The Princess of Wales resumed her royal duties with a special visit to Royal Surrey County Hospital's maternity unit on Wednesday.
READ: Princess Kate shares struggles of new role – and it's so relatable
The visit was Kate's first major solo engagement since being made the Princess of Wales by King Charles III following Her Majesty's death.
The royal was photographed entering the hospital this afternoon wearing a stunning fitted ochre gown featuing a pleated midi skirt and a belted waist. Kate elevated her chic Karen Millen dress with black suede heels, a simple black clutch and a pair of elegant drop earrings.
WATCH: Prince William and Kate Middleton make special trip to Windsor
Kate learnt about the hospital's holistic support provided to pregnant women and new mothers to ensure they receive the best possible care throughout and beyond their pregnancies.
SEE: The Prince and Princess of Wales return to royal duties with surprise outing in Wales
DISCOVER: King Charles III's wholesome hobby left him injured – all the details
As a dedicated advocate for mental wellbeing, the mum-of-three met staff from the unit's Jasmine Team – a committed unit which helps women affected by mental health illnesses during pregnancy and the initial postnatal period.
The royal wore a face mask whilst inside the hospital
Her Royal Highness heard about how the team collaborates with local services and charities to provide expert tailored care which extends past a woman's time at the hospital. Kate met a mother who has previously received their support to emphasise the importance of their care.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Princess of Wales donned a sunshine yellow dress
Princess Kate subsequently paid a visit to the unit's Postnatal Bay. Here, Her Royal Highness heard how staff have implemented a pioneering model of care at the hospital by working to ensure that as many mothers as possible receive continuity of care during pregnancy and childbirth.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate paused for a chat
Kate finished her visit in the hospital's Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) which provides specialist neonatal care for tiny and premature babies, working closely with families to help the infants in its care to grow and thrive.
Kate cradled a newborn
The Princess of Wales held baby Bianca Moran, who was born six weeks premature on Tuesday. Bianca's mother, Szilvia Novak, 43, originally from Budapest in Hungary, asked the princess if she would like to hold the baby while the pair were talking in the hospital's Special Baby Care Unit.
Kate replied: "Am I allowed to?" before a member of staff helped Ms Novak pass the baby to the Princess.
The Royal Surrey County Hospital's maternity unit delivers and cares for around 3,000 babies each year. The unit received a UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative Gold Award in May 2022 for its outstanding work on infant-feeding and parent-infant relationships.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe mum-of-three looked radiant
The unit's work is based on the concept that the provision of high-quality maternity and early years care can fundamentally improve long-term health outcomes for the population, a theory which simultaneously forms the basis of The Princess of Wales's work through the Centre for Early Childhood.
Kate left with a pretty pink bouquet
Early years care will continue to be a major focus in her role as the Princess of Wales, and the visit is part of a series by Kate and her husband William this week to showcase their continuing key interests.
