Ahead of a two-day trip to Wales later this week, the Princess of Wales stepped out this morning to visit the Baby Bank in Windsor to hear about the incredible work they do supporting families from Windsor, Maidenhead, Slough, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and the surrounding areas.
The Princess arrived following a short drive from Adelaide Cottage.
A video.
The Princess of Wales is making a previously unannounced visit to the Baby Bank in Windsor. She wanted to show her support for her local group providing essential items such as nappies, beds, and school uniforms to families facing financial hardship. pic.twitter.com/0mlmFiydNZ
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) April 24, 2023
Kensington Palace said: "The Baby Bank was founded in 2015 by two mothers from Windsor and strives to provide essential items to families facing financial hardship. The charity provides a range of objects for families including new-born starter kits, school uniforms, nappies, buggies and beds. Donations are provided by the general public, retailers and local suppliers."
The Palace continued: "Families are referred to the charity through a large network of 150 referral partners which include Helping Hands, social services, schools, food banks and Refugee organisations. Since its opening, The Baby Bank has supported over 21,500 individuals and have seen a year-on-year increase in referrals."
Kate spent time with volunteers and joined in sorting donations and packing referrals.
The Princess heard first-hand how the organisation works with local partners, health visitors and midwives to maximise the charity's input in the local community.
Kate, whose son Prince Louis celebrated his birthday on Sunday, told staff at the donations centre that she could not believe her youngest son had already turned five and promised to bring her own family down to help out in the future.
"It only feels like yesterday that they were this tiny. They do grow so quickly," she said, as she held up a babygrow.
As Kate examined a large pile of boxes that had been donated by Mattel containing Buzz Lightyear toys, she revealed that her daughter, Princess Charlotte is a "huge fan of Toy Story".
Volunteers and staff were busy.
Donations are absolutely vital.
During summer 2020, amidst the most difficult pandemic restrictions, the Duchess revealed she was "moved to tears" by stories of families she heard during a private visit to one of Baby Basics Norfolk's branches and was determined to help with their plight. Kate has brought nineteen leading British brands on board to donate over 10,000 items to over 40 baby banks across the UK.
One of the beneficiaries was Little Village -- London’s largest baby bank network, with eight locations across the capital. Since then, the Duchess has kept in touch and continued working with baby banks. I thought it one of Kate's most impressive projects to date, offering essential supports which would positively impact families during an unimaginably difficult time.
Last June, fresh from the weekend's unforgettable Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the Duchess of Cambridge stepped out to lend a helping hand to Little Village in Brent. On the day, volunteer Faiza spent time with the Duchess and said: "As a mother herself, the Duchess really showed a lot of empathy and care about the work Little Village are doing. She was lovely and engaging and was keen to hear about how families feel when they visit our baby bank. She was very interested in hearing about how much thought and care goes into the bundles we prepare for families."
A video from the Times.
Kate was in familiar pieces for the visit.
She wore her Reiss Larsson blazer -- first seen during a visit to RAF Brize Norton in 2021.
The £298 item is described as a neutral piece, "offering tailored simplicity" and featuring wide peak lapels and button fastenings with front pockets. It remains in stock in several colours on the Reiss website. It's on sale in navy at Nordstrom.
It very much looks like Kate sported her L.K. Bennett Frieda Black Crepe Cigarette Trousers.
Kate's very pretty ballet flats are by Boden (with thanks to Kate Middleton Style). The pointed shoes are currently out of stock in black but available in limited sizing in deep olive and tomato suede here.
Kate accessorised with her Sézane Bruna gold hoop earrings.
And her Daniella Draper citrine pendant.
We'll see William and Kate in Wales on Thursday and Friday!
Catherine has always chosen to either wear heels, boots, or trainers, but – if memory serves – this is the first time that she has worn flats on a royal engagement. I thought it peculiar in her dating days how she almost always wore boots (even for Concert for Diana on July 1st, 2007), and believed that she didn't like her calves. We shall see if she will wear flats with skirts or dresses, which, for royal engagements, she has yet to do!
ReplyDeleteI suspect the Princess prefers high heels (and sometimes wedges) because she has a long torso and relatively short legs. Flats don't really flatter the legs in skirts and dresses, and short-legged women may be especially conscious of that.
DeleteI don't think she dislikes her calves; she just really likes boots.
Kate wore a lot of different types of shoes when they were dating, lots of heels but I can remember cream, brown and black flats. She wore flats with a white dress at last year's charity polo match too.
Delete@Louise, London Yes, I realized after posting my comment that she did indeed wear flats while watching William play polo last year.
DeleteRecently, I tried on Gianvito Rossi heels, and, while they stretched my leg out nicely, they had very, very narrow toe boxes, which cannot be good for anyone's feet. I wonder how she wears such shoes for so many hours on end.
She also wore flats on her trip to India. Remember being quite surprised.
Delete@c draper Good point! There are probably more sporadic, isolated times that she has worn flats that I have forgotten about. Generally, I think that it is safe to say that she does not wear flats with non-ankle-length dresses, skirts or pants.
DeleteThank you Charlotte, may be we will se the Prince and Princess of Wales tomorrow. It’s Anzac Day. I.J.
ReplyDeleteIt was just William, at the 5.00 am service.
DeleteA very worthy charity, especially in inflationary times. Children's items can be so expensive even in the best of economies.
ReplyDeleteThe Princess looks very suitably dressed for the engagement, but I have to say that I have had quality problems with both Reiss and Boden and have decided not to buy from them again. Reiss isn't a bargain label, so the low quality of the Reiss items I've bought was a real disappointment. I didn't expect that much from Boden, and I didn't get it! Caveat emptor.
Five to ten years ago, I would buy Reiss winter scarves and jackets, but I stopped buying about four years back, due to higher prices and less quality in their clothing, (at least the items I was purchasing). I found this true of other brands/companies.
DeleteMy husband's best friend owns a very nice clothing shop for men and women. He said getting fabric has become extremely difficult for their custom orders. Something must be going on in fashion. I am sure many of the knowledgeable people on this site will have some answers. GA
Well, the fashion industry, like others, has been hit by supply-chain problems resulting from pandemic-related delays and understaffing. Imported fabrics are going to be especially difficult to obtain. That's one issue. Sadly, it's going to take years for the world to recover from the pandemic's impact in a wide variety of areas.
DeleteI have to say I've noticed that as well with some top brands in men's clothing. The quality can be really bad. If something isn't good quality and I return it now. I wouldn't buy a brand for the sake of having it. For the last few years I've only bought if on sale or with some discount. The reason you invest when buying good quality clothing is so it lasts and looks good years after buying it. S.🙂.
DeleteThat's good to hear about Boden. I will steer clear of them in future and stick with &Other Stories. I also typically really like the quality of Everlane items, especially for the reasonable price point.
DeleteI agree with you Becca about Everlane clothing, I have had good luck with the quality especially with pants/trousers, and their shoes. Although, I do love these Boden black flats!
DeleteI'm surprised to see The Princess out and about again today. She looked very smart for this visit. This is a great charity. Supporting Moms and babies. Vittoria makes a very good point about babies stuff being so expensive these days. Also they seem to need a lot more stuff than year's ago. I'm Irish, we always pass on baby clothes etc to family members and if not charity shops. I'm looking forward to seeing their visit to Wales at the end of the week. I hadn't expected to see them out so much before the Coronation. Surely there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes for the big day. S.🙂.
ReplyDeleteShe just had a four week break! Why shouldn't she be working more than two days a week?
DeleteTotally agree with you - this job was in her doorstep and probably only for a couple of hours maximum.
DeleteBecause like I said a lot of work and planning for the big day. I have to say they do look nice and refreshed after their 4 week holiday. S.🙂.
DeleteI really like this look and the flat shoes are perfect. I look forward to seeing more flats in the future!
ReplyDeleteThe blazer and pencil pants look excellent. The flat shoes are fabulous. A serviceable and presentable outfit. She looks great. I'm glad to see her visiting the Baby bank.
ReplyDeleteThis is of course such a wonderful organization. It's essential that donations were solicited -- I hope that effort is continuing. And how refreshing to see appropriate shoes for the chore! She looked like she fit in well -- the last look of her lifting boxes in high heels was a little silly. I thought she wore flats, or nearly flats, in her early NYC visit. This was a good visit.
ReplyDeleteSeeing the prior visit she made to this amazing organization I’m struck by just how long her hair has grown, and how I preferred it shorter as in her last visit. She is honestly a great beauty and a true English Rose; and beautiful inside as well. How fortunate GB is to have her as their representative.
ReplyDeleteRebecca, I think you hit the nail on the head there. It's her inner beauty and kindness that gives her that glow. S.🙂.
DeleteYes, her shorter hair at her last visit was so cute and bouncy! But she must really prefer it long as every time she's cut it shorter, she's grown it out immediately. As someone who is constantly stuck in the cut-grow-cut cycle, I sympathize!
DeleteIt looks as though she may have done some tailoring on the jacket. It looks quite oversized in the first wear, and now seems much more streamlined.
ReplyDeleteLoving the ballet flats , so appropriate for getting stuck in!
ReplyDeleteThe outfit looks good today & appropriate for the tasks. Kate never seems to age!
ReplyDeleteI have a question and unable to find an answer. Can someone direct an American to understand the difference on how one king had to abdicate in order to marry a divorcee, but Charles can be king even though he married a divorcee? Did rules/regulations change/modernize? Thank you, American Girl
Things have definitely changed. Princess Margaret choose not to marry someone who had divorced. It was because you would have to give up her title and money from The Crown.A lot has come out about Mr Simpson and his wife. What happened was a blessing in disguise. Re the then Prince of Wales, yes he was divorced but he was also a widower. The new Queen was also divorced so they couldn't get married in the church of England. They had a civil marriage and then a blessing in the palace. If I remember correctly, I think it was spun at the time that it was better to have them married than the future head of the church living in sin. S.🙂.
DeleteI am sure others can offer a better answer, but one issue is that many years have passed and times/attitudes have changed.
DeleteMrs. Simpson was twice divorced and her former spouses were living. Diana was deceased when Charles married Camilla. I am from the U.S. and have limited understanding of this and may not understand the situation. GA
Queen Camillas X husband is going to the coronation. He also recently represented the Queen at a funeral in a official capacity. Things are definitely changing. S.🙂.
DeleteA large part of the problem originally was that the monarch is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, which in the 1930s still prohibited the religious remarriage of the divorced. (Given that the C of E was founded by Henry VIII, there is no little irony involved in the Church's position, though he was seeking an annulment, not a divorce.) It was therefore thought that the SG couldn't possibly be married in a civil ceremony, which would have been necessary owing to Wallis Simpson's two divorces. As Princess Margaret wrote years later, when she gave up her hopes of marrying a divorced man, "Christian marriage is indissoluble." That was the Church's point of view.
DeleteAs others have written, times change, and attitudes towards divorce changed with them. A few members of Queen Elizabeth's own family had been divorced by 2005, and she had given her assent to some remarriages, though none of these took place in the C of E. However, the C of E officially changed its position on divorce at its Synod of 2002 -- in response to the social change, you may be sure. The new rule was that individual clerics could decide, on the basis of circumstances surrounding a divorce, whether to perform a religious remarriage.
As it happens, Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury in 2005, was conservative on the subject of divorce and didn't want to marry Charles and Camilla in church. That is why they had a civil marriage, deemed legal under the Human Rights Act of 1998, even though Charles was the future monarch and future Supreme Governor of the C of E. (Williams was willing to give them a church blessing, and they received one.) However, Justin Welby, the current A of C, is more liberal on this subject. He is the son of divorced parents and did not object to marrying Prince Harry and Meghan, even though she was divorced. The fact that her first wedding had been a civil, non-religious affair probably helped.
I should point out that since Diana was dead, only Camilla's divorce mattered. Charles is not a widower, because you have to be married to someone at the time of his or her death in order to be a widow or widower. Charles and Diana were divorced by the time she died. However, the death of a person to whom you were once married released you from the restrictions that the C of E once imposed. If Andrew Parker Bowles had died before 2005, Archbishop Williams could not have objected to a religious remarriage for Charles and Camilla.
Thanks Vittoria, some interesting facts there about the new King and Queen. S.🙂.
DeleteThanks Vittoria for your in depth explanation you have explained it well. As we know these things aren't as black and white as they seem. Sue in WA
DeleteVery appropriate and chic and a wonderfully down to earth place to visit. I do join up with those of you observing the masses of hair. To me it seems too heavy. I definitely prefer a shorter cut. She’s edging into a stage of life where really long hair tends to age, rather than looking “young”. It will be interesting to see how she goes ahead with hairstyling.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your great reports.
A wondeful charity and flats!!! A clean and professional look that suits her.
ReplyDeleteHeidi
Good to see Kate as this vital charity today. A nice and easy local job.
ReplyDeleteI however feel Kate is very out of touch with what is going on in the UK . 300 extra families needing help this year and we’re only a quarter of the way through the year .Her question have the needs of families changed ? Kate was apparently surprised to discover that while they had seen a huge rise in need ,this has not been matched by donations from the public . People are holding on to things for longer, passing on to friends or selling . This is the reality in the UK many people are struggling with the cost of living . It is therefore logical they will try to sell items that are no longer needed rather than donate to charity. I’m shocked Kate is surprised at this ? It implies she has no idea if the crisis many people are in
GT
No, it's the fact that there's not enough awareness on the issue.
DeleteIt's funny how people are always up in arms about the things she says or does, good or bad and makes a mountain of a molehill.
Charlotte indicates above that her comment was made 3 years ago. Since then Catherine has brought on board many major brands who have donated thousands of items to 40 different banks. She learned of the need and she has done something about it. In my opinion, that is nothing to be shocked about.
DeleteBorder Terrier lover
The comments I made relate to this visit and not one 3 years . They were asked by Kate at this visit.Anyone who watches the news which I assume Kate does will know that demand for food/ baby banks has increased massively in the last six months . Also donations have decreased as so many people can not afford to donate . If they want to modernise the monarchy they must understand what they’re subjects are doing .
DeleteI’m really impressed with baby banks as a way to help a community. The Princess today was polished and perfect for the occasion, and yes to seeing flats for a change .
ReplyDeleteBefore the pandemic, I bought 2 Boden coats because I liked the one Kate wore. She wore the tomato red version of the coat. I love the color. I ordered it & was amazed at the quality of fabric, make, &fit. I also bought the navy. I continue to wear them now. Love them!
ReplyDeleteShe looks lovely and a great outing. I am not a fan of the pants, I like pants just not this pair at least on Catherine. The shoes are a cute pair of flats.Ali
ReplyDeleteRe the divorce. Attitudes have changed over the course of seventy odd years. Marrying a divorcee in the time of the Windsors was problematic for commoner and royalty alike. Today remarrying by divorced persons is socially acceptable for anyone. Some churches don't accept it but socially it is fine as we all know. There were political issues with the Duke of Windsor and Mrs Simpson that were far more serious such as fraternising with German hierarchy as war was imminent. Perhaps it is time to move on from times past.
ReplyDeleteHere, here Libby. It's funny how we can all remember history and events a little differently to the point that the real issue is completely forgotten or overlooked. One of the best things we can learn and understand from history, is to know when to move on.
DeleteAgree Libby.Ali
DeleteMr Simpson should of been charged with treason. S.🙂.
DeleteHave always liked Kate in this combination of clothes, professional smart casual and and re wear of clothes which is becoming so important these days. I really like the flats more suitable for helping at the centre. Sue in WA
ReplyDeleteLove this look. I'm happy to see her in flats, being very tall myself, I never wear heels and they always look painful, but very attractive. Although I'm sure those of you who wear them often are accustomed to them, and know how to wear them! I'd be like a drunken giraffe. A kitten heel was all I could ever manage.
ReplyDelete