The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Manchester to attend the Children’s Global Media Summit at the Manchester Central Convention Complex.
The summit looks to inform and redesign the future of media for this generation and explore the impact that digital technology will have on children’s futures. The summit brought together creative’s, technology innovators, policymakers, executives, and thought leaders from around the globe.
The Duke and Duchess have arrived at the #CGMS2017 conference in Manchester & meet young school children as well as some children’s favourite characters. pic.twitter.com/86mNQ44fBJ
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 6, 2017
The royal couple was welcomed by an eagerly waiting group of school children with their favourite cartoon characters.
The first stop of today’s itinerary was the BBC Children’s department to see how the BBC runs interactive workshops called “Stepping Out” sessions.
The session was a focus group where young people were able to give children’s editorial staff & content producers their view of how they respond to new programmes.
School pupil and Newsround contributor Josh talks about his experiences with mental health challenges at the Stepping Out session. pic.twitter.com/Rju84RbPtl
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 6, 2017
At the Stepping Out session, The Duke and Duchess took part in a Question-Answer with a young person – Josh, who featured in a Newsround special telling his story of his mental health challenge.
During the visit, the royal couple received new honor. William and Catherine were presented with the gold Blue Peter badges. The couple visited the BBC’s Children show Blue Peter’s studio to talk to presenters, Lindsey Russell and Radzi Chinyanganya. Blue Peter Badge is a special award presented to the fans and viewers of Blue Peter that allows entry into 200 Blue Peter Badge attractions throughout the country. This small segment will be shown live on Blue Peter Christmas special on Thursday 14th December at 5.30 pm on CBBC.
Updated: William and Catherine received Blue Peter Gold Badges.
Next, The Duke and Duchess took part in a feedback session with young children from The Friars Primary School. They have a chance to talk about mental health and how it affects them or how they try to cope with it – to help inform TV programming.
At The Children’s Global Media Summit Their Royal Highnesses had a brief discussion with delegates who discussed the future of media and explore the impact of digital technology in children’s lives.
Before the summit, the Duchess attended a “Sesame Workshop”, hosted by the team behind the children’s TV programmes Sesame Street. The workshop is the charitable foundation of the famous children’s TV show, on research commissioned into kindness – a method used to help very young children express issues of emotional wellbeing.
While Duke of Cambridge Prince William also attended a short private meeting related to the Cyber Bullying Taskforce to continue efforts to find a universal tool for children to report bullying when they see or experience it.
Speaking at the summit Duke said, “Manchester has had a tough year, and I personally stand in awe of the way the people of Manchester have united in bravery and support of one another. This community is a great example to all of us, wherever we are from. Parents like Catherine and I are raising the first generation of digitally-immersed children – and this gives us many reasons to be optimistic about the impact of technology on childhood. What we cannot do, however, is pretend that the impact of digital technology is all positive or, indeed, even understood. We have put the most powerful information technology in human history into the hands of our children – yet we do not yet understand its impact on adults, let alone the very young. Families can embrace technology with confidence when they can access the best support and advice. We can be hopeful about the future of our society when we all know that protecting the essence of childhood remains our collective and urgent priority.”
She wore L.K. Bennett Delli Check Coat. Described as, “The Delli coat is a smart essential, cut from a fine houndstooth weave in virgin wool. Uncluttered by design, it has a crew neckline, concealed button-down front, and military flap pockets. Its flared skirt, falling to the mid-calf, looks great with knee-high boots underneath” the coat is available online at L.K. Bennett for £495.00.
Underneath the coat, Duchess Catherine wore a berry-colored GOAT Elodie Tunic Dress. Feminine and flattering the Elodie dress in vibrant red has been intricately crafted to offer a chic and stylish fit. A tunic dress with exquisite pleat detail on the sleeves and a gathered funnel collar is currently available at the GOAT store for £450.00 in berry, blue, and Persian green colourways.
The Duchess paired her outfit with TOD’s Block Suede Pumps that can be bought for $462 at MyTheresa and carried a Mulberry suede black clutch.
Mappin & Webb Empress earrings finished today’s look.
The Duchess was also seen wearing Imogen – Merino Wool Gloves.
