Kate Dances with Paddington for Charities Forum Engagement!

In an unexpected appearance, the Duchess joined William and Harry to meet children from the charities they support on board Belmond British Pullman train at Paddington Station.

The appearance marks Kate's second public engagement since the pregnancy announcement in early September. The Duchess returned to duties last Tuesday evening at a Buckingham Palace reception celebrating the contribution of those working in mental health across the UK. The Palace said the Duchess' condition was steadily improving but she was still suffering from Hyperemesis gravidarum. It's wonderful Kate was able to make it and very much fits in with taking events on a case-by-case basis depending on how she feels.

More from Richard Palmer's story:

'It was her second public appearance since August 30 and since Kensington Palace announced on September 4 that she was pregnant with her third child and suffering from the severe morning sickness hyperemesis gravidarum.She had previously pulled out of the engagement because of the HG, which can cause vomiting up to 60 times a day but decided to join her husband and brother-in-law as she was feeling so well today.

William said: "She's feeling much better. An aide added: "The Duchess is feeling much better but she has still not fully recovered."

The event was hosted by STUDIOCANAL, with support from BAFTA through its BAFTA Kids programme, and before embarking Their Royal Highnesses met the cast and crew from the forthcoming film Paddington 2.

The Duchess thoroughly enjoyed meeting Paddington. I wonder if they brought him a jar of marmalade? :)

In the 'photo of the day', Paddington gave the Duchess a twirl.

George and Charlotte will simply love these images :)

A brilliant video from Sky News.

The Duchess of Cambridge dances with Paddington Bear, in her second public appearance since announcing that she is expecting her third child pic.twitter.com/tDJsvgB2Zq

— Sky News (@SkyNews) October 16, 2017

William and Harry chat with star of the movie Hugh Bonneville.

The Duke and Prince Harry spent time meeting the young guests on board the 1920s and '30s vintage carriages that form the sister train to the Venice Simplon-Orient Express.

Kate had the perfect answer when she was asked "What's the best thing about being a Princess?" by Amelia Kubas, seven, and ten-year-old Mahira Gazi, both from Portway Primary School, in Stratford, east London. She told the girls her favourite thing was "meeting special people like them".

Back to Richard Palmer's story:

'She had a long chat with Esther Windsor and her daughter Lilly, 10, from the Anna Freud Centre in north London. She discussed her shared love of art with Lilly. The Duchess said: "So you're creative. It's great fun, isn't it?" The two also discussed seeing the first Paddington movie and their plans to see the second, which opens on November 10. "Have you ever been on a train like this? No, I haven't either. I was just saying how big and comfy the seats are." After their chat, Lilly's mother, Esther, said: "We really like the train and it's very nice to meet Kate. She seemed very well."

Hugh Bonneville, who plays Henry Brown in the movie, praised the three royals for their support of children's charities. He said:  “Wherever they go awareness is brought to the causes they do wonderfully support. “It’s just fantastic when they can bring a bit of a spotlight to shine on these fantastic causes. Paddington is equally happy to smear them in marmalade!” He said he didn’t want to give too much away but revealed that the second movie’s baddie, played by Hugh Grant, is “not quite so scary as Nicole Kidman” from the first one.'

A video from the train.

Kate chats to a family from the Anna Freud Centre pic.twitter.com/0lhW0146fz

— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) October 16, 2017

The Palace described it as "a unique opportunity for members of Their Royal Highnesses' Charities Forum to nominate some of the children they support – many going through difficult times in their lives – for a special trip aboard the train".

Prince Harry meets young passengers.

After they disembarked, they waved off Belmond British Pullman as it departed Paddington Station to journey through the English countryside.

Wishing all of our young guests the trip of a lifetime! pic.twitter.com/NH8POS93pv

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 16, 2017

There are over 30 organisations involved in the Charities Forum, which consists of William, Kate and Harry's' patronages and other organisations with whom they work closely. The Forum aims to bring together Their Royal Highnesses' individual charitable interests. The group meets regularly, with organisations taking it in turns to host. The meetings provide an opportunity for the charities to update Their Royal Highnesses on their recent activities and projects, and also provide a platform for collaborative activity between the organisations. Opportunities to support each other are explored at meetings, relationships are developed and bilateral work is initiated, often between charities and organisations that would not ordinarily have been linked through the course of their own work.

The Duchess wore a pretty peach and black Orla Kiely dress for the outing.

The £139 Raised Flower Fitted Dress has been sold out for some time. It is described: "The dress has a fitted bodice and slim sleeve and pencil shape skirt. Dress falls just below the knee. The boat shape neckline is slightly lower at the back. The dress comes with a detachable contrast fabric bow belt." The dress is from the Autumn/Winter 2013 Collection.

Giulia identified Kate's new shoes as Tod's Suede Pumps. They are described: "Tod's suede pumps are chicness and practicality combined. Masterly crafted by skilled artisans in Italy, this timeless pair sit atop a sturdy block heel and arch to a streamlined pointed toe. The label's signature pebbled sole provides traction for those on-the-go days."

Kate carried her black Mulberry clutch.

The Duchess accessorised with her Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.

And completed the look with Kiki pink morganite earrings.

What a lovely engagement! Hopefully we'll see another surprise appearance on two this month :)

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In our final segment today, we send the happiest of birthday wishes to the team at Merci Maman! The brand are celebrating their tenth anniversary throughout this month. To mark the special occasion they are offering 20% of all orders for today only. For those in the UK, the code is THANKYOU20 and for those in the US, the code is THANKS20.

Béatrice de Montille crafted her first bracelet in 2007 from her kitchen table in London. Fast forward ten years, and she now works alongside a team of twenty in the company's London studio. ‘Merci Maman’ translates to ‘Thank you, Mum’ in English and is a nod to the creator's French origins and the original celebration of the mother and child bond. The brand is considered a 'go-to' for those seeking unique gifts. Merci Maman has grown in strength and success, being featured in acclaimed publications including Vanity Fair, Vogue and Gala France, as well as being loved by Royals and celebrities, including Autumn Phillips, Carla Bruni Sarkozy, Isabella Branson and Jools Oliver. This year marked another amazing milestone; Merci Maman were awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise in the International Trade Category. Below we see Beatrice and Arnaud meeting Her Majesty at a Buckingham Palace reception earlier this year.

Kate was spotted wearing her Merci Maman necklace during a shopping trip in 2013 following the birth of Prince George.

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Kate's gold plated necklace has three charms: a disc engraved with 'George Alexander Louis', a heart engraved with 'W' for William, and the figure of a little boy.

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The Duchess Necklace remains available from £79.

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