Showing her solidarity with Ukraine, The Princess of Wales, Catherine, visited ‘Lifeline’ – a Reading-based Ukrainian Community Centre to meet displaced Ukrainian families and hear about the support the Centre is providing to those adjusting to life in the UK amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Reading is also The Princess of Wales’s hometown. Catherine was born in Reading. From People’s report,
“Kate, who was greeted with a traditional Ukrainian cake, learned about how the Centre has adapted their services in recent months from the volunteers. She also met families who are supported by the Centre to hear their stories. “
You might remember that Catherine had a private meeting with the first lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska in September before the Buckingham Palace reception. Mental health is one of Catherine’s primary focuses. Last week The Princess of Wales had an Early Years Meeting. Today it was revealed that the meeting was with representatives from the First Lady of Ukraine’s Office to help support Ms Zelenska’s mental health strategy, which was unveiled over the summer and hopes to address the ongoing mental health impact on Ukrainians.
About the meeting, Kensington Palace said, “Bringing together experts and individuals working in the mental health sector in the UK, alongside representatives from the office of the First Lady’s and the Royal Foundation, the meeting covered a range of topics including learnings from the UK on changing conversations and reducing stigma on a national level, and lessons from the delivery of support for specific groups such as children and veterans. The group also discussed the mental health support currently available for Ukrainians living in the UK“.
Continuing from People’s report, “Combining her interest in both art and the wellbeing of young people, Kate joined children taking part in an art session. Delivered on a monthly basis, the workshops provide a way for the children to have fun, build friendships and express their emotions and experiences through a creative outlet. “
In some very moving, sometimes teary, conversations, the Princess of Wales has chatted to Ukrainian mothers at a centre in Reading about the bravery they’ve shown relocating their children to the UK. Here she reassured Galina it was ok to get upset pic.twitter.com/UDQm6jX2AL
— Rhiannon Mills (@SkyRhiannon) November 17, 2022
The Berkshire branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) is the largest representative body for Ukrainians and those of Ukrainian descent in the UK. The centre has been an invaluable source of support for Ukrainians this year. A dedicated team and volunteers provide education classes, weekly coffee mornings, social activities, advice and housing support while fostering a sense of community, mindful of how isolating sudden displacement can be.
Kate even received a special piece of art created by a 5-year-old girl who wrote, “Kate I love you,” alongside a heart and rainbow drawings. The two also posed for a photo together, with the girl taking a seat on Kate’s lap.
The £460 coat was described as, “In a timeless wrap silhouette, this midi coat will add instant polish to your look. Crafted from pure wool, it has a smart lapel collar and an open front which can be closed with the matching belt that ties at the waist. Inset pockets, unlined.”
Underneath the coat, The Princess of Wales wore LK Bennett Tallis Navy And Yellow Spot Print Pleated Shirt Dress. The £279 dress was described as, “A beautiful midi with signature LKB colour and print, our new Tallis shirt dress is an elegant addition to our autumn collection. Crafted from a sheer, lightweight fabric with a navy blue and golden yellow spot print, it has a long rounded collar, long sleeves, fully-functioning blue buttons, a nipped waist and a pleated midi skirt.“
The Princess of Wales wore her Gianvito Rossi 105 Blue Suede Pumps.
Catherine wore Annoushka Baroque Pearl Drops and Kiki Mcdonough hoops and carried her Jaegar ‘Kate’ Navy Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag.
Next week, The Princess of Wales will be joining The Royal family for a South African state visit. On November 22nd, The Prince and Princess of Wales will receive the President and First Lady at the Corinthia hotel in London. In the evening, we will be seeing the first tiara event since 2019 when King Charles III will host a State Banquet that will be attended by The Prince and Princess of Wales.
