Category: Official Announcements

May 01 – The Duchess Of Cambridge Opens Anna Freud Centre Of Excellence

On May 01, 2019 The Duchess of Cambridge, Patron of The Anna Freud National Centre for Families and Children officially opened the Kantor Centre of Excellence at Rodney Street, London. The new building is a purpose-built space where leading neuroscientists and practitioners in mental health, social care and education will work together with children and young people to transform mental health for them and their families. At the heart of the new centre is the ground-breaking Pears Family School, a school for children who have been excluded from mainstream education and focuses on re-integrating them back to a mainstream school. During her visit The Duchess met students who are benefiting from the centre and ‘young champions’ who are advocates for the centre. Before unveiling a plaque to mark the event The Duchess gave a short speech:

“We are all here today because we care so much about transforming the mental health of children, young people and their families. I have learned so much about early childhood development and the importance of support for parents through your work here at the Anna Freud Centre. This is something I really do care about. The ambition for the new Kantor Centre of Excellence is hugely inspiring; bringing together research, education, practice and policy all in one place will take the Anna Freud Centre mission to the next level. It is testament to what can be achieved when people work together to realise a shared vision”.

VIDEO: Duchess of Cambridge in Hysterics with Staff at the Anna Freud National Centre

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May 01 | The Duchess Of Cambridge Opens Anna Freud Centre Of Excellence

Official Portraits: Prince Louis’s 1st Birthday

I have added 3 high quality photos taken by The Duchess of Cambridge of Prince Louis to celebrate his first birthday.

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Official Portraits – April 2019 | Prince Louis’ 1st Birthday

March 19 – The Duchess of Cambridge Visits The Foundling Museum

After her engagement with The Queen, The Duchess continued on to The Foundling Museum, her newest patronage. The Foundling Museum tells the history of the Foundling Hospital, the UK’s first children’s charity and public art gallery. When The Duchess first visited The Foundling Museum in 2017 she met with the first intake of ‘Tracing our Tales’ trainees. Today, two years later she again met some of these young adults again to hear how the programme has helped them gain confidence and employment. She also joined a ‘Tracing our Tales’ training session, inspired by the Museum’s Bedrooms of London exhibition and by explorations of fears and safety. The Museum’s ‘Bedrooms of London’ exhibition, documents the living conditions of London’s most disadvantaged children. Ending her visit, The Duchess had a few words for her new patronage:

“I feel hugely proud today to be here today to become Patron of the Foundling Museum. Your work connects and celebrates two subjects that are deeply important to me: children, and art.

I am passionate about improving children’s life chances and giving them opportunities, so that they can look forward to the best possible futures, fulfil their whole potential, and have the freedom to explore their creativity.

I have always believed in the power of art, not only to unlock that creativity, but also to bring us joy, and to inspire, challenge and positively change our lives.

Your Museum here powerfully links these two forces for good. By weaving together the moving stories of looked after children, with art and artists of all genres, you create meaningful learning experiences which will have a lasting, and often transformational, impact on young lives.

I could not be more delighted to support such a special organisation. I look forward to working together and, as your Patron, hopefully doing all I can to help your important mission in the future.

Thank you.”

VIDEOS: Duchess of Cambridge Shows Off Lino Printing Skills

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Engagements & Tour Photos – 2019 – March 19 | The Duchess of Cambridge Visits The Foundling Museum

New Patronage: The Foundling Museum

The Duchess of Cambridge has today become Patron of the Foundling Museum.

The new patronage has been announced ahead of Her Royal Highness’ visit to the Foundling Museum later today where she will learn how the organisation works with art and artists to transform the lives of vulnerable and marginalised young people.

During the visit Her Royal Highness will meet trainees and graduates of the Foundling Museum’s ‘Tracing our Tales’ programme, which has been developed to equip care-experienced young adults with the skills to devise and deliver workshops at the Museum. In 2017 The Duchess visited The Foundling Museum and met the first intake of ‘Tracing our Tales’ trainees; two years later she will meet these young adults again to hear how the programme has helped them gain confidence and employment.

The Duchess has a longstanding interest in both the arts and supporting vulnerable families, and this patronage will further highlight the beneficial impact that art and creativity has on emotional wellbeing.

The Foundling Museum tells the history of the Foundling Hospital, the UK’s first children’s charity and public art gallery. The museum works with contemporary artists, writers and musicians to develop learning programmes that are meaningful for young people, especially those who are looked after and care-experienced, to help them see the world differently and imagine new possibilities for themselves.

Larissa Joy, Chair of Trustees – Foundling Museum, said: ‘We are delighted and honoured that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has become Patron of the Foundling Museum. We could not imagine a more perfect Patron. We look forward to working with her as we fulfil our mission to inspire people to make positive impact on society through the arts.’

Caro Howell, Director of the Foundling Museum, said: ‘The Foundling Museum is thrilled and honoured to receive The Duchess’s patronage. Her support is a huge boost to our work transforming the lives of vulnerable young people through the arts.’

Source: Royal UK

Photos & Roundup: February 28 – Royal Visit Ireland – Day 2

On day two of their visit to Northern Ireland The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spent the day in Ballymena, meeting with organisations that are working to create a bright future for the next generation. The couple started their day with a private meeting with Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, George Hamilton and police officers and police staff. During the meeting they discussed the very challenging roles police undertake and thr support available to them.

Next they couple visited the Cinemagic, a charity who uses film, television and digital technologies to engage with over 500,000 young people. The charity uses visual arts to increase opportunities and develop skills for young people from all backgrounds. The Duke and Duchess took part in some of Cinemagic’s workshops to see the full range of training they provide.

VIDEOS: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge raise smiles in Ballymena | Duke and Duchess of Cambridge get creative at CineMagic

The day ended with a visit to Sure Start, a programme that supports parents with children aged under four years old living in disadvantaged areas in Northern Ireland. Their Royal Highnesses saw some of the different programmes that Sure Start provides to support parents and provide best practice for early years work.

VIDEOS: Duke of Cambridge and children play with dinosaurs

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Tour Photos – 2019 – Northern Ireland Visit – February 28 | Northern Ireland Visit – Day 2 – Set 1

Photos & Roundup: February 27 – Royal Visit Ireland – Day 1

SURPRISE: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge undertook a two day visit to Belfast, Fermanagh and Ballymena that celebrated the young people of Northern Ireland. The visit was previously unannounced and was quite a surprise to many. Their Royal Highnesses started their visit meeting waiting crowds in Belfast outside of the Windsor Park Football Stadium. Inside, William and Catherine met Northern Ireland goalkeeping legend Pat Jennings and toured the Irish FA’s Education and Heritage Centre, they also viewed viewed the British Championship trophy, won by Northern Ireland won in 1984.

SHOOTING STARS: After a quick change of clothes it was time for the Duke and Duchess to hit the field. William and Catherine joined young girls from the Irish Football Association’s outreach programmes, ‘Shooting Stars’ which encourages young girls to play football and ‘Ahead of the Game’ which works to support clubs and volunteers when dealing with mental health issues, with a focus on challenging the stigma and preventative measures. The Duke and Duchess chatted with the girls before joining them in a kickabout. After all the fun, the Duke and Duchess were presented with Northern Ireland shirts for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis! Before departing this engagement Willam and Catherine met with participants in ‘Ahead of the Game’ programme, officials and representatives from Irish Football Association.

VIDEOS: The Cambridges Join Children on the Pitch | Gifts for George, Louis, and Charlotte

OUTDOOR FUN: For their next engagement the Duke and Duchess traveled to Fermanagh where they visited Extern’s Roscor Youth Village, a residential activity centre that provides a safe space to help and support young people and with a strong emphasis on supporting young people through outdoor activities and developing independent living skills. William and Catherine joined the young people in a number of activities, a few interestingly enough we’ve seen them take part in on a number of tours, like archery, and canoe racing.

VIDEOS Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Go Canoeing in Northern Ireland

GET THE PARTY STARTED: For the evening engagement the Duke and Duchess were up to more adult activities as they attended a party at Empire Music Hall to celebrate young people who are making a real difference in Northern Ireland. William and Catherine took turns pulling pints. The Duke and Duchess were joined by representatives from Northern Ireland’s business, arts and sport sectors. Hosted by the Queen’s representative Mrs Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle CBE. Dame Mary Peters was appointed Lady Companion of the Most Noble of the Garter by Her Majesty The Queen earlier in the day.

VIDEOS: The Duke & Duchess Pull Pints

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Tour Photos – 2019 – Northern Ireland Visit – February 27 | Northern Ireland Visit – Day 1 – Set 1
Tour Photos – 2019 – Northern Ireland Visit – February 27 | Northern Ireland Visit – Day 1 – Set 2
Tour Photos – 2019 – Northern Ireland Visit – February 27 | Northern Ireland Visit – Day 1 – Set 3

February 05 – The Duchess of Cambridge Visits London Schools

In support of Children’s Mental Health Week The Duchess of Cambridge visited Lavender Primary School and Alperton Community School to find out more about the support offered to students, teachers and parents to help with mental well-being. With the theme this year being ‘Healthy: Inside and Out’, and focusing on the connection between physical and mental health The Duchess visited Lavender Primary School in her role as Patron of Place2Be, she sat in on a number of activities with the children including a show and tell of objects that make them feel good (The Duchess brought a picture of her family), the school’s Daily Mile challenge which teaches children about the importance of being active, and a food diary activity, which focusses on the links between food choices and mood and feelings.

VIDEOS: HRH Supports Children’s Mental Health Week

At Alperton Community School The Duchess of Cambridge met the UK’s first winner of the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, Andria Zafirakou. She also joined a roundtable discussion with teachers about pupil school readiness and teacher wellbeing. Catherine also met with students taking part in the Random Acts of Kindness Club, a extra-curricular club focusing on the wellbeing of the school community. and Textiles Classroom hearing how the school uses Art to enhance children’s confidence, creativity and wellbeing across the age groups

VIDEOS: Duchess of Cambridge marks Children’s Mental Health Week

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Engagements & Tour Photos – 2019 – February 05 | The Duchess of Cambridge Visits London Schools

January 29 – The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Visit Dundee

On (January 30, 2018) The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Dundee, Scotland to open the new V&A Museum and to meet employees and their families from the Dundee Michelin factory. The Earl and Countess of Strathearn as they are known in Scotland started their set of engagements at V&A Dundee, Scotland’s first design museum. William and Catherine met with met architect of the building as well as representatives from the Young Peoples Collective, who design programmes, and lead activities and tours of the Museum.

The Duchess of Cambridge gave a speech in her role as Patron of the V&A saying:

‘William and I are so pleased to be back here in Dundee to celebrate the opening of this wonderful museum today. Thank you so much for inviting us. Last February, I was delighted to become Patron of The V&Ain London. Now, nearly a year later, I’m thrilled to be standing in a brand new V&A: one which has been built for the city of Dundee and for Scotland, and which is already picking up international awards. In its first four months alone, it welcomed over three-hundred and sixty-thousand visitors – a truly remarkable feat.

Walking around this world-class space, it’s easy to see how Scotland’s first dedicated design museum is already inspiring the next generation, by providing a new learning space for discovery. I have been captivated by the breath-taking architecture, and the sheer range of design on display. But most of all I’ve been moved by the passion of the people who work here, and the dedication of all those who have helped make this important project to succeed.

I believe we should celebrate all our leading galleries, museums, and cultural centres playing a greater role in communities, not just in London, but up and down the countrytoo. The cultural riches of the UK belong to all people of the UK. This is what V&A Dundee has achieved. The partners involved in this project from the local area, Scotland, and the UK more broadly all deserve enormous credit for the way you have collaborated to make this happen.

I hope that this Museum will serve as an inspiration to others, by showing how great things can be achieved when different communities all pull together. With this thought in mind, I am pleased to declare V&A Dundee ‘officially’ open. I wish you all every success for the future.’

The pair then went on a short walkabout outside the museum to greet the public.

On their second engagement The Earl and Countess met with employees and their families from the Dundee Michelin Factory at the Crescent Community Centre to hear first hand about the impact the factory’s closure is having on their families and the area. William and Catherine joined a meeting of the Michelin Dundee Action Group, which is working to repurpose the site and ensure new employment opportunities for the local area.

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Engagements & Tour Photos – 2019 – January 29: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Visit Dundee

January 16 – Visiting The Royal Opera House

This morning, (January 16, 2019) Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visited The Royal Opera House. The Duchess was specifically interested in the Costume Department as her great great grandfather owned a textile mill. Today, The Duchess learned more about the textiles they use to create costumes and the commissioning of fabrics, design and craftsmanship involved. According to Kensington Palace this will be an area she will continue to explore this year: “Over the coming months, The Duchess will be exploring her interest in the use and manufacture of textiles through learning opportunities, visits to places like the Royal Opera House and meetings with industry experts.” During her tour, Fay Fullerton, The Royal Opera House’s Head of Costume, showed The Duchess ballet costumes – which are especially designed to allow dancers to move freely. At the on-site dye shop The Duchess was showed different techniques including hand-painting and staining garments as well as how digital printing is used to reproduce historic fabrics. Catherine then met The Royal Ballet Principal Dancers Lauren Cuthbertson, Laura Morera, Tomas Mock and Vadim Muntagirov, who discussed some of the challenges of dancing in costumes. Afterwards, The Duchess watched the dancers rehearse Frederick Ashton’s ‘The Two Pigeons’.

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Engagements & Tour Photos – 2019 – January 16 | Visiting The Royal Opera House

January 15 – Visiting The King Henry’s Walk Community Garden

Today, (January 15, 2019) The Duchess of Cambridge visited the King Henry’s Walk Community Garden in Islington, London. King Henry’s Walk Community Garden is a voluntary led community garden containing growing plots for cultivation by local residents, where the use of organic gardening methods helps to promote a diversity of plants and wildlife, and a full programme of education and events to engage city children, young people and families. The Duchess visited the garden to see how the project brings people together through gardening and food growing. During the visit Catherine met with local residents to talk about their experiences in the garden. She then joined school children from St Jude and St Paul’s CE Primary School to make pizzas, using ingredients harvested from the garden, and bird boxes, one which will be showcased in her ‘Back To Nature” Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show. For more information on that click here.

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Engagements & Tour Photos – 2019 – January 15 | Visiting The King Henry’s Walk Community Garden

The Duchess Of Cambridge To Showcase ‘Back To Nature’ Garden At Chelsea Flower Show

This morning, before Catherine’s visit to King Henry’s Walk Garden it was announced that she has partnered up with Davies White Landscape Architects and the Royal Horticultural Society to co-design a garden for the Chelsea Flower Show in May and two further gardens for the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival and the RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey which takes place in July, A press conference is scheduled for February 11, 2019, but there is no word yet on if The Duchess will attend. For more information, read the press release here.

To highlight the benefits of the great outdoors and inspire children, families and communities to get back to nature, The Duchess of Cambridge, the Royal Horticultural Society and landscape architects Davies White have today announced that they will design and build the 2019 RHS Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show.

The garden will build on Her Royal Highness’s passion for the outdoors and the proven benefits that nature has on physical and mental health. The Duchess is a strong advocate for the positive impact that nature and the environment can have on childhood development, demonstrated by her longstanding support for organisations including the Scouts and Farms for City Children, as well as at more recent engagements to Sayers Croft Forest School and Wildlife Garden, the RHS Campaign for School Gardening, and her visit today [15th January] to Islington Community Garden.

Based on a woodland, the garden seeks to recapture for adults the sense of wonder and magic that they enjoyed as children, in addition to kindling excitement and a passion for nature in future generations. Wild planting and natural materials will be used to recreate a woodland wilderness where children and adults alike can feel closer to the great outdoors.

Her Royal Highness has worked in collaboration with the RHS and Davies White over the past three months and will continue to finalise the design ahead of the show in May.

For over 200 years the RHS, which is the UK’s gardening charity, has been championing the power of gardening and growing plants for the environment, and for the health and wellbeing of people of all ages and backgrounds.

Official Portraits: Cambridge Family Christmas Card

This morning Kensington Palace released The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Christmas Card for this year. The photo was taken by photographer Matt Porteous who recently took the photos from the christening of Prince Louis. The family photo was taken on the grounds of Anmer Hall.

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Official Portraits > December 2018 | Cambridge Family Christmas Card