Duchess of Cambridge attends Place2Be school leaders forum

After a six week break from the limelight while battling severe morning sickness, the Duchess of Cambridge is well and truly back in the swing of things. 

Last night she attended a charity gala at Kensington Palace in honour of The Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, and this morning Kate, 35, arrived for a forum on how schools can tackle mental health problems

The expectant mother looked chic in a simple burgundy dress by Goat with a button detail on one shoulder, displaying just the tiniest hint of a baby bump under the loose-fitting number, which she paired with black heels. 

The Place2Be school leaders forum in the City of London will see expert speakers consider how schools can provide practical support to children, young people and their families.

Kate, who is a royal patron of Place2Be, has attended the past two conferences hosted by the charity and in a speech at today’s event, she spoke passionately about the role parents and teachers alike have to play in safeguarding child mental health. 

‘As a mother just getting used to leaving my own child at the school gates, it is clear to me that It takes a whole community to help raise a child,’ she said. 

‘Whether we are school leaders, teachers, support staff or parents – we’re all in this together. We are all working to give children the emotional strength they need to face their futures and thrive.’  

The Duchess of Cambridge looked radiant in a burgundy dress by Goat as she arrived at the Place2Be conference on child mental health in the City of London

The Duchess is attending the Place2Be schools forum for the third year running as royal patron 

Kate looked in great spirits as she arrived at the event, proving the worst of her battle with hyperemesis gravidarum is behind her

The Duchess is attending the Place2Be schools forum for the third year running as royal patron and looked in great spirits as she arrived at the event, proving the worst of her battle with hyperemesis gravidarum is behind her 

Kate eschewed her usual fitted frocks for a loose-fitting dress, which skimmed over her tiny bump 

Kate eschewed her usual fitted frocks for a loose-fitting dress, which skimmed over her tiny bump 

This year’s conference, entitled ‘I’m Fine!’, will include presentations from experts in child psychiatry and psychology, as well as headteachers working in some of the most disadvantaged parts of the UK.

Kate, who is pregnant with her third child, has previously spoken out about supporting children and parents with their mental health.

She has been stepping back into the limelight after suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum – a severe form of morning sickness.

The Duchess will open the conference before joining delegates for the forum in central London.

She's glowing! Kate certainly looked blooming after enduring a difficult start to her third pregnancy

She ditched her usual fitted frocks for today's engagement, in favour of more comfortable maternity style

She’s glowing! Kate certainly looked blooming after enduring a difficult start to her third pregnancy. She ditched her usual fitted frocks for today’s engagement, in favour of more comfortable maternity style 

Kate paired the understated number with black block-heeled shoes and a small Mulberry clutch 

Kate paired the understated number with black block-heeled shoes and a small Mulberry clutch 

The Duchess was looking radiant this morning, proving she's back into the swing of royal duties following her six-week absence 

The Duchess was looking radiant this morning, proving she’s back into the swing of royal duties following her six-week absence 

Kate has only made a handful of public appearances since Kensington Palace officially announced her pregnancy on September 4.

The royal couple were forced to announce the pregnancy early because Kate had been struck down with the same severe morning sickness that she suffered while carrying George, four, and Charlotte, two, which forced her to miss several planned engagements.

A statement last month revealed the baby is expected in April 2018.

Kate’s speech at the Place2Be School Leaders Forum  

Four years ago, when I became Patron of Place2Be, I believed what you all know to be true: that getting support to children at the very earliest stage helps improve their outcomes later in life.

Schools and teachers are at the heart of this support, and have a crucial role to play. You know your pupils. You know their circumstances. You can spot when a family’s having a tough time. You occupy a special position because you can identify issues and take action when it’s most needed.

Parents also have a key role to play in this support system. As a mother just getting used to leaving my own child at the school gates, it is clear to me that It takes a whole community to help raise a child.

Whether we are school leaders, teachers, support staff or parents – we’re all in this together. We are all working to give children the emotional strength they need to face their futures and thrive.

I’m proud that The Royal Foundation is playing its part too after the Heads Together campaign.

Collaborating with experts like yourselves, we’re looking at providing easy access to information and practical tools to support teachers, parents and children feel comfortable talking about their mental health.

We are all here today because we share the belief that every child deserves the chance to fulfil their potential.

When I came to this conference two years ago, I left with a real sense of energy and passion about what we could all achieve together. And I’m looking forward to learning even more today.

Last night, the Duchess attended a charity gala at Kensington Palace in honour of The Anna Freud Centre 

Last night, the Duchess attended a charity gala at Kensington Palace in honour of The Anna Freud Centre 

Arriving in style: Kate is putting her best foot forward as she fully embraces royal duties again (left). She was accompanied this morning by her new private secretary Catherine Quinn, who has replaced 

Kate is joining delegates at the forum as they consider the key issues schools can consider when it comes to mental health

The conference will consider the role that schools can play in tackling mental health problems early in life

Kate is joining delegates at the forum as they consider the key issues and latest thinking on the role that schools can play in tackling mental health problems early in life

 

 

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