Kate in Hobbs London for Harrow School Visit

Good afternoon! The Duchess of Cambridge stepped out today to visit Nower Hill High School in Harrow. Kate joined a science lesson studying neuroscience and early childhood development.

Kensington Palace said, "This visit comes after Her Royal Highness launched the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood this summer, which aims to drive awareness of and action on the extraordinary impact of the early years. The Duchess will join a Year 8 science lesson recapping on the learning which took place as part of a research project run by Oxford University that looks to embed the key principles of early childhood development and neuroscience in students. The focus of this research aligns strongly with the Duchess and her work on early childhood, as it is steeped in the understanding of the critical importance of early child development and its influence on an individual’s long-term health, wellbeing and potential in the future. The lessons focused on the neuroscience underpinning how a caregiver’s behaviour is pivotal to childhood development and children’s future outcomes."

A Palace spokesperson continued: "Over the last ten years, Her Royal Highness has spent time looking into how challenges in later life such as addiction, family breakdown, poor mental health, suicide and homelessness can have their roots in the earliest years of someone’s life. Through her work with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, she is aiming to highlight how what we experience in early childhood shapes the developing brain, which is why positive relationships, environments and experiences during this period are so crucial."

The Duchess was excited to join students.

Kate told students, "I was so fascinated when I first learnt about this. How babies’ brains are formed and how they developed and what this means for us when we grow up." The Duchess added: "Keep thinking about it, keep talking about it with your friends. Well done, I'm super impressed. Thank you for having me today."

The Duchess asked children about the class and raised questions on early years.

People reports:

'Louise Voden, the headteacher of the school, tells PEOPLE she was surprised that Kate actually joined in with the class. "I never thought she would do that!"

"She was an absolute natural. She was really interested in what they had to say and their thoughts about the materials they had been learning about," Voden adds. "She clearly feels very passionately about it."

The children, who were ages 12 and 13, didn't know until about 15 minutes before the royal entered the classroom that she was coming.

As Kate walked down the hall, children from other classrooms got out of their seats in excitement. Voden told Kate they had asked the students not to do that, but she was relaxed and waved back and said hello. "It was all delightful," Voden says.'

A wave from Kate.

After the engagement, the Duchess joined a meeting of Chief Executives of Academy Trusts at Buckingham Palace to discuss the results of a research projected conducted by Oxford University.

More on the study from the BBC:

'Teaching teenagers the science behind babies' brain development gives them practical skills as future parents, a University of Oxford study has found.

Teenagers in 21 schools took part in a pilot scheme, which is now being rolled out more widely.

The Duchess of Cambridge is backing the project and visited one of the schools involved earlier on Wednesday.

Previous research has suggested only a quarter of adults understand how much the first few years shape life chances.

Almost 4,000 pupils have taken part in the special science lessons, designed by researchers from the University of Oxford.'

Kate spoke with leaders and experts during the event.

Have you begun to add a festive touch to your wardrobe yet? Following Kate's festive green repeat for the Royal Variety Performance last week, she chose a seasonal warm fuchsia pink coat and sweater by Hobbs London.

The Tilda Wool coat is presently reduced by 25% on the Hobbs London website. It's also in stock and on sale at Bloomingdales.

The piece is made from a biodegradable wool fabric. More from the product description:

'Immaculately cut, your forever wardrobe starts with our iconic tailored Tilda coat. Seam detailing creates a feminine shape, while the colour-matched piping and Melton undercollar showcase the attention to detail Hobbs is known for. We've also added a handy internal ticket pocket to keep your phone and cards accessible. This garment is made from naturally warm and biodegradable brushed wool fabric that's kinder on the planet with a recycled polyester lining to help reduce landfill.'

The Tilda is available in multiple colours. 

Also from the Hobbs London Sustain Collection -- the Lara Merino Wool Roll Neck Sweater. The fine-gauge knit piece features gold button detailing on the sleeves, and is crafted from merino wool certified by the Responsible Wool Standard. It's discounted by 25% on the Hobbs website and Bloomingdales.

Below, the Lara sweater in black and chocolate brown. 

Kate accessorised with her Daniella Draper 'cupid' hoops. 

It looks like the Duchess wore her Gianvito Rossi 85 pumps. 

I'll have our annual Black Friday post coming up soon. There's also talk of the Duchess hosting a Christmas concert at Westminster Abbey, which will be televised. According to a couple of outlets it will be filmed in early December.