UPDATED: The Duchess Leads Assembly on the Importance of Kindness

Someone said to me the other day our transition into lockdown and a new way of living was so swift, our return to normality will be a gradual one in baby steps. I think for many of us, especially those who are particularly vulnerable or in my own case with loved ones in that category, it's very much a slow and steady approach. For those of us in the royal watching community, we have adapted to 'seeing' the royals quite literally through a new lens: Zoom conversations and virtual engagements. We can now look forward to a return of traditional engagements, and the Royal family resuming their work schedules with social distancing in mind. Yesterday, several members carried out their first engagements across the country. Today, Kensington Palace shared an update from the Duchess who is leading an assembly tomorrow on the importance of kindness for the Oak National Academy. It was a virtual appearance, and I expect those to continue across the board on some scale for the time being, though I do expect we'll see Kate out and about very soon.

During the assembly, which was pre-recorded last week, the Duchess focused on the theme 'Spread a Little Kindness' whilst telling students: "Talking to someone, whether it’s a friend, family member, or teacher, is something you can do to make yourself feel that little bit better. And you can also play your part in helping others to feel better too, whether offering a friendly ear, or helping someone in need. Small acts of kindness can go such a long way. But as we help others, we must not forget to nurture ourselves, by taking the time to focus on the things that make us feel happy too."

The theme is based on a lesson plan by Mentally Healthy Schools. Developed in collaboration with Place2Be, it encourages children to discuss and learn about the benefits of kindness. Below, the Duchess at the launch of the Heads Together legacy project in 2018.

Kensington Palace said:

'Oak National Academy is an online classroom providing high-quality video lessons and free resources to parents and teachers. It was created in response to the lockdown, supporting teachers educating their pupils remotely, and since its launch has delivered over 12 million lessons to children and young people. Every Thursday morning, the academy, in collaboration with TES, hosts assemblies for students across the UK, allowing them to experience the normal routine of a school environment.

Matt Hood, Principal at Oak National Academy, said: “We’re thrilled that the Duchess of Cambridge was able to lead this week’s assembly on acts of kindness. Being kind and considerate is a vital lesson for children at any time, but especially so in the current pandemic. We must encourage young people to talk about their feelings and to know that it’s normal to feel a bit anxious or upset right now.'

As part of the assembly, Kate joined a video chat with students from Waterloo Primary Academy in Blackpool, whose parents are frontline workers . The children shared a selection of photographs they have taken and submitted for the Duchess's Hold Still collaboration with her patronage the National Portrait Gallery. Principal Matt Hood continued: "The Duchess’s Hold Still competition is a fantastic way to get children engaging with their mental wellbeing as they think about what kindness means to them and how they can show it towards others."

A reminder there is still time to submit your entry. They will be accepted until 6 pm tomorrow. Click here to find out more. Below, 'The School of Nature' by Stacey Leanne Connell who shared a photo of her son: "This is our six-year-old. Here he is outdoors, showing the Union Jack he created with finger paints and a pillowcase. This has a handprint rainbow to show the support to the NHS on VE Day."

The Duchess wore the very pretty Marks & Spencer Printed Yoke Midi Waisted Dress (with thanks to Caroline Parr and Katie's Royal Love). The blue mix dress is described: "Take style inspiration from country gardens with this cabbage-print dress. Frilled, slightly puffed sleeves and an elasticated waist add structure to its breezy shape. Midi length with a round neck and short sleeves." The dress is currently available in sizes 6-24 for £39.50/$69 on the Marks & Spencer website.

The floral dress is part of presenter Holly Willoughby's collaboration with Marks & Spencer.

Holly has been a longtime admirer of Kate's style. The Duchess chatted with the presenter and her co-host Philip Schofield last month to mark the launch of Hold Still.

UPDATE: The full assembly is now available to view online.