Princess Kate visits Luton nursery for first solo outing of the year - best photos

The Princess of Wales shared her delight as she played with children at a Luton nursery for her first solo outing of the year on Wednesday. 

Kate visited Foxcubs nursery, as part of her ongoing work to elevate the importance of early childhood to lifelong outcomes.

See the highlights from Kate's outing in the video below...

The mum-of-three, who has shown her maternal side through her 12 years as a royal, met staff and discussed the role nurseries play in shaping a child's development.

The Princess has long been an advocate for the importance of early childhood to lifelong outcomes and founded The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in 2021, which works to raise awareness of and promote collaborative action on early childhood to transform society for generations to come. 

See all of the best photos from Kate's outing... 

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For her first solo outing of the year, Kate opted for a pop of colour with her outfit choice, wearing a two-piece knit by Gabriela Hearst and her trusty camel coat from Massimo Dutti. 

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Rated 'outstanding' by education watchdog Ofsted, Foxcubs Nursery is run by the Early Years Alliance, which offers 70 places for local children aged between two and five years old.

With a focus on learning through play, the centre offers places to families eligible for free childcare and early education and encourages parents to become involved in the life of the nursery.

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The Princess took the time to chat to the nursery children and got involved in with some of the arts and crafts activities. There were plenty of giggles from the royal and the youngsters as she helped them to make face masks. 

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Kate was a good sport as she held up the elaborately decorated bunny mask to her face, provoking laughter from the little ones. 

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The Princess chatted with youngsters as they played in the nursery's sandpit. 

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And there was a big laugh from the Princess as three-year-old Ezaan, wearing a construction helmet, proudly showed off his toys to the camera. 

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The Princess later sat down to chat with Neil Leitch, chief executive officer of the Early Years Alliance, and Foxcubs staff and praised the children: "They're great kiddies I had a nice little chat with them."

She quizzed the staff about their experiences and speaking about the importance of nurseries told them: "I think we really saw that highlighted during the pandemic, I think families realised and communities realised, [when] these spaces were closed down for the majority of the time, I think everyone realised how vital they were."

Mr Leitch, whose Early Years Alliance is the largest early years membership organisation in England, said after the visit: "I think she was impressed about the work we do generally and the fact it’s about supporting community as well as children.

"She certainly was very understanding that these are critical years in which a child's future is formed."

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Kate also joined a talk with parents about the support the nursery provides on a day-to-day basis and for the long-term social and emotional development of their child.

The group discussed with Kate the effects of the lockdown, and one mother told her that despite the childcare issues it afforded her "precious" time with her child and the royal sympathised, saying the woman had been able to share "milestone" moments.

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There was even time for some selfies with parents as the Princess left her engagement. 

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