The Princess of Wales visited Reading Ukrainian Community Centre on Thursday to meet displaced Ukrainian families and hear about support the Centre is providing to those adjusting to life in the UK amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The devastating situation in Ukraine continues with an untold human cost. For all those who had to flee their homes, one can only imagine the immensely painful experiences they are dealing with in addition to adjusting to new lives. On the eve of Her late Majesty's funeral, you'll remember, the new Princess of Wales held her first audience with Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska where these issues were undoubtedly at the forefront of their conversations.
On most working weeks, the Court Circular records a private early years meeting for the Princess. We rarely hear specific details, but we do know we've seen a shift from Kensington Palace to Windsor Castle as Kate's HQ. Today, it was revealed Kate's meeting last week was convened virtually with representatives from the First Lady of Ukraine's Office to help support Ms Zelenska's mental health strategy, which was unveiled over the summer and hopes to address the ongoing mental health impact on Ukrainians.
Kensington Palace said: "Bringing together experts and individuals working in the mental health sector in the UK, alongside representatives from the office of the First Lady’s and the Royal Foundation, the meeting covered a range of topics including learnings from the UK on changing conversations and reducing stigma on a national level, and lessons from the delivery of support for specific groups such as children and veterans. The group also discussed the mental health support currently available for Ukrainians living in the UK."
Kate arriving at Reading Ukrainian Community Centre, the Berkshire branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) and largest representative body for Ukrainians and those of Ukrainian descent in the UK.
The inspirational work of the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre is non-stop, and it’s changing lives!
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) November 17, 2022
Providing practical advice on employment and housing, delivering educational classes for children and building social connections, the centre is at the heart of the community. pic.twitter.com/tn1Vrk846L
The centre has been an invaluable source of support for Ukrainians this year. A dedicated team and volunteers provide education classes, weekly coffee mornings, social activities, advice and housing support while fostering a sense of community, mindful of how isolating sudden displacement can be.
The Princess spent time with families.
'The mum-of-three hailed the centre as she arrived and said: "It is amazing to see the work being carried out and lots of people are coming out to support the Ukrainians here."
Speaking about the beginning of the war, Kate said: "Everyone was really keen to support but not sure how to."
Mick Polleck, deputy chairman of the centre, said: "The whole of Britain has been really good and we are eternally grateful."
Kate replied: "Considering the trauma families are experiencing on a day to day basis having a community centre like this provides a lifeline and opportunity.”'
Kate had an emotional conversation with Galina.
In some very moving, sometimes teary, conversations, the Princess of Wales has chatted to Ukrainian mothers at a centre in Reading about the bravery they’ve shown relocating their children to the UK. Here she reassured Galina it was ok to get upset pic.twitter.com/UDQm6jX2AL
— Rhiannon Mills (@SkyRhiannon) November 17, 2022
'At one point, Kate sat down with a Ukrainian woman to discuss her harrowing experience of fleeing Ukraine. Responding to her story, the royal said: "It's still all going on and you have loved ones and family in Ukraine they still see the horrors of war every day... I am so impressed at your bravery and resilience I am overwhelmed by how strong you all are."
Galina Bolebrukh, meanwhile, wept as she told Kate her experience of sheltering from Putin's bombs with her three-year-old son and her mother. Moved by her story, Kate replied: "It's understandable, everything you have experienced."'
Afterwards, Kate had photos taken with Galina's son Renat and a friend's daughter, Zlata, a little girl who made a lovely picture for her which read 'I Love You'.
Kate then had photos taken with Galina’s son Renat, and Zlata, the daughter of a friend, who’d done a drawing for the Princess pic.twitter.com/xQUr0DukTK
— Rhiannon Mills (@SkyRhiannon) November 17, 2022
A lovely moment with Zlata. A reader tells me her name means Golden.
If you would like to support the Reading appeal for Ukraine, please click here.
Mayor Rachel Eden, who welcomed the Princess today, has spearheaded the effort.
Proud to welcome HRH The Princess of Wales to Reading Ukrainian Community Centre today.
— Mayor Rachel Eden (@mayorofreading) November 17, 2022
You can support Reading's Ukrainian community here:https://t.co/Tp3mx5Fh5C pic.twitter.com/132YjUG1GY
Mayor Eden writes:
"The empathy and generosity of people in Reading has once again shone through in recent weeks, which is absolutely no surprise to me. I know the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre has been quite taken aback by the sheer scale of physical donations, so much so that it has had to temporarily ask people to stop bringing items. It is also a fact that shipments are becoming more difficult and dangerous to deliver".
The Councillor added: "Following my own conversations with the Community Centre, it is now very clear that financial donations are the best way residents can support the centre to help those poor people who are caught up in this terrible conflict, which is why I have launched this Mayoral Appeal today. The Ukrainian Community Centre will itself know how best to use these donations and money allows them to be flexible in the support they give to fellow citizens, whose needs may of course change over time. Reading is a City of Sanctuary not only in name, but in our actions. I know Reading will - as we always do - stand ready to welcome people, and I know the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre will be at the heart of that".
Kensington Palace said: "The Royal Foundation will continue to provide advice and support for the First Lady’s work on mental health over the coming months."
And a lovely posy for the Princess.
A video filled with memorable moments.
A tweet of appreciation from the First Lady.
The Princess looked elegant in new and familiar pieces.
Kate wore her camel Max & Co coat. The piece is described as: "A timeless wrap silhouette, this midi coat will add instant polish to your look. Crafted from pure wool, it has a smart lapel collar and an open front which can be closed with the matching belt that ties at the waist. Inset pockets, unlined."
Kate debuted the staple piece in Yorkshire earlier this month.
Kate wore the L.K. Bennett Tallis dress (with thanks to Kate Middleton Style). The £279 pleated midi dress in navy and yellow print features a smart collar and long sleeves.
You'll note the subtle nod to Ukraine with blue and yellow. It's available in limited sizes at John Lewis and L.K. Bennett.
The Princess accessorized with her Annoushka pearls and Kiki McDonough hoops.
Kate carried her navy, quilted Jaeger clutch.
Kate completed the look with navy suede Gianvito Rossi pumps.
A lovely and important engagement.
By the way, if you're just popping in, catch up on news ahead of next week's State visit in this post.
Thank you, Charlotte, for this post and for the kindness and support to Ukrainians in the United Kingdom. A little remark - Ukrainian equivalent of this female name is "Halyna". Thank you all once again for being human in this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteHow nice to see little Zlata with HRH :-). Do you know her name means Golden? Zofia from Warsaw (and that's why understanding some Ukrainian)
ReplyDeleteA beautiful name, thank you :)
DeleteThank you for your blog, Charlotte, and to the people of the United Kingdom for kindness and support. Please add the Ukrainian equivalent to the female name "Halyna". This war was begun because of the anguage issues too. I guess, it would be fair for Ukrainians to be named with Ukrainian equivalents of popular international names. I am Kateryna (Katia) by the way. The name was the first thing that attracted me to Kate and then I have discovered her vivid personality and great work.
ReplyDeleteHello Katia,
DeleteThank you so much. Is it the name Galina? I will happily update.
Yes, Galina and Halyna are the same names in Russian and Ukrainian. And Halina in Polish.
DeleteThere are transliteration rules. Believe me, corresponding with Ukrainian pronunciation and applying to Ukrainian names is only the variant "Halyna".
DeleteThe dress is too fussy worn with such a contemporary style of coat and doesn’t work. While I applaud the work K does I detest her penchant for tribute dressing in the colors of various country flags..
ReplyDeleteIt’s too costumish when done on repeat and seems insincere although I assume she aiming for the opposite effect.
-celticgirl
Maybe, I did not read that much into her clothing, but you might be correct. I like the dress and was fine with the coat with it. To me it just looked like a rather regular dress and coat for an afternoon out to do some work.Ali
DeleteLike it or not, it's fairly standard for royals to "tribute dress". They've been doing it for a long time. Colors and jewelry are often chosen with an eye to symbolic value. The Queen did it, Princess's late mother-in-law did it, and the Princess is merely perpetuating a tradition. I don't love it myself, but given how common the practice has been, I doubt it's going anywhere anytime soon, so one might as well accept it and simply acknowledge the effort when it's made.
DeleteIf Catherine had dressed in the bright yellow and blue of the Ukraine flag, then maybe you could have a valid complaint. A subtle nod to Ukraine colors with this gorgeous dress ... then no. And it is absolutely NOT 'costumish' as you state. Her classic coat with a business attire dress is perfect for this outing.
DeleteBorder Terrier lover
We all should be able to empathize and help as best we can in our own way to assist the Ukrainian people. 🇺🇦 The Princess was at her best with the children.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful post! It is all so heartbreaking but, I'm so thankful for the communities that are helping the Ukrainian people relocate. We have a little girl in our local school who is from Ukraine , she is here with her mom in California. Her father is still in the Ukraine.... all so hard.
ReplyDeleteWell done to Kate for drawing our attention back to this plight.
It is apparent that Prince William and Catherine have a close relationship with Zelensky and his wife. From their meeting in the throne room at BP in 2020, to Catherine's first audience being with Olena, it is very clear that amongst the current world leaders, they are the closest. I wonder how this will further develop in the months and years to come.
ReplyDeleteI am SO glad Kate has done this. And well done Reading! Any kind of ongoing support for the Ukrainians is immensely important. The war is going on, lives are being lost, families separated... The aggression an evil we can't and mustn't get used to. Thank you for the post, Charlotte. Zora
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely something that we mustn't get used to, nor ignore. Zora, can only imagine how difficult it is living so close as well, to see these families separated, with some unable to leave and others alone in a new country. Love that Kate is keeping the focus on support efforts to help, it is important that we do not become complacent and forget what many are going through.
DeleteI love this outfit! I think this is one of my favorite polkadot dresses of hers with the slightly sheer aspect. The colors look so nice between the coat and dress. It’s a wonderful initiative. Thanks Charlotte! Sue
ReplyDeleteWell done to Kate. This kind of visit is very important and must be emotional for her. I hope the people she met feel 'seen' as a result of the Royal visit. It must be so hard to flee your country suddenly because of war and I hope it gives them a sense of comfort or something to have a high profile person acknowledge what they've been through. In terms of fashion, I prefer brighter colours usually but I definitely prefer this length rather than being right down to the ankles.
ReplyDeleteIs this dress see through on Kate cause it doesn’t look like it on the model?
ReplyDeleteI am always amazed at the details on your post reflecting the diligent research you do. I find them to always be informative and evokes emotions whether it is a fun outing or a more serious outing. Thank you all you do.
ReplyDeleteim the happiest when i see the youngster interacting with new princess of wales he is in her element
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I comment on your blog, bit I haved followed since its start. I always see comemments on Kate's outfit, specially its colors. I notice that we Brazilians are more used with patterns, strong colors (orange, mustard, yellow etc) than British and maybe Europeans. I went on an exchange program in Sweden and I remember of many people looking at my colorful coats. Thanks for your work Charlotte. - Brazil here
ReplyDeleteWell done to the Princess of Wales. Ukraine has been getting less media coverage until recent events in Poland. We all know what is happening, the poor people are playing the price for their soldiers victory's on the battlefield. Most are without electricity at the moment. It's snowing and -4 in Kyiv. If anyone is interested I highly recommend winter on fire on Netflix. It puts what is going on in Ukraine today in context. The red cross has also asked for cash donations. It just makes it easier to get the help and support needed there as quickly as possible. S.😊 🇺🇦👍👍👍
ReplyDeleteA lovely meeting and how wonderfully Kate interacts with all, I'm sure her beautiful smile and compassionate nature would have lifted the spirits of those there.
ReplyDeleteI really like her outfit for todays meeting, smart casual dressing at its finest very appropriate.
Sue in WA
Sue, I agree…casual dressing at its finest. I like the color combination and love this coat.
DeleteJoanne in CA
I have just re watched the engagement video and the last comment from Kate saying she hope she can make a difference.... I think she has done a wonderful job and has made a difference in a most positive way since being a member of the Royal family. I would really like to see her go back to the same hairstyle that she had then too ; ) Sue in WA
ReplyDeleteSo great that she’s still focused on the terrible humanitarian tragedy that has resulted from Putin’s ongoing assault on Ukraine.
ReplyDeleteI love the dress she chose for the event. I’m a big polka dot fan, and appreciate how the sheer overlay makes the dot design so much less busy than some of her Alessandro Rich dresses. I like when her clothing choices convey obvious but subtle messages of support as she’s doing here.
I'm not crying, you're crying...
ReplyDeleteWell, this is a very standard Kate look -- a printed midi dress, suede heels, and a nice coat. And the Annoushka pearls. It's become one of her uniforms, which is something royals need for a few reasons, one being that sometimes you want the attention of the viewer to focus more on the engagement than the clothes. I mentioned recently that I thought it interesting the Princess was wearing LK Bennett items again, and in this case, a less expensive polka-dot dress (among the several she owns) was probably called for. I like this design better than that of her very similar Alessandra Rich dress -- it's a bit less fussy and the belt breaks up the Princess's long waistline, which was not flattered by the Rich dress I'm remembering.
ReplyDeleteI do appreciate the nod to Ukraine's national colors.
I meant to mention the first time I saw this camel coat that it reminded me of one I owned as a teenager in the 70s. There was a massive vogue for camel wrap coats around 1972/73 (the highest-profile designer then was Halston, and you'd see these coats worn with his ultrasuede shirtdresses), so of course I begged my mother for one. Although the style is classic and always available, it's never enjoyed quite the same trendy prominence it did back then. Seeing it on the Princess really brings back memories and a strong sense that nothing in fashion is ever really new.
I so loved loved my Fleurette camel hair coat from 1982. Wrap, belted and oh so lightweight but warm. A classic - I wish I had never given it away. Elle
DeleteVery wise words from a wise Woman. S. ☺
ReplyDeleteCan someone identify what is in the tray with the herb sprigs shown in the photo above and briefly in the video. I can't figure out if it is a pastry or something else. Just curious as to what it could be.
ReplyDeleteBorder Terrier lover
It is festive pastry, festive bread to welcome a friend, a guest in order to show appretiation. Also salt is above bread. And they are presented on rushnyk (embroidered cloth). Ornaments on this rushnyk and on the vyshyvankas (embroidered shirts) of the two men greeting Kate are typical for Western Ukraine (Carpathian region). And the ornament of the vyshyvanka (embroidered blouse) of the woman standing near them may belong to Eastern Ukraine. Though I am not an expert and would be happy to know more about the origin of this design. There is also a woven carpet on the wall and ceramics both typical for Ukrainian folk culture.
ReplyDeleteIt helps, if abroad, to be for some time among mother language and native culture. So thank you to all countries providing such an opportunity for other nations on their territories. And in this case, a sincere thank you to the United Kingdom from Ukrainians ❤💙💛
Where do you subscribe at to get daily posts like we use to with the Duchess of Cambridge blogs?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your interest. You can sign up to follow.it here
Deletehttps://chroniclingkate.blogspot.com/p/aboutcontact_5.html