The Princess of Wales, Catherine, visited the Colham Manor Children’s Centre today to learn more about maternal mental health. Catherine became the patron of The Maternal Mental Health Alliance in May this year and today was her first official public engagement for the cause. The matter of maternal and children’s mental health care has always been a primary focus of her public role as a Royal.
The Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA), established in 2011, is a UK-wide charity and network of over 100 organizations, dedicated to ensuring women and families affected by perinatal mental problems have access to high-quality comprehensive care and support. This new patronage is on par with The Duchess of Cambridge’s ongoing work on Mental Health and Early years.
Upon arrival, The Princess of Wales has a very cute encounter with a young pupil who liked her poppy. From People’s report,
Kate Middleton shared a special moment with a 3-year-old boy named Akeem during her visit to Colham Manor Children’s Centre on Wednesday on behalf of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, a U.K. charity of which she serves as patron. “My name is Catherine,” she told Akeem, who simply replied, “Okay,” prompting laughter from the gathered crowd. When Akeem showed interest in Kate’s poppy pin, which is worn in remembrance of those who lost their lives in war, she offered for him to have it. “Do you know what this is for?” Kate asked as she took the pin off her coat. “It’s for remembering all the soldiers who died in the war. There you go — that’s for you.” As Akeem held the poppy, the mom of three made sure to give the pin to his mother, who was standing nearby.
It’s not everyday you get a poppy from a Princess 😊 Akeem who’s 3 was very chatty when Kate unexpectedly stopped to say hello at a maternity mental health visit so she gave him her remembrance poppy. Thanks Liberty from Colham Manor primary and Akeem’s mum for letting me share pic.twitter.com/ykP1wyujtf
— Rhiannon Mills (@SkyRhiannon) November 9, 2022
Working collaboratively across agencies, specialist mental health services and third-sector organisations can help to ensure that every touchpoint of a woman’s journey before, during and after pregnancy provides the opportunity to effectively support their mental health needs. During her visit to the Children’s Centre, the Princess heard how the care provided in the borough of Hillingdon exemplifies the benefits of adapting a system to better suit the needs of women and families.
From Daily Mail’s report,
Meanwhile, she also joined a mother and baby group taking place at the Centre and spoke with mothers who have received support for their mental health to hear about their experiences. The session included mothers who have been supported by two of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance’s member organisations – Home-Start and Birth Companions.
At the centre, The Princess of Wales met with the representatives from agencies working across perinatal services including specialist psychiatry staff, midwives, health visitors and social workers for a roundtable discussion and discussed how the service has developed to meet the needs of the most vulnerable mothers in their community.
A wonderful first visit with the Maternal Mental Health Alliance this morning, seeing its work and the benefit a holistic approach brings to so many mothers and families. Spending some time with new mothers, understanding more about their experiences of mental health and how integrated services are making a real difference in the community – Kensington Palace
During her visit, The Princess of Wales spent time talking to the mums who shared their experiences of how Home Start Hillingdon has helped them. The support was part of a Perinatal Mental Health project run in partnership with Central and North West London NHS Trust. From Hello! Magazine’s report,
Kate, who has made it her mission to help improve the first five years of children’s lives in the belief that early intervention can stop problems developing in later life, met staff and volunteers as well as mothers and babies using the centre. She said: “I think more places like this would be so valuable in communities, bringing people together.” The Princess also told one mum: “It’s fantastic what’s being done here. It’s not about having more services, it’s actually about being able to integrate them.”
The Princess of Wales was looking gorgeous in an olive green outfit. We have seen that for some time now, The New Princess of Wales has evolved her style sense to another level and has been choosing monochrome looks. Recently British Vogue also discussed the new style –
When Kate Middleton became the Duchess of Cambridge in the spring of 2011, there was a marked shift in her style. Now, more than 10 years on, the royal is embarking on the next chapter of her life, as the new Princess of Wales. If we thought watching Kate retire her Longchamp totes and Issa wrap dresses – so long, Sloane Ranger! – was a transformation, this next step on her path to becoming Queen Consort will be a subtle, but powerful rebrand. Her decade in the spotlight has been valuable preparation for the position.
As the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate learned the power of diplomatic dressing, the symbolism buried deep in the royal family’s jewellery box, the importance of sustainability, and the value of approachability combined with a killer blow-dry. Now, she will have to elevate this image further. Clever tweaks have already come into effect.
Much has been made of her stepping into the role of the former Princess of Wales, Lady Diana, but Kate’s style is markedly different from her late mother-in-law’s. Aside from the occasional sentimental nod to Di’s wardrobe, such as their shared love of polka dots, the newly appointed Princess seems to take more cues from the Queen.
The key to tempering these bolder moments and keeping them sleek is Kate’s relationship with her tailor. The immaculate fit of all her workwear is down to some nifty behind-the-scenes nipping and tucking. Nothing ever looks too boxy or pinched (compare and contrast with the ill-fitting uniforms of the politicians the Princess is frequently pictured alongside in the news). Alterations are key when you’re photographed from every angle and this, like the senior royals she has learned from, will be Kate’s secret weapon going forward.
The Princess of Wales wore a green Hobbs London Lori Coat. Thanks to Kate’s closet for the id.
Underneath the coat, Catherine was wearing a matching toned Mango Ribbed Knitted Midi Dress. Thanks to Dagmar of Denmark and Remoulade Sauce on Twitter for the id.
The Princess topped the dress with a black Polo Ralph Lauren Crocodile-stamped leather belt. Thanks to Middleton Maven for the id.
The Princess of Wales was wearing her Gianvito Rossi Suede Gianvito 85 Pumps.
Her Kiki McDonough Citrine Pear Drop Earrings
and Jimmy Choo Croc-Embossed Leather Palace Bag completed the outfit of the day.
