The Princess of Wales made a solo visit to Leeds on Tuesday morning following the successful launch of her major new early years campaign.
During her visit, the mother-of-three is hoping to increase public awareness surrounding the importance of early childhood in shaping adulthood and society as a whole.
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Bringing the cause to the heart of the community, the Princess of Wales met vendors and members of the public at Leeds Kirkgate Market to discuss their experiences of early childhood.
Leeds Kirkgate Market opened in 1857 and is home to hundreds of local independent businesses covering everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, butchers, and fishmongers, to a Community Library, cookery school and Volunteer Centre.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate looked sublime in forest green
For the special occasion, the Princess of Wales slipped into an ultra-chic ensemble featuring a smart forest green lapel coat, a cream dress and a pair of brown knee-high boots from Gianvito Rossi.
As for accessories, the royal completed her look with a pair of twisted gold hoop earrings and a green suede Manu Atelier handbag.
© Photo: RexThe royal launched her campaign on Monday
Spearheaded by Princess Kate, the Shaping Us campaign was launched on Monday evening at a star-studded BAFTA event.
The campaign has the support of a number of notable faces, including Professor Green, Fearne Cotton, Giovanna Fletcher, Zara McDermott and Leah Williamson.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe 41-year-old stepped out in Leeds
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© Photo: Getty ImagesThe royal appeared in high spirits
Speaking about her project, Princess Kate said: "The way we develop, through our experiences, relationships and surroundings during our early childhood, fundamentally shapes our whole lives.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate meeting well-wishers inside the market
"It affects everything from our ability to form relationships and thrive at work, to our mental and physical well-being as adults and the way we parent our own children."
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrincess Kate paused to chat with locals
She finished by adding: "All of society has a role to play in this, even if you are not directly involved in a child's life, because we are all responsible for building a more compassionate world in which our children can grow, learn and live."
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate greeting royal fans
Amanda Berry, who leads the Royal Foundation, which is funding the project, told HELLO!: "Through the Shaping Us campaign, we can show that we all have a role to play in raising the next generation, not just parents."
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate on a tour of Kirkgate Market
As she toured the market, Kate made a funny quip as she was asked about her husband's Valentine's Day gift.
When the royal stopped at florist Neil Ashcroft's business, she admired his display of flowers and with Valentine's Day just a fortnight away he said: "William will be buying you some roses?" and then cheekily offered her a discount on the blooms.
After presenting her with a bouquet of hyacinths he claimed were her favourite flowers, the stall holder said: "I suggested William will be buying her roses and she said, 'I don't think he will do'".
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate at The University of Leeds
Later on Tuesday afternoon, Princess Kate paid a visit to the University of Leeds where she joined students on the Childhood Studies programme.
The royal mum-of-three joined a lecture on the 'Psychological Approaches to Understanding and Supporting Children’s Learning' module.
This is a second-year module where students examine current understandings of children's learning and development, including attachment theory.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe royal will attend a lecture
After the lecture, Kate down sat with a group of students to discuss her Shaping Us campaign and how it overlaps with their degree.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate chatting to a group of students
Kate told the students: "I really want to come and study again" and later added: "It makes me want to be back at uni. Everyone says it's never too late."
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Princess discussed her new campaign with students
The princess discussed with students the importance of early years development, asking them about their dissertations.
One student said she was looking at the role of outdoor play in childhood and the royal visitor said "this is something I'm really passionate about", discussing with the group her visit to a forest school, in Denmark.
Kate said she would like to see a study carried out of the impact of outdoor learning on the mental wellbeing of children.
Princess Kate's visit to Leeds comes after she attended a star-studded BAFTA event alongside her husband, Prince William. For the special occasion, Princess Kate looked incredible in a vibrant red trouser suit crafted by one of her go-to designers, Alexander McQueen.
Exuding glamour, the royal teamed her red hot suit with matching red heels and a cherry-red leather clutch.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe mother-of-three looked radiant in red
Kate elevated her gorgeous ensemble with a pair of bold geometric earrings from independent jewellery designer, Chalk.
As for hair and makeup, the royal styled her glossy chocolate locks in sleek waves and opted for a warm palette of makeup in the form of brown eyeshadow, rosy blush and a geranium pink lip.
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