Kate Middleton was the picture of preppy perfection as she stepped out for an engagement at a London school on Thursday.
Proving she looks stylish even when in a simple tailoring, the Princess of Wales layered a chocolate brown blazer over a crisp blue shirt for her visit to Castle Hill Academy in New Addington, Croydon, to mark Children’s Mental Health Week 2026. Although the Princess is best known for her collection of heels and boots, she chose to put her best foot forward in a pair of loafers.
The Princess was on hand to visit as Patron of Place2Be, a U.K. children’s mental health charity that launched Children’s Mental Health Week in 2015. Her Royal Highness has long championed the importance of supporting children’s emotional wellbeing from their earliest years.
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Keeping the look simple for her day with schoolchildren, the Princess of Wales added a favorite pair of blue topaz earrings by go-to designer Kiki McDonough and a thin gold chain finished with what appears to be her garnet pendant (her own birthstone). The finishing touch was her ring stack, complete with stunning sapphire engagement ring.
Middleton has long been a fan of McDonough’s designs, which have also been favored by plenty of other royals over the years—including Sarah Ferguson when she became engaged to the then Prince Andrew. “She was suddenly thrown into official engagements, and we did some earrings and a necklace for her, which was good because the only way you got on to the map in those days was by word of mouth and magazines,” McDonough told HELLO!. Then Princess Diana followed suit: “One morning I was in the kitchen making a cup of coffee and the builder who was working there said, ‘The Princess of Wales is knocking at the door,’ and I said, ‘Yeah, right—it’s too early for jokes.’”
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The designer revealed that she was “very grateful” to Kate for her patronage, adding that, “like Diana, she understands how she can help British brands by wearing them.” Indeed, the Princess owns a wide selection of both earrings and necklaces from the jeweler, which she has worn for events including Wimbledon, the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and red carpet appearances.
One particularly poignant pair of McDonough earrings from Middleton’s jewelry box is the green tourmaline, green amethyst, and diamond earrings, set in gold, which were designed specially for her to mark the birth of Princess Charlotte.
Kensington Palace
Castle Hill Academy has worked with Place2Be for many years, embedding mental health and wellbeing into daily school life and offering pupils and families emotional support through its Whole School Approach and providing children with skills they can develop to help them thrive. During the visit, the Princess met children, parents, teachers, and Place2Be practitioners to see how the school community is marking Children’s Mental Health Week and to hear how trusted relationships, creativity, and play help children express themselves and build confidence.
Her Royal Highness started the visit at the school’s Early Years outdoor play space, funded by Deloitte, a member of The Royal Foundation Business Task Force for Early Childhood. Designed with Place2Be’s therapeutic principles in mind, the space promotes emotional regulation, sensory exploration and creative play. The Princess then met parents who have benefitted from Place2Be’s support.
Richard Pohle/Getty Images
The Princess of Wales also visited the school’s Art Studio, where she joined children taking part in the official Children’s Mental Health Week art project, developed by The Art Room at Place2Be. To conclude the visit, The Princess will met Castle Hill Academy and Place2Be leadership to discuss the organization’s whole-school approach to supporting children’s mental health, as well as the unique challenges facing children and families in New Addington.
Originally published in Tatler.
kate Middleton Turns too Prep for a London School Visit
The Importance of Royal Engagements in Education
Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, has long been an advocate for education and child development. Her upcoming visit to a London school highlights the monarchy’s commitment to supporting education and community-driven initiatives. Royal school visits serve to inspire students, teachers, and parents alike, shining a spotlight on the importance of accessible, quality education. As a patron of numerous educational charities, Kate’s presence brings valuable attention and encouragement to schools across the UK.
How Kate Middleton Prepares for a School Visit
Planning for a royal school visit is meticulous and showcases the Duchess’s dedication. Her team ensures every detail aligns with the spirit of the school and the nature of the engagement. Hear’s a breakdown of how Kate Middleton preps for such an notable event:
- Research and school Background: The Duchess studies the school’s history, ethos, and recent achievements to engage meaningfully with staff and students.
- briefings on Education Initiatives: She receives briefings on current educational campaigns or programs the school supports, enabling relevant discussions.
- Meticulous Outfit Planning: Kate opts for polished yet approachable attire, often choosing styles that reflect British designers and her role as a role model.
- Engagement Strategy: The Duchess plans interactive activities to connect with students through reading sessions, creative workshops, or sports demonstrations.
- Security and Logistics Coordination: Safety and smooth logistics are managed by royal aides and school officials to ensure agreeable interactions.
Kate’s Engagement style: Genuine and Relatable
Kate Middleton’s reputation for being warm and relatable makes her school visits memorable. she frequently enough uses her own experiences as a mother and advocate for children’s welfare to connect with both students and staff. Her ability to listen and engage thoughtfully reflects her genuine commitment to education.
Benefits of Royal Visits to Schools
These visits extend far beyond ceremonial purposes. Here are the practical benefits schools gain from hosting Kate Middleton:
- Increased Public awareness: Royal visits attract national and international media, bringing positive exposure to school programs and student achievements.
- Boost in morale: Students and staff frequently enough feel motivated and recognized, enhancing school pride and participation.
- Fundraising and Partnerships: Highlighted schools often find it easier to attract sponsorships and partnerships following a high-profile visit.
- Championing Education Causes: Kate’s presence can spotlight critical education issues such as mental health, literacy, and early childhood development.
First-Hand Experience: What Schools Report
Schools visited by the Duchess of Cambridge repeatedly describe an atmosphere charged with positive energy. Teachers report that Kate’s skilled engagement elevates student confidence and encourages academic ambition. Many schools keep memorabilia or photographs of the visit as lasting reminders of the occasion.
| School Name | Focus Area | Visit Date | Duchess’s Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Mary’s Primary | Literacy & wellbeing | september 2024 | Read-aloud session & wellbeing talk |
| Greenwich Academy | STEM Education | November 2024 | Hands-on science workshop |
| West London Prep | Arts & Creativity | January 2025 | Art exhibition & student Q&A |
Tips for Schools on Hosting Royal Visits
Schools looking forward to or preparing for royal visits can employ these practical suggestions to ensure a smooth and impactful experience:
- Early Coordination: Communicate early and clearly with royal protocol officers and school staff to plan logistics.
- Prepare Students: Brief students about the visit to encourage excitement and respectful behavior.
- Focus on School Strengths: Showcase unique programs or achievements that highlight the school’s mission.
- Engage Parents & Community: Use the royal visit as a platform to boost community involvement.
- Media Readiness: Prepare press releases and photo opportunities with necessary permissions for positive coverage.
Kate Middleton’s Educational Philanthropy
As Princess of Wales, Kate has actively championed early childhood development, mental health, and literacy campaigns. Her ongoing involvement with organizations such as the National Literacy Trust and Place2Be cements her role as a figurehead in modern educational advocacy.
Highlighted Initiatives Supported by Kate
- The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood: Promoting the importance of the first five years of life.
- Heads Together Campaign: Focusing on children’s mental health and destigmatizing mental illness.
- BookTrust Partnerships: Supporting literacy and access to reading materials across the UK.
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