The Princess in Olive Green for Maternal Mental Health Alliance Engagement

The Princess of Wales stepped out this morning to visit Colham Manor Children’s Centre in Hillingdon.

The Princess arriving.

The Princess of Wales has arrived at Colham Manor Children’s Centre in Hillingdon. pic.twitter.com/TLascYUyXp

— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) November 9, 2022

The visit was organised due to Kate's role as patron of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance. When the patronage was announced in May, the Princess said "no mother is immune to experiencing anxiety and depression". Kate continued: "We all know that pregnancy, childbirth and the first months and years of a child's life can be hugely demanding. Parents often feel lonely and overwhelmed by these early years. Around 20% of women in the UK are reported to experience perinatal mental illness. Sadly, we also know that many more are suffering in silence."

Kate was drawn to the organisation because of her early years work. In May, she shared more insight into the choice: "The past couple of years have reminded us just how much we need each other, and how vital our relationships are to our long-term health and happiness. This starts in the earliest years of our lives, when we need close and continuous care from the people around us, to nurture our development, and ensure that we get the right start in life. We all know that pregnancy, childbirth and the first months and years of a child's life can be hugely demanding.  Parents often feel lonely and overwhelmed by these early years. Much of this vital work has been led by the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, a fantastic organization of which I am extremely proud to become patron of today. There is plenty more to be done. And it's down to each and every one of us to support parents and carers, and all those who are raising children today, because by ensuring that the next generation of children can thrive, we can help to build a stronger, healthier and more nurturing society which benefits us all."

Maternal mental health has been an area of interest for the Duchess for years and more recently featured in her research surrounding early years. In 2017, the Duchess attended the launch of maternal mental health films with Heads Together charity partner Best Beginnings at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in London. Drawing on her own experiences as a mother, the Duchess admitted to a lack of confidence and feelings of ignorance as a mother: "It is full of complex emotions of joy, exhaustion, love, and worry, all mixed together. Your fundamental identity changes overnight. You go from thinking of yourself as primarily an individual, to suddenly being a mother, first and foremost."

The Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) is a UK-wide charity and network of over 100 organizations dedicated to ensuring women and families affected by perinatal mental problems have access to high-quality comprehensive care and support: "We bring the maternal mental health community together and make change happen by combining the power of real-life experience with clinical and professional expertise."

Kensington Palace said: "Working collaboratively across agencies, specialist mental health services and third sector organisations can help to ensure that every touchpoint of a woman’s journey before, during and after pregnancy provides the opportunity to effectively support their mental health needs. During her visit to the Children’s Centre, the Princess heard how the care provided in the borough of Hillingdon exemplifies the benefits of adapting a system to better suit the needs of women and families."

Kate joined a mother and baby group and spent time with mothers who have availed of supports offered.

Kate also met representatives from agencies working across perinatal services in Hillingdon, including specialist psychiatry staff, midwives, health visitors and social workers, for a roundtable discussion convened by the MMHA.

Hello! reports:

'"I think more places like this would be so valuable in communities, bringing people together." The Princess also told one mum: "It's fantastic what's being done here. It's not about having more services, it's actually about being able to integrate them."

Another mother, Saher Hussain, who was there with her 12-month-old daughter Hanna, said she had suffered from post-natal depression but struggled to get support when she had lived in the nearby borough of Harrow. "I was so scared it would happen again and, unfortunately, it did," she said. "But it's been a lot easier to find the support in Hillingdon."'

The Palace noted: "The Princess of Wales was announced as Patron of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance in a special video message which was released earlier this year to mark Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week. The Princess’ patronage of the organisation aligns with her ongoing work on the importance of early childhood development through the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, raising awareness of and promoting collaborative action on the early years to transform society for generations to come."

In the 'moment of the day', there was a darling exchange when Kate stopped to say hello to three-year-old Akeem who asked about her poppy. She told him it's for "soldiers who died in the war" before taking it off her coat and giving it to him.

It’s not everyday you get a poppy from a Princess 😊 Akeem who’s 3 was very chatty when Kate unexpectedly stopped to say hello at a maternity mental health visit so she gave him her remembrance poppy. Thanks Liberty from Colham Manor primary and Akeem’s mum for letting me share pic.twitter.com/ykP1wyujtf

— Rhiannon Mills (@SkyRhiannon) November 9, 2022

The Princess was stylish and seasonal in an olive green ensemble for the visit. It's a fantastic shade for autumn/winter and one which works very well for her.

Kate sported the Hobbs London Lori Coat (with many thanks to Kate's Closet).

The sold out £369 piece is described as:

"A timeless layer you'll want to wrap up in season after season, the Lori is crafted from a warming wool-cashmere blend. Inspired by military design, the double-breasted design comes in an on-trend olive hue with wide, face-framing lapels and cuff detailing. It's cut to a longer length and features a tie belt for a defined silhouette."

Kate's matching dress is by Mango (with thanks to Natasha). The sold-out ribbed knit midi originally retailed for £36. The Spanish high-street brand is favoured by Queen Letizia, and they have a selection of great pieces at very affordable prices (if you're a Letizia fan, fellow blogger Elizabeth has an outstanding site here).

Kate carried her green croc Jimmy Choo clutch.

And accessorised with her citrine Kiki McDonough pear drop earrings.

Completing the look with a pair of olive green suede Gianvito Rossi pumps.

A reminder -- we'll see members of the Royal family, including William and Kate, attending the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall Saturday night and Remembrance Sunday ceremonies the following morning.