The Duchess of Cambridge called for more support for teachers and students during The Royal Foundation’s ‘Mental Health in Education’ conference in London today.
The conference at Mercers Hall today brought together delegates from across the mental health and education sectors to explore and discussed the benefits of collaborative working and what more can be done to tackle mental health issues in schools.
The event, hosted by broadcaster and presenter Kate Silverton, saw a full day of speakers, panel discussions and breakout sessions.
Introducing the Duchess today, Silverton said: ‘As you all know (she) has been a great driving force behind much of the royal foundation supporting children in their earliest years.
‘Your Royal Highness it’s an absolute honour to have you with us here today, thank you for all the work that you are doing in this field.’
The Duchess of Cambridge has arrived at The Royal Foundation’s ‘Mental Health in Education’ conference at Mercers Hall in London
Following her introduction from Kate Silverton the Duchess of Cambridge delivered a speech thanking those who were there in helping to improve mental health in schools.
Addressing the crowd she said: ‘It’s really so exciting to hear everyone here speaking with your wealth of experience about the importance of mental health and particularly the emotional development of our children and teachers.
‘What we have all been discussing here today really brings to light the vital role teachers are playing in supporting our youngest children’s mental health.
‘Thank you all for your dedication to this important cause, whether you work in schools, universities, charities or elsewhere.’
Kate took her seat next to broadcaster and presenter Kate Silverton who appeared to be getting along famously
In the speech introducing her namesake Duchess, Silverton thanked the royal for ‘all the work she has done in the field’
Following her introduction from Kate Silverton the Duchess of Cambridge delivered a speech thanking those who were there in helping to improve mental health in schools
Kate said that she feels ‘passionately’ about working together in order to achieve more support towards children’s mental health in school
Kate looked prim and proper for her engagement today, wearing a new ensemble today in the form of a bespoke black tweed skirt suit by Dolce & Gabbana.
And while the 37-year-old has been showcasing her boot collection recently Kate was back in her signature heeled pumps on Wednesday opting for a black suede pair from Tods costing £335.
The mother-of-three opted for simple accessories in the form of an elegant £495 black suede clutch by Mulberry and kept out the February chill in a pair of black tights.
Kate’s hair had been blow dried to perfection for the occasion with her signature brunette locks looking especially bouncy this morning.
Kate cut a prim and proper figure in a black tweed skirt suit as she arrived at the event on Wednesday morning
It seems that ‘thrifty’ Kate had been shopping for the occasion with her ensemble today thought to be brand new
Kate took her seat alongside other delegates from across the mental health sector as she prepared to hear from speakers at the event
Kate later took part in a panel discussion at the conference to discuss the benefits of integrating mental health modules into teacher training courses
She could be seen shaking hands with other members of the panel before the round table discussion took place
Her Royal Highness listened to a number of sessions, including one on the benefits of integrating mental health modules into teacher training courses, and another on the role of school leaders in creating a culture of wellbeing in schools.
During her visit, The Duchess of Cambridge met with Head Teachers from a number of schools that are currently piloting The Royal Foundation’s ‘Mentally Healthy Schools’ programme.
Launched by The Duchess of Cambridge in 2018, ‘Mentally Healthy Schools’ is a website giving primary schools free access to hundreds of the highest quality mental health resources, helping teachers better support their pupils’ mental health.
Kate cut a professional figure as she left this afternoon, clutching folders containing notes on today’s discussions
The Duchess gave a wave to those who had waited outside in order to see her departure before heading back home to Kensington Palace this afternoon
It is one of the legacy programmes from the Heads Together campaign and is being delivered in partnership with The Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, Place2Be and Young Minds.
Kate will then join a meeting with teachers and specialists from the sector to further discuss the potential impact of consistent mental health teacher training, as well as the challenges facing its implementation.
This event forms part of The Duchess’ continuing work at The Royal Foundation, where much of Her Royal Highness’s focus is on supporting and promoting the mental health of children and young people.
Kate’s engagement comes a day after her sister-in-law Meghan stepped out in a chic Calvin Klein ensemble as she and Harry visited the Natural History Museum amid reports of disputes with the Markle family.
It was the first time Duchess of Sussex had been seen in public since her father, Thomas Markle Sr, revealed the contents of a letter written by Meghan last summer in which she accused him of breaking her heart ‘into a million pieces’ by giving interviews to the press, fabricating stories and publicly attacking her new husband.
Kate’s hair had been blow dried to perfection for the occasion with her signature brunette locks looking especially bouncy this morning
The 37-year-old royal was greeted by Xenia Violet Dennen (right), the Master of the Mercers’ Company, before heading into the conference
Earlier this week the Royal Horticultural Society unveiled the Duchess’ designs for her garden at the Chelsea Flower Show which aims to promote mental well being.
The Duchess created her garden with Davies and White from Davies White Landscape Architects, and the Royal Horticultural Society. Other members of the Royal Family are understood to have contributed ideas.
To go on show at Chelsea in May, the garden will ‘highlight the benefits of the natural world on our mental and physical wellbeing’, according to Kensington Palace.
The aim is to ‘get people back to nature’ and encourage them ‘to create new experiences in the great outdoors’.
The mother-of-three carried a simple black suede clutch by Mulberry which perfectly coordinated with her shoes
The Duchess showcased her signature smile as she stepped from her car into the Mercers Hall courtyard