The Duchess of Cambridge looked impeccable on Tuesday as she went smart casual in a checked blazer teamed with black skinny jeans and ankle boots.
Kate, 36, joined her husband William in Essex to visit the Royal Foundation’s Coach Core programme, an initiative using sport to empower those not in education or employment, as she continued her busy post-maternity leave schedule.
The couple received a rapturous welcome from royal fans who had gathered outside Basildon Sporting Village hoping to meet them, and one little girl couldn’t resist throwing her arms around Kate and giving her a hug as they chatted.
Inside, the couple had the opportunity to join in two different activities – indoor athletics and tennis – with Wimbledon patron Kate taking the opportunity to show off her skills on the court.
Although she’s fond of recycling old outfits, the £625 blazer from Canadian brand Smythe appeared to be a new addition to Kate’s wardrobe.
The Duchess of Cambridge looked smart in a checked blazer from Smythe as she arrive at Basildon Sporting Village to meet young sports coaching apprentices
Next stop Wimbledon! Sporty Kate seemed to be in her element as she enjoyed a session on the court at Coach Core Basildon while meeting young apprentices
Hugs for Kate! The Duchess received a warm welcome from a young royal fan who couldn’t resist throwing her arms around the Duchess as she chatted to wellwishers outside Basildon Sporting Centre
Smiling Kate went for the smart casual look, teaming her blazer with black skinny jeans and ankle boots for the occasion. Kate was joined by her husband Prince William who also cut a casual figure in a blue zip up jumper and navy chinos
The Duchess of Cambridge was no doubt delighted to get the chance to practice her tennis skills during a coaching session as she’s a huge fan of the sport
A fun day out! Kate couldn’t contain her giggles as she enjoyed a game of boccia – a seated game, where competitors throw a ball as close to a target as they can- with a young apprentice during a visit to Basildon Sporting Village
William and Kate had the chance to indulge their competitive streak as they competed on opposing teams in a game of boccia
Showing off his sporty side! The Duke of Cambridge, throws a foam arrow as he joins a session with a group during a visit the Coach Core Essex apprenticeship scheme at Basildon Sporting Village
Prince William chatted to youngsters who showed him how they’ve learned to perfect their javelin throwing skills during a group session at Coach Core Essex
Showing off her skills! The Duchess looked confident on the court as she joined in a game of tennis with school children who are being trained by Coach Core apprentices
Her royal hugness! Kate embraced a boccia player as she met people who play the sport regularly at Coach Core Essex
Kate and William also took part in a game of boccia – a seated game, where competitors throw a ball as close to a target as they can.
It was a case of Duke vs Duchess as the couple indulged their competitive streak by taking part on opposite teams.
While William tried his hand at javelin throwing using foam arrows, keen tennis fan Kate had the chance to show off her skills on the court.
Through training, the Coach Core initiative aims to create the next generation of sports coaches who will themselves go on to inspire their communities.
Competitive Kate! The Duchess couldn’t resists ribbing her husband as they competed against each other in a game of boccia, a seated game where players have to hit targets with a ball
A right royal laugh! The Duchess of Cambridge was on top form as she giggled enthusiastically while playing a game of boccia against Prince William
The Duke of Cambridge looked in great spirits as he chatted to people who are taking part in physical activities run by Coach Core apprentices and graduates
The Duchess left the event clutching bouquets of flowers after a successful morning meeting coaching apprentices and the young people they are training
The Duchess looked delighted to meet a young royal fan, and was all smiles as she chatted to people and received bunches of flowers at the end of her visit to Basildon Sporting Village
The Duke of Cambridge fully immersed himself in a busy morning of royal duties, chatting to apprentices, coaches and sports participants at Basildon Sporting Village
The royals will meet apprentices working with two partner organisations: Sport for Confidence and South Essex Gymnastics club, who have been involved with Coach Core Essex since it was set up three years ago.
Kate and William previously attended a Coach Core graduation ceremony along with Prince Harry at West Ham’s London Stadium in October 2017.
The Duchess has gradually been taking on more royal engagements since returning to work earlier this month after the birth of her third child, Prince Louis.
Pleased to meet you! The Duchess of Cambridge was beaming with happiness as she chatted to youngsters outside Basildon Sporting Centre in Essex
Mother-of-three Kate looked particularly animated as she chatted to youngsters in Basildon on a visit to the Royal Foundation’s Coach Core programme
How do you do! A little boy who managed to get to the front of the crowd took the opportunity to shake hands with the visiting royal who was all smiles as they chatted
The Duchess looked delighted as she met with a wellwisher who presented her with a bouquet of white roses at Basildon Sporting Village
The Duchess accessorised with her favourite Kiki McDonough morganite topaz and diamond drop earrings and kept her make up minimal, allowing her natural glow to shine through
Smiling Kate looked delighted as she was greeted with a bunch of flowers by a young wellwisher at Coach Core Essex
Prince William looked animated as she chatted to members of the public who had gathered to greet the royal visitors at Coach Core Essex
Taking style notes? The Duchess stepped out in an on-trend checked blazer teamed with skinny jeans and ankle boots. Her ensemble was reminiscent of the look her pregnant sister-in-law Meghan wore on arrival at Dubbo Airport earlier this month during the royal tour of Australia
The Ducehss was presented with bunches of flowers by wellwishers, while one royal fan had brought along a selection of children’s books – no doubt a gift for Prince George and Princess Charlotte
She was seen at a handful of family events over the summer, including Prince Harry’s wedding and Trooping The Colour but has been enjoying time away from official duties since Prince Louis’ birth in April.
Even though Kate was resumed royal duties, her ‘primary focus’ will be her children throughout the Autumn, according to palace aides.
Meanwhile, her sister-in-law Meghan and Prince Harry have been the focus of attention in recent weeks as they complete their first major official overseas tour as a married couple.
William paused to chat with a participant during a meeting with new apprentices and graduates from the Coach Core Essex apprenticeship scheme
Back to her best! The Duchess resumed official royal duties earlier this month following her maternity leave. Kate looked glowing as she smiled her way through a visit to Coach Core Essex
Young royal fans were eager to shake hands with Prince William as he greeted members of the public outside Basildon Sporting Village
Cheerful Kate spent time chatting with members of the public outside Basildon Sporting Village ahead of her visit to Coach Core Essex. Today the Duchess will meet young apprentices who are pursuing a future in sports coaching