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Princess Kate goes solo for very special trip to Leeds - best photos

The royal launched a new campaign

Content Writer
Updated: January 31, 2023

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.

WATCH: The Princess of Wales reveals why her early years project is so crucial

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.

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Kate 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. 

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The 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.

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The 41-year-old stepped out in Leeds

GALLERY: Princess Kate and Prince William step out for special night ahead of royal's campaign launch

MORE: Carole Middleton's birthday plans with Princess Kate and family revealed

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The 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.

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Kate 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."

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Princess 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."

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Kate 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."

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Kate 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'".

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Kate 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.

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The 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.

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Kate 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."

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The 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 Images

The 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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