The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, have turned brokers for the morning as they answer phone calls and close deals at the annual ICAP Charity Day in London. The royal couple are using their best powers of persuasion to help raise cash for a variety of charities, including SkillForce, of which William is patron and SportsAid and Place2Be, of which Kate is patron.
William and Kate offered their support at the ICAP Charity Day
William and Kate arrived at the offices shortly after 11.30am on Wednesday, and were greeted by local schoolchildren who presented the Duchess with flowers as they entered the building. Kate looked typically chic for the occasion in a teal L.K. Bennett dress and matching jacket that she had originally worn in 2012, and appeared to have had her hair cut several inches shorter.
After meeting brokers and charity representatives on a tour of the offices the Duke and Duchess had a go at closing a few deals themselves – with guidance from ICAP staff. The couple were successful in their new roles, and reportedly closed deals for €500million and traded between banks.
William and Kate also unleashed their competitive side by playing against each other in a game of Ping Pong, which was shared on the official Kensington Palace Twitter account.
They were joined at the offices by the prime minister’s wife Samantha Cameron, who was attending in support of the Mulberry Bush School for traumatised youngsters and KIDS, which works with disabled children. The broking firm invites celebrities to do trades on behalf of brokers and gives the commission for the entire day’s trading to good causes.
Since its launch in 1993, the event has raised more than £120million for charities around the world, with more than 60 ICAP offices taking part globally.
Last year Prince Harry raised £20,000 for charity by taking just two phone calls, while Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, took part in 2013. The 23rd annual fundraiser will donate money to 200 charities worldwide, including 13 in the UK.
Kate rewore a teal L.K. Bennett suit for the occasion
Among the famous faces who have taken part in the past are Dame Helen Mirren, Gemma Arterton, Damian Lewis, John Major, broadcaster Jon Snow, Jamie Oliver, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Millie Mackintosh, Barbara Windsor, Craig Revel Horwood, JLS, and Brian McFadden.
SkillForce uses ex-service personnel to inspire children to succeed at school. Place2Be supports pupils with mental health issues and SportsAid helps to fund the next generation of sporting stars.