Duchess Kate Praises Teachers For Being "A Lifeline"

As part of Children's Mental Health Week, the Duchess of Cambridge spoke to teachers from Ribbon Academy in County Durham in her capacity as patron of Place2Be.

The Duchess praised teachers for "being a lifeline" and "fantastic" during the pandemic, telling Louise Tweedie she's "passionate about all the work that teachers up and down the country are doing. You are doing the most amazing job" Kate added: "Everyone can recognise that schools are doing an amazing job, as parents as well you really recognise what a vital role you do play for us on a day-to-day basis. Having remote learning going on as well must be hugely challenging to juggle both for a school as well."

People reports:

'Teacher Hannah Rispin told Kate that Place2Be was crucial for everyone in the school, not just the kids. "You can't pour from an empty cup, so how can we fill the children's cups up, give them all of this love, give them this enthusiasm if we're not doing it ourselves?" she said.

When Kate asked how are the kids are handling remote learning, Rispin, who called her children "shining stars," shared her first lesson is always math. But for the first 10 minutes, "all they want to do is tell me what they've been doing that morning," she said. "'Miss, guess what? My dad let me try a little bit of coffee,' 'Guess what I'm making?' Chocolate brownies or whatever they've been making!"

Kate spoke to Chris Reay who attended Place2Be sessions as a child following a very challenging time in his life. When Kate asked what he does to stay positive during the pandemic he spoke of his newfound love of walking. The Duchess replied "Well done you", adding "It's so important that you're looked after too and have the appropriate networks and support systems to make really sure you can really do the best job you possibly can." 

Before the virtual call, which took place on Tuesday, the Court Circular noted the Duchess spoke to Place2Be's Chief Executive Officer, Catherine Roche. I recall one of the first (if not the first) "lockdown" images of Kate, wearing a pink Marks & Spencer suit, came last March when the Palace released a photo from a phone call. It was the very beginning of a drastic change in royal schedules -- one we see continuing almost a year later.

Indeed, Kate's final engagement before restrictions become a part of daily life was a glittering evening event at Buckingham Palace celebrating the charity's 25th anniversary. Kate wore her divine sparkling blue Jenny Packham gown from the 2016 Bollywood Gala. I know we all look forward to a time when evening events are back on the calendar.

In a video message recorded outside Anmer Hall for Children's Mental Health Week, Kate said, "While this is Children’s Mental Health Week, there has never been a more important time to talk about parental wellbeing and mental health too. Last year you told me just how important this was, that many of us find it hard to prioritise. This is a hugely challenging time for us all, so please look after yourself, too."

This year's theme - Express Yourself - is all about creativity.

The Palace has been sharing several creations from the impressive pupils of Ribbon Academy.

Parents and children around the world are being encouraged to create drawings and artwork this week and to share them using #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek on Twitter and Instagram.

The Duchess wore her blue tweed Rebecca Taylor suit for the virtual call. We first saw it during a day of engagements in February 2017. 

The Sparkle Tweed Ruffle Jacket originally retailed for $495 before going on sale for $199 and selling out. It is described: "Loosely structured, this tweed jacket blends feminine details with classic style. Concealed snap front with spilt collar, patch pockets, ruffle hem and frayed finish throughout - all with a hint of sparkle."

It appears the Duchess accessorised with her £85 Missoma rhodochrosite gold mini pyramid charm hoop earrings.

If you would like to donate or find out more about Children's Mental Health Week, please click here.