The Cambridges Visit Newham Ambulance Station

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Newham Ambulance Station in East London today to meet ambulance staff and paramedics and heard about their experiences on the front line over the past year. Below, the couple pictured in front of a 'Healing Hurt' heart with a crown.

It marks the couple's second in-person joint engagement of 2021 following their return to London at the beginning of March. Last week they visited School21 in Stratford in East London to launch the Heads Together legacy programme, Mentally Healthy Schools. Yesterday, a virtual message was released to mark St Patrick's Day.

Kensington Palace said, "Covering the boroughs of Newham and Waltham Forest, Newham Station forms part of the second busiest station group in the London Ambulance Service having attended over 76,500 calls over the past year. Over the last year, the Duke and Duchess and the Royal Foundation have worked to support those working on the frontline of the pandemic, including through the provision of grants to ten leading charities at the heart of mental health and frontline support as part of a bespoke COVID relief fund."

William and Kate heard about resources available to staff helping them look after their mental health and emotional wellbeing. They were interested to hear about drop-in spaces and wellbeing spaces. It was enlightening to hear about London Ambulance's fleet of Wellbeing Tea Trucks. For over a decade, the trucks have travelled across the capital serving tea and snacks to paramedics, staff and volunteers, offering them a few moments break. Right now, staff who are unable to work in patient-facing settings can give back by working on the trucks.

During a conversation with paramedic Shani Smith, the couple heard how she had been assisting in the operation of the trucks over the course of the pandemic and how her mental-heath training has been vital not only for herself, but for her colleagues too, in these unprecedented times.

The Cambridges spent time in the wellbeing garden with paramedic Jahrin Khan to discuss how difficult it was isolating from her family.

Hello! reports:

Jay FaceTimed her father, Abu, in Bangladesh, who has been separated from his family due to lockdown. 

William said: "You must be very proud of your daughter." Abu replied: "Yes we are all very proud of her."

The royals also joined a call with Jay's sister Nasrin and granddad Baharam in the UK. William told them: "She works very hard and she's looking forward to seeing you soon.”

Kate said: "Hopefully it won't be too long before you can all meet up and see each other again." The couple laughed as Jay told her family: "Say bye now. Let them go."

A video from the engagement.

The Duchess sported a camel ensembled with suede accessories for the engagement.

Kate selected her Massimo Dutti Limited Edition Button Coat. The Duchess debuted the piece during her 5 Big Questions tour in January 2020.

The garment is described as, "Classic, sophisticated and with a flattering silhouette for the feminine figure, this camel-coloured coat made of natural fibres will be an essential piece this season. Tailored coat made of wool and cashmere. Featuring a slim fit, peak lapels, double-breasted button fastening, two flap pockets, long sleeves with four-button cuffs, a back vent and lining."

Kate's camel knitted roll neck sweater appears to be the Reiss Sophie style (with thanks to Middleton Maven and Lady Coventry). It's currently available in sizes XS-L on the Reiss website. 

Kate carried her Métier Roma small suede shoulder bag.

And accessorised with her Kiki McDonough Citrine drops.

Kate's face mask is an Amaia Kids style in 'yellow pepper'.

A closer look at Kate's new suede shoes.

I'll update if the shoes are identified.