It’s Bella Freud for Hospital Engagement

The Princess of Wales chose a Bella Freud suit for a visit to Chase Community Hospital today.

The hospital is located in Bordon, Hampshire, about an hour southwest of Windsor.

The Princess was there to learn more about a pilot project called the Alarm Distress Baby Scale (ADBS), an initiative backed by the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. The ADBS is a research-validated observation tool that allows a rapid screening of babies in psychological distress. It can show early social withdrawal in infants aged 0 to 24 months. Below, the Princess with Enid, who was born prematurely and is six months old, and her mother, Amy.

The Princess learned about the Alarm Distress Baby Scale (ADBS) during a 2022 visit to Denmark.

This Daily Mail piece offers details. 

She saw firsthand how a project funded by her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood is being expanded – and was told her ‘germ’ of an idea has turned into a ‘trailblazing’, transformational tool to help youngsters.

Catherine was told that her project to help families understand more about social and emotional development was already ‘changing lives’.

It involves a special method of observing babies to check their eye contact, smiling, and reactions to family and health care professionals in order to better identify those who might benefit from further care and attention.

Here’s the Princess with nine-month-old Ruby.

This BBC story provides details on the ABDS.

Healthcare and childcare professionals use the approach to focus on babies’ eye contact, facial expressions and activity levels to help understand their social behaviour and identify where more support is needed. 

The model can also be used to recognise early signs of psychological distress in under two year olds, enabling specialist support to be accessed as soon as it is needed.

Two pilot phases have been carried out across 10 NHS sites. Earlier this year the centre announced a further £250,000 cash boost over three years to expand the approach’s use, including developing guidance and training resources.

Another view of the Princess with Enid and her mother, Amy.

We return to the Daily Mail article. 

She watched baby Enid, who was born prematurely, be gently tested as a healthcare professional observed her at play and interacting with her mother Amy.

Wearing a red dress and booties, Enid held on to the princess’s finger and accepted the toys and ribbons she passed over, smiling.

The Princess asked Amy about the support she had been receiving, and shared own observations about how babies like black and white prints, and how important it is to learn their small cues.

‘They know when we’re being distracted as well,’ she said, acknowledging how long she had been in conversation and the small group of press cameras facing them.

Empathising with mothers, the princess said: ‘It can be isolating, especially the first time. You’re so nervous about “Can you go out, how do you go out?”‘

She is said to be passionate about the ‘ADBB’ trial.

The Princess spoke with NHS and healthcare staff about the ABDS.

We return to the BBC story. 

The NHS trust has trained up more specialist health visitors in ADBB and plans to roll out the training to its remaining 13 health visiting teams across the county.

She joined discussions with NHS and healthcare staff and observed a baby health and development review.

Additional background comes via this Telegraph piece.

The Princess said that it was “amazing to see the progress”, adding “please spread the word” about how the tool can help. “I hope that it’s adding something rather than feeling like it’s another thing or another burden,” she said, of the workload of healthcare professionals.

Three other NHS trusts were represented at the engagement, to decide whether to implement ADBB in their area too.

The Princess said: “The whole purpose is identifying babies’ needs and families’ needs as early as possible before it gets to crisis point.”

A group photo to memorialize today’s visit.

One more image of the Princess today, as she leaves the hospital.

Now, here’s what Kate wore.

We begin with the Princess’s Bella Freud suit. The Saint James Jacket ($1175) is made from 100% wool and is British-designed and manufactured.  It is a single-breasted style, lightly fitted, with patch pockets and a center back vent, lined in a contrasting color.

The Slim Kim Trouser ($745) is made in the same tweed material, with a high-rise silhouette fitted at the waist and hips, a flared leg, belt loops, side pockets, and a front zipper. Thank you to Laura and Kate Middleton Styled for the speedy ID of these pieces.

Beneath the jacket, the Princess looked to be wearing her Kiltane Cashmere Turtleneck/Polo Neck ($209). 

The Princess accessorized with her burgundy leather Day Cross-Body Bag (£695, out of stock) by British retailer Smythson. First carried in September during engagements in West Sussex, the bag measures roughly 8″ x 10″, and it has a top handle as well as a removable, adjustable shoulder strap.

She also repeated her Gianvito 85 Pumps ($850) in burgundy/maroon suede, with a pointed toe and stiletto heel.

The Princess repeated her Kiki McDonough Green Amethyst Pear Drop Earrings ($1330).

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Also today, a very quick look at a new photo portrait of the Princess taken by Josh Shinner.

The photograph is featured in a new issue of Country Life magazine, guest-edited by Prince William.

More from this Country Life story. 

For this special feature, Country Life invited Robert Macfarlane to ask The Princess of Wales about the power of nature, the lessons it offers and the role it has played throughout her life. 

 ‘I was told in hospital that my recovery would not be linear. There will be good days and bad days, that it will take time. This is the same in nature. It shows us that periods of rest, reflection and renewal are equally as important as moments of growth.’ 

‘In difficult moments especially, nature can help us reconnect with ourselves and with the things that matter most. It reminds us that we’re part of something larger than our immediate worries and challenges.’

 ‘What I feel really passionate about, having had first-hand experience, is approaching illness and recovery through a whole-person approach. Yes, serious illness creates a lot of physical challenges, but there is also a deeper part to all of us.’

‘Nature has allowed me to find a deeper connection to my mind, body and spirit. I think that’s because nature offers something unique. It doesn’t ask anything of us. It doesn’t judge us or expect us to perform. It simply allows us to be. It really has been my sanctuary and a place I’ve instinctively wanted to go.

Josh Shinner took the newly released photo, and it appears to be from April 2025; the Princess wears the same ensemble as in the couple’s 2025 Christmas card photo.

In the new photo, the Princess wears her Ralph Lauren Schmitt Blazer ($2600) crafted in a nubby blend of herringbone silk and linen. The style is based on classic utility jackets, with shoulder epaulets, notched lapels, chest and hip flap pockets, an interior drawstring cord at the waist, and a double back vent.

This piece was first noted during a visit to the Scottish Isles in April 2025. 

In the new photo, the Princess also wears an Emilia Wickstead skirt from the A/W 2018 collection and her Cartier Trinity earrings. 

You can read more about the special issue here. Single-issue copies are available via Magazines Direct for $14.50; at least that’s the price to deliver one to Michigan. 

VIDEOS: 

The Royal Family Channel provides 18 minutes of coverage in this video.