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The Princess in Separates for Baby Bank Visit

The Princess in Separates for Baby Bank Visit

The Princess of Wales was in casual separates for a visit to a local baby bank today.

Baby Bank Windsor was founded in 2015 by two local moms and now supports families in need from Windsor, Maidenhead, Slough, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and the surrounding areas. A Kensington Palace news release notes, “The charity provides a range of objects for families including new-born starter kits, school uniforms, nappies, buggies and beds. Donations are provided by the general public, retailers and local suppliers.”

We learn more about the visit from this story in the Harrow Times

As well as providing essential items like nappies, school uniforms, and buggies for cash-strapped parents, the charity works with midwives and health workers to support mothers before and after giving birth.

Sitting down with a group of them, the princess praised their “vital” work, saying: “It is so often behind the scenes.”

“It is particularly tough times not only for midwifery and volunteering and organisations like this but for health visitors who are under huge amounts of pressure to deliver to families in growing need,” she said.

“You are there living and breathing it.

“You see these families and you see their challenges.

A quick video via Rebecca English of The Daily Mail

More from this Daily Mirror piece

Kate examined a large pile of boxes that had been donated by Mattel containing Buzz Lightyear toys. “Oh yes, my daughter is a huge fan of Toy Story,” the princess said.

She was interested to hear about The Baby Bank’s reach as “people might not initially think it’s a primary need area.”

We return to the Daily Mirror story

She peppered the charity’s joint CEOs, Rebecca Mistry and Lauren Hall, with questions about their set up and local demand.

Rebecca explained how they try to match up donations with specific children so they don’t feel like they are relying on random hand-outs.

“Have you seen the needs of families change recently?”, Kate asked, surprised to discover that while they had seen a huge rise in need, this has not been matched by donations.

“People are hanging onto what they have or passing it to friends or selling things like buggies for a little cash,” Lauren explained.

And from the Daily Mail’s coverage

As she sorted through the clothes, Rebecca told her that many people felt broody when they saw how tiny they were and joked: ‘Whereas I look at them and think I don’t want to go through that again.’

The princess laughed and said: ‘I’ve been there and done that.’

Before she left the princess sat down and chatted with some of the bank’s volunteers as well as local midwives and health visitors who are instrumental in referring families to it for help.

Another view. 

Now for our recap of what Kate wore.

She brought back her Larsson Double-Breasted Twill Blazer ($545) by Reiss

The Princess first wore the blazer to visit RAF Brize Norton in September 2021 and again when meeting Ukrainian aid workers in April 2022.  

The double-breasted style features patch pockets, a ticket pocket, peak lapels, and a single back vent.

The jacket is available in light camel at Reiss, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks. Nordstrom has the navy version on sale for 25% off ($408).

The Princess also appeared to bring back her Frieda Crepe Cigarette Trousers (sold out) by LK Bennett. The trousers were also paired with the Larsson jacket for the 2021 RAF Brize Norton engagement.

With thanks to Carly at Kate Middleton Style for the ID, it looks like the Princess wore a new pair of shoes by Boden, the British brand’s Pointed Ballet Flats ($190). 

The black suede flats featured a pointed toe with a distinctive buckle and a 1/2″ heel. The black is available in limited sizes, and the style is also offered in deep olive and tomato.

The Princess wore her Daniella Draper Gold Citrine Baby Treasure Necklace ($1100). 

As well as her Bruna Earrings ($60, now sold out) by Sézane

The earrings were first noted in December 2021 at a V&A engagement. Wearing Sézane made sense today, as the retailer announced a new philanthropic partnership with Baby 2 Baby.

 

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Paula

Friday 1st of September 2023

Do you know what belt she was wearing in the April 2023 Baby Bank appearance? Thank you.

allie

Friday 28th of April 2023

I am so happy to see her in cute flats! Working women love flats for comfort and style.

Sue V

Thursday 27th of April 2023

A little side note about Catherine’s shoes, which seemed to meet with universal approval as a look with the trousers and for the engagement. For those that did think the outfit, while appropriate, a little bland/boring, I saw on the Boden site that the shoes were also available in a nice looking animal print (some are dreadful). I think that would have been a great choice and lifted the neutral separates a notch but not been overpowering.

Marie

Thursday 27th of April 2023

Kate doesn’t wear her blue cork wedges anymore? :(

Zell

Thursday 27th of April 2023

@Marie, I've always liked them!

Berenike

Thursday 27th of April 2023

@Marie, Just wait until summer :)

Kimberley

Thursday 27th of April 2023

Add me to the list of those who prefer the flat shoes with (tapered leg) pants. IMO: heels with tapered leg pants is very dated. Screams "Working Girl" circa 1988.

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