Kate Middleton attends the Royal Foundation’s ‘Mental Health in Education’ conference

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 

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'

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 

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 said that she feels ‘passionately’ about working together in order to achieve more support towards children’s mental health in school

THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE’S SPEECH IN FULL

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.

Over the last eight years working with charities I’ve met some of our leading experts in mental health, addiction, family breakdown, homelessness and education.

They have taught me over and over again that the root cause of so many of today’s social problems can be traced right back to the very earliest years of a person’s life and often over generations.

The scientific and other evidence is clear the first few years of a child’s life are more pivotal for development and for future health and happiness than any other single moment in our life time.

It is also clear that the positive development of our children is directly linked to those who care for them, teachers, carers and parents.

And as we have heard today, it is therefore vital that we support teachers with their own wellbeing so that they can find the best level of care for all children, in their schools and communities in which they work.

No one of us however can make a difference alone.

I feel so passionately about working together and being here today has affirmed to me just how much already is being done, so thank you to all of you who are prioritising the importance of mental health and the importance of childhood development as a whole. I look forward to hearing how your discussions will lead to proactive steps and to an ever more resounding commitment to mentally healthy schools, teachers and children.

Thank you. 

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

She appeared to be in good spirits beaming at the crowds who had gathered for her arrival

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 

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 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

She is expected to discuss the benefits of integrating mental health modules into teacher training courses

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

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

She could be seen clutching folders containing notes on today's discussions

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 

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

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 

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 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 

The Duchess showcased her signature smile as she stepped from her car into the Mercers Hall courtyard 

MEANWHILE WILLIAM PAYS A VISIT TO HOMELESS CHARITY AFTER BEING ANNOUNCED AS ITS PATRON

Elsewhere the Duke of Cambridge paid a visit to the homeless charity The Passage shortly after being announced as its patron.

William first visited as a young boy with his mother Diana, Princess of Wales and has now become the figurehead.

He visited the charity today where he joined volunteers in the kitchen to help prepare and serve lunch to those in need.

The organisation has helped more than 130,000 people in crisis over almost 40 years through its resource centre, homelessness prevention projects and innovative accommodation services.

Diana took William and younger brother Harry to the charity in December 1993, and as a young man William has made numerous public and private trips to the organisation.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales and patron of The Passage, welcomed the announcement ahead of the duke’s visit to the charity’s St Vincent’s Centre in Westminster.

Prince William has joined volunteers at homeless charity The Passage to help to prepare and serve lunch shortly after being announced as its patron

Prince William has joined volunteers at homeless charity The Passage to help to prepare and serve lunch shortly after being announced as its patron

William first visited as a young boy with his mother Diana, Princess of Wales. Pictured: Diana with Harry and William at the Passage in 1994

William first visited as a young boy with his mother Diana, Princess of Wales. Pictured: Diana with Harry and William at the Passage in 1994

He said: ‘I know the duke is deeply committed to working with those most in need, such as the thousands of people The Passage has helped off the streets.

‘It is crucial that everyone in our society, especially the poorest, are treated with respect, dignity and kindness, and are given the opportunities to fulfil their potential in life; this announcement is a tangible symbol of that commitment.’

William last visited the St Vincent’s Centre with wife Kate in the run-up to Christmas, when he spoke out against the drug spice after hearing about its devastating effect on the capital’s homeless.

The duke told Mick Clarke, chief executive of The Passage: ‘The fact it was a legal high and that young people were allowed to take it and it leads to addiction is just terrible.’

Donning an apron William could been seen serving up lunch to those in need in The Passage canteen on Wednesday 

Donning an apron William could been seen serving up lunch to those in need in The Passage canteen on Wednesday 

The synthetic drug is seen as the biggest challenge the charity faces as it is cheap, readily available and can exacerbate existing problems like poor mental health.

Following the announcement Mr Clarke said: ‘During His Royal Highness’s visits to The Passage, it has been very clear that he has a deep concern for those affected by homelessness and a real interest in our work.

‘For His Royal Highness to further express his support for The Passage’s work by becoming our royal patron is a tremendous honour, and a testament to how much he genuinely cares about this issue.’

Later William will join volunteers at the charity helping to prepare and serve lunch in what will be the first of several engagements for the Cambridges.

 

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