© Photo: RexThe Duchess of Cambridge made a surprise visit to a community parental support project on Tuesday morning.
Kate headed to PACT (Parents and Communities Together) in Southwark to learn more about how communities can support parents and their families with their mental wellbeing and improve the health and development outcomes for young children.
During her visit, the Duchess met volunteers and attendees from PACT Southwark's weekly MumSpace group, which provides support for local parents to discuss any challenges they're facing.
As well as joining in on a cooking workshop, mum-of-three Kate said she wished she had been able to attend a similar group when she was expecting her first child, admitting she would have "learned a lot".
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© Photo: RexKate then rolled up her sleeves to join a cooking workshop with parents and their children, helping them to make fruit kebabs.
During the session, the Duchess helped one little boy, Jonathan - who was wearing a smart shirt as he celebrated his second birthday - chop up his banana.
Going to shake the hand of another mother, she laughed "Sorry, now I've got a sticky hand" before pulling a face of amazement at one-year-old Zoe who was busy eating strawberries.
"I can see why everyone likes it here," the Duchess said.
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© Photo: Getty ImagesHearing how PACT runs "Parent University" courses for expectant parents and those with newborn babies, the Duchess heard how mothers were learning about social and emotional development as well as the basics about labour and feeding.
"Do you feel there’s enough awareness and understanding around social and emotional development among under fives?" she asked Josephine Namusisi-Riley, who leads PACT in Southwark.
"There’s perhaps more about what they're eating and what parents are doing about physical milestones?"
Josephine and health visitor Simonette Guerra described how the course dealt with the importance of the early years, including brain and language development and play.
"As a new mum I would have liked that," said the Duchess. "I think I would have learned a lot.
“The importance of play!
"What’s so fantastic is seeing the amazing work that's going on here. That support you're providing is amazing. The science backs it up."
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© Photo: Getty ImagesSet up by Citizens UK in 2014, PACT is a community-led social support project which aims to build a confident, resilient community of parents who can give their children the best start in life whatever their circumstances. Having been initiated in Southwark, the project has since expanded to Leeds and Newcastle.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Duchess always lights up whenever she meets children on her engagements. And it looks like this little boy wanted to share his cup of tea with royalty!
© Photo: RexKensington Palace said ahead of Kate's outing: "The Duchess is committed to raising awareness of the importance of early childhood experiences and of collaborative action in order to improve outcomes across society".
The Duchess launched the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in June 2021, which aims to drive awareness and action on the impact of the early years.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Duchess opted for smart business attire for her outing in London, teaming a grey checked blazer with a black top, LK Bennett trousers and Gianvito Rossi heels.
She accessorised with pearl earrings from Annoushka and a pendant necklace from Astley Clarke.
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