These days almost all of us are using Zoom and Face time to keep up with family, friends or professional responsibilities. Last month, when all the royal engagements were cancelled or postponed we were wondering whether the royals will be conducting engagements online or not? Well, they are.
On Wednesday, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge surprised the little kids of the Place2Be partner school Casterton Primary Academy in Lancashire. The couple talked to the staff and children via video call and thanked the staff for their dedication in providing a “safe place” for children whose parents are carrying out vital roles during Easter holidays due to COVID-19. Palace shared a small video on Twitter and Instagram.
It’s an Easter Weekend, but due to the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19, almost the whole world is under a sort of Lockdown, so we won’t be celebrating any festivities in traditional ways. In the video call, The Duke and Duchess thanked teachers and school staff across the country who, due to COVID-19, are dedicating their time to keeping schools open for the children of key workers and vulnerable children. From Victoria Muprhy’s report,
“We just want to say a huge thank you to you guys and well done in keeping it all going. Please pass on many messages of support for all the staff and all the volunteers—they’re doing a great job,”
The Royal Couple spoke with staff and children at Castleton Primary Academy, a Place2Be partner school, which is located close to Burnley General Hospital and has a high percentage of children whose parents are key workers. The school has remained open as a hub for five academies in the surrounding area that are part of the Pendle Education Trust.
Introducing themselves, Catherine said, “I am Catherine and this is William next to me.” They talked to two school kids Harris and Lloyd who were holding drawings of their parents and speaking of the work they are doing at the NHS and in schools. Catherine told the kids about their parents, “They are doing an amazing job, the NHS workers.”
They talked to two sisters who were holding Easter inspired artistic stuff in their hands. One sister was holding Easter bag, William jokingly asked, ” “Is that a handbag?” The cute girl quickly corrected him, “No, it’s an Easter bag!” From Heads Together,
The Duke and Duchess spoke with a School Project Manager from children’s mental health charity Place2Be, which has worked with schools in the Pendle Education Trust for 10 years, supporting the emotional wellbeing of children, parents and staff. The charity continues to support school communities across the UK at this challenging time, adapting its usual model of school-based support by providing phone ‘check ins’ for young people and parents of younger children where pupils are not in school.
“Well done honestly to you and everyone who’s in during this time. It must be such a relief for all the parents who are key workers to know that the normality is there for their children – they’ve got the structure and they’ve got a safe place for them to be, so really really well done to all of you.” – The Duchess of Cambridge.
William and Catherine heard about the difficulties that schools, staff and children are facing, as well as the extraordinary measures that the school is taking to help pupils and their families, including food deliveries and mental health provision. The couple wished everyone a happy Easter, William said, “There’ll be a lot of chocolate eaten here, don’t worry” after which Duchess told him, “You keep eating it!”
For the video call, that Duke and Duchess attended from their country residence Anmer Hall in Norfolk, Duchess chose a bright look. She was wearing mustard yellow Puff Sleeve Sweater from Spanish label Zara. Thanks to HeavenQRF for the quick id.
The knit sweater features a round neckline with long puff sleeves. It is from the past season so it is not available any more.
The silhouette of the sweater is pretty similar to Catherine’s Zara Red Midi Dress that she wore in February 2020 when she visited Wales with Prince William. From a glimpse during the video, it looks like Catherine paired the sweater with blue jeans.
Duchess teamed up the sweater with Catherine Zoraida Gold Fern Hoop Earrings that she first wore in February 2020 when she visited Ireland and Scotland to promote her landmark Survey.
