Kate Brings Back Favourite Pre-Engagement Coat For Busy Day In Ireland

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge carried out several engagements in Dublin, Kildare and Meath during their second day in Ireland.

Their first port of call was mental health support service Jigsaw in Dublin's Temple Bar district.

As the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, Jigsaw work across the country to ensure that no young person feels isolated, unsupported or disconnected. Through education, training, early intervention, adopting a holistic approach and strengthening ties in communities across Ireland they are striving to help teenagers through their services.

More from Jigsaw: "Mental health problems are the largest single source of ill health in our young people. We know that young people in every community up and down the country are seeking support and somewhere to turn to. In Jigsaw, they have somewhere."

William and Kate heard about their initiative One Good Adult which highlights the importance of one good mentor or role model in a young person's life. Dr Joseph Duffy, Jigsaw’s CEO said: "Today was all about shining on light for the need for an increased focus on youth mental health services and supports. It’s a reminder to us all that we can all be that One Good Adult in a young person’s life. Having exemplary role models such as Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge express this in such a genuine way is really encouraging for all of us at Jigsaw."

More from the organisation:

'Alba Mullen, a youth representative on the Jigsaw Board of Trustees said, “I was so struck by the similarities in our community work in Jigsaw and that of Heads Together, the campaign The Duke and Duchesses spearhead in the UK. I really hope this is the start of an ongoing conversation. Supporting young people’s mental health in places where they learn, live, work and play is crucial. It’s all about a collective effort.”

A video from the visit with footage from a group conversation on mental health.

Afterwards, William and Kate walked down "Love Lane" in Temple Bar.

The ongoing project was commissioned to reanimate the lane-ways in Temple Bar by Anna Doran.

The street art features a range of quotes written on tiles inspired by lyrics and poems. They include "Kiss Me" and "You Know I'm Such A Fool For You" by The Cranberries and "As I Am, As I Am, All Or Not At All" by James Joyce.

From there, William and Kate travelled to County Kildare to visit Extern, Ireland's leading social justice charity at their respite centre, Savannah House. Last year, the Duke and Duchess visited their Northern Ireland arm in Fermanagh.

Extern said: "Operating in 27 counties across Ireland, each year Extern supports over 20,000 people to change their lives, including young people and families facing challenges in their lives, people who are homeless, people living with mental health issues, people with an offending past, people living with problem drug and alcohol use and minority communities. One of four family respite centres operated by Extern, Savannah House has welcomed over 2,500 children from across Ireland since opening its doors in 2011. It offers children who would not otherwise get the chance of a break, to avail of some time away, while others can come to stay when they are facing challenging situations at home, or in care, and while they are being supported on one of Extern’s programmes."

Before getting to work in the kitchen, William and Kate travelled to a nearby convenience store in the village of Prosperous with two young people to get supplies.

Hello Kildare!

The royal arrival caused quite a bit of excitement :)

It's always such a delight to hear from readers about their experiences meeting the royals. A lady named Fiona met Kate in Prosperous with her sister Sinead today and kindly got in touch. She said Kate was "stunning in person and very friendly".

Prince William greeting locals.

When Donna Malone met the Prince and requested a selfie, William was more than happy to oblige. We often hear about 'selfie bans' or 'selfie etiquette' during walkabouts, but it is very much at the discretion of each royal and they do make exceptions. With security so high, we haven't seen as much interaction with the public as we usually do on overseas trips, so it was a great surprise for locals in the Kildare village. Donna called William "a really nice guy".

Back at Savannah House, it was apron time as William and Kate helped prepare vegetable soup and cookies.

Kate got to work on the soup whilst William helped the boys prepare cookies.

At Savannah House The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined young people supported by @Extern1978 for a spot of cooking 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳 the charity provides a safe space to support vulnerable young people and families who are going through challenging times #RoyalVisitIreland pic.twitter.com/Y3pTErBY6U

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) March 4, 2020

A game of ping pong was next on the agenda.

Speaking about the visit, Charlie Mack, CEO of Extern, said:

“It was a tremendous honour to welcome The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Extern today on their first official visit to Ireland. It was also a unique honour for Extern, as Their Royal Highnesses have now taken the time to visit our projects, and meet some of the children we are supporting, in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

“The children we support are truly inspirational, and Extern is committed to providing them with the opportunity to discover strengths and abilities they never knew they had. It was wonderful to once again witness the enthusiasm and passion Their Royal Highnesses have for encouraging and empowering children. I know this day will live long in the memory of the young people and staff who were here at Savannah House today.”

Following a quick change, the Duke and Duchess travelled to County Meath to visit the Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research Centre at Grange to learn more about their pioneering research into sustainable farming.

They discussed efforts underway to reduce the carbon footprint of beef production.

Kate said "We learnt so much, thank you".

They were joined by a group of schoolchildren.

People reports:

“They talked about bringing their children over,” teacher Sandra Connolly says.
The excited children from Kiltale primary school told the royal couple about their healthy eating projects during the visit to Teagasc research farm.

Thaddeus, 11 — whose project was about sustainable farming and agriculture’s effect on greenhouse gas emissions — says, “They said they wanted to bring their kids over soon to show our projects.”

Kate was given a gorgeous posy as they left.

A video from the visit.

Back in Dublin, William and Kate enjoyed a walk at scenic Howth and took in stunning views of the Irish coastline on the cliff walk.

The couple stopped to chat to a group of locals.

Only in Howth 😍#RoyalVisitIreland #failte @howthadventures #howth @dublinbiosphere @Failte_Ireland @KensingtonRoyal @GoToIreland @VisitDublin #kate #william #WilliamAndKate @LovinDublin @LoveFingalDub @DiscoverIreland pic.twitter.com/FmdOEm6hxv

— shanes howth adventures (@howthadventures) March 4, 2020

A strong contender for photo of the day :)

Today's neutral ensemble hit all the right notes for me. It can often be tricky for royal ladies to choose an ensemble to navigate several varied engagements. For me today's look did just that. The stylish Reiss coat (which we'll be talking more about in a moment) has a very timeless feel to it and is proof a good quality coat is worth the investment as it will serve you for years. Teamed with a spot print blouse, black jeans and ankle boots, this a great example of an outfit ticking several boxes at once. It's smart casual, versatile and sophisticated.

Kate's Reiss Olivia coat was a staple in her wardrobe before she and William became engaged. The stylish ivory piece was worn on several notable occasions including Kate's 26th birthday (below Kate and Pippa arriving at Kitts Club for celebratory drinks). Kate also wore it for William's RAF graduation in April 2008, the Henry van Straubenzee carol service in 2009 and a pre-wedding rehearsal before the big day.

The Duchess wore her Equipment Slim Signature Polka-Dot Shirt. The £270 piece is described as: "Cut from lightweight washed-silk, it has a slightly loose fit and curved hem that looks especially cool styled half-tucked." Kate first wore it for a Family Nurse Partnership visit last September.

The midnight blue and white washed-silk piece is available at Equipment and Nordstrom. Get 15% of the shirt at ShopBop with discount code SPRING

The team from Kate's Royal Closet identified her jeans as the ZARA Premium High Wait Revolve jeans.

Kate's heeled ankle boots are the £225 Russell & Bromley Date Night style (with thanks to Middleton Maven).

And Kate's earrings are the £120 Daniella Draper Mini Cupid Hoops with baby shamrock charms (with thanks to Mari).

For the trip to Meath, Kate made a quick change.

Kate was suitably attired in a jacket by Dubarry of Ireland (with thanks to Caroline Parr). The Friel Utility Jacket in olive is described as: "An elegant country sports jacket, the Friel has GORE-TEX technology with a lightweight fill, meaning waterproof warmth without bulk. A belted waist gives a flattering, tailored silhouette that pairs brilliantly with stretch jeans and over a warm knit."

Laura identified Kate's blouse as the £99 Barbour by Alexa Chung Bella Shirt. It's available in various prints at John Lewis, Harvey Nichols and Bloomingdales.

Kate wore her trusty Penelope Chilvers tassel boots.

This evening, William and Kate will attend a reception hosted by the Tánaiste, Simon Coveney, in central Dublin. William is expected to acknowledge the "many wrongs" of Ireland and the UK's complex shared history during a speech.