke at tonight’s event.
The campaign is fundamentally about shining a spotlight on the critical importance of early childhood and how it shapes the adults we become
It is when we learn to understand ourselves, understand others and understand the world in which we live.
This is why it is essential, to not only understand the unique importance of our earliest years, but to know what we can all do to help raise future generations of happy, healthy adults.
Shaping Us is a long-term campaign, and we’re starting by highlighting how we develop during early childhood and why these years matter so much in terms of shaping who we become.
We return to The Telegraph’s coverage.
The campaign marks the first major announcement from The Royal Foundation’s Centre for Early Childhood, launched by the Princess in 2021, when she signalled her intention to elevate the status of the early years to be on a par with global issues such as the environment.
The Princess is understood to have been “actively involved” in every element of the campaign and is working with a panel of expert advisors who will guide her through the next steps, which for now remain under wraps.
Following tonight’s event, Kensington Palace posted a message on social media, 
Th Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood posted a video from tonight’s engagement.
👀 keep your eyes peeled tomorrow for the exciting launch of #ShapingUs, a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of early childhood. pic.twitter.com/joAhQtjaP3
— The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood (@Earlychildhood) January 30, 2023
We move now to what Kate wore for this evening’s event. 
It looked like the Princess was wearing Alexander McQueen’s Leaf Crepe Drop-Hem Jacket ($2290) in Welsh Red. The piece is made of a viscose/acetate blend, and features a fitted silhouette with padded shoulders, peak lapels, angled pocket flaps, and the asymmetric front hem. 
The trousers appear to be the Alexander McQueen Leaf Crepe Slim Bootcut Pants ($890). The style is crafted of the same Welsh Red viscose/acetate fabric with a concealed front zipper, slanted front pockets, a back pocket, and back seam.
As best I could tell, the Princess brought back her Gianvito Rossi 105 pumps. 
And she carried her Miu Miu clutch. 
The Princess repeated a pair of earrings first seen at a June 2022 engagement, the Florence style by Chalk (£75, about $93 at today’ exchange rates).
The walnut and acrylic pendants are part of a collection inspired by “the ornate details and geometry found within the main stage auditorium ceiling of the Royal Opera House.”
Over the weekend, an open letter from the Princess about the campaign was released by Kensington Palace.
This week, I am delighted to reveal, The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood will launch a major new awareness-raising campaign, highlighting the critical importance the first five years of our lives have on shaping the adults we become.
During our very early childhood, our brains develop at an amazing rate – faster than any other time of our lives. Our experiences, relationships, and surroundings at that young age, shape the rest of our lives.
It is a time where we lay the foundations and building blocks for life. It is when we learn to understand ourselves, understand others and understand the world in which we live.
But as a society, we currently spend much more of our time and energy on later life. I am absolutely determined that this long-term campaign is going to change that.
It will start by highlighting how we develop during early childhood and why these years matter so much in terms of shaping who we become.
I will be joined by a remarkable group of experts spanning science, research, policy-making and front-line practice as well as an exciting group of well-known faces from music, sport and television, to show all of us, why it is in all of our interests to care about this.
We all need to know the critical importance of our early childhood. They really are years like no other in our lives. I urge everyone reading this, to take the opportunity to learn more about this incredible time of life, to think back to your own childhood and how it shaped you, and most importantly, to ask yourselves what you can do to make the world a more supportive and loving place for our children.
Because healthy, happy children shape a healthy, happy future.
Along with the letter, Kensington Palace released photos of the Princess with students from St. John’s Church of England Primary School in Bethnal Green.
Another view.
And a brief video teasing the Shaping Us campaign was posted on social media.
Our early childhood shapes the rest of our lives.#ShapingUs – coming soon with The Centre for @Earlychildhood pic.twitter.com/jM7nJS5xhX
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) January 28, 2023
In the photos released by Kensington Palace, the Princess wears a Burberry blouse very much like the label’s Silk Crepe de Chine Tie-Neck Blouse ($1150) shown blow, minus the front pockets. Thank you to Middleton Maven for this ID.
She also wore her Spells of Love ‘Alia’ earrings.
I will see you tomorrow for coverage of the official launch.
LINKS:
- Learn more about the campaign at the Centre for Early Childhood’s Shaping Us microsite.
- Visit the Centre for Early Childhood site here; the Centre’s Twitter feed is here and its Instagram page is here.
VIDEOS:
Here is the 1:30 ‘Shaping Us’ video.
Allie
Tuesday 4th of April 2023
I wish I could afford this suit... and look as good in it as she does! What a stunning piece!
Shirley Brown
Monday 6th of February 2023
Love the suit and accessories, but I agree that a touch of navy might b nice. Still an outstanding look, beautifully tailored, perfect fit. But those earrings !!!! They look so out of place with a lovely outfit. Completely wrong colors and style for such a svelte outfit.
Zoe
Friday 3rd of February 2023
Given the state of the economy in Britain, I would really like to see her in ZERO new outfits for the whole year. Goodness knows she has enough clothes. Would be a great way to support the country and make the focus on the work. She could donate her clothes budget to her new cause.
laura
Thursday 16th of February 2023
@Kiki Vancouver, that's correct!
laura
Thursday 16th of February 2023
@Joanne, I agree
Annie
Monday 6th of February 2023
@Zoe, she drives part of the economy. She wouldn't be doing her job if she bought zero new clothes.
Joanne
Saturday 4th of February 2023
@Zoe, does your wish to see Catherine in “zero new outfits” for the whole year apply to other royal ladies too? I respectfully disagree with your expectations for Catherine,her work, and her wardrobe.
Kiki Vancouver
Saturday 4th of February 2023
@Zoe, but her clothes generate such intense interest and coverage, so perhaps that’s a positive for the apparel and retail industry. A lot of people, especially women, rely on retail jobs to put food on their tables. I hear what you’re saying for sure, but I also think that a lot of people love to follow the fashions of their favourite royals and celebrities, not necessarily to duplicate the fashions, but for some enjoyable escapism. Just my opinion 😊
Larissa
Friday 3rd of February 2023
Okay, I admit – I have been getting a bit bored of seeing nothing but suits lately. But this one is stunning! I love the asymmetrical elements of the blazer, and the Welsh red is a great colour choice for Kate's first speech as Princess of Wales. My only quibble is that with the accessories, it just feels like too much red. Given that William showed his support through his red tie, I almost would have preferred to see Kate match him a bit more (even if it is her event to shine at) with some navy accessories. They would have brought a nice contrast to the outfit and also matched her sapphire ring.
Thank you for showing "Layla's Story" at the end. What an absolutely heartwarming and adorable video; it makes me very excited to see where this project goes, and proud of Kate for championing this cause.
Zell
Friday 3rd of February 2023
@Larissa, yes, so true - This suit really stands out, for the color & those lovely details! And, while I do like the all red look, your suggestion of red with navy accents is would defdefinitely look great!
Zell
Friday 3rd of February 2023
I want to give a shout out for Prince William, as well, in addition to my previous comments about how Gorgeous his wife, the Princess of Wales, looks in this outfit: William is so handsome in his suit and especially his red tie, complimenting Kate's vivid, vibrant look! Best of all: his loving, proud glance at his wife! Definitely getting Valentine's Day vibes! 🥰