Duchess Kate Takes the Wheel During 'Away Day' in Birmingham

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge enjoyed an 'away day' in Birmingham carrying out several engagements in the area.

The Duke of Cambridge drives a Land Rover Discovery as he takes part 

in an off-road driving experience

Royal 'away days' tend to offer an interesting and varied itinerary and today was no exception. It also provides a nice opportunity for royalists in the area to see and meet members of the Royal family. Richard Palmer recently reported we would see the Duchess carrying out more engagements outside of the London area in the coming weeks; today's visit is reportedly the first of several we'll see. William and Kate first visited Birmingham months after the royal wedding in 2011 to visit riot-torn communities.

 

 

 

 

 

Afterwards, the royals met some of JLR's volunteers, who support projects focusing on regeneration, education, young people, charity work and the environment, and they will meet schoolchildren from Topcliffe Primary School, Castle Vale – winners of the Jaguar Primary School Challenge which saw their wining model car race on a track.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Duchess Gets Back To Work With A Military-inspired Dress

TODAY the Duchess of Cambridge proved she was well and truly back to her royal duties with her second public appearance in less than a day.

The Duchess of Cambridge called on one of her charities, Place2Be, on Wednesday morning as she attended the School Leaders Forum in London. Kate, who showed off a glimpse of her baby bump, opened the conference and joined delegates in discussing children's mental health, in particular how schools can help tackle problems in early life.

Kate, who looked elegant in a burgundy dress by Goat, heard from experts from Place2Be partner schools in England, Scotland and Wales. They discussed how to provide practical support for children and how to nurture good mental health in young boys and girls. The forum, entitled I'm Fine!, also included presentations from experts in child psychiatry, psychology and research, alongside head teachers of Place2Be partner schools working in some of the most disadvantaged parts of the UK.

Early intervention school support for children's mental health has been a key priority for Kate, who is expecting her third child with husband Prince William. The couple have two children together – Prince George, four, and Princess Charlotte, two – and have been very open in how they would want their children to speak openly about their emotions and any struggles.

Kate's outing came the morning after she attended a glittering gala at Kensington Palace on Tuesday. The pregnant Duchess turned heads in a black lace Diane von Furstenberg Zarita gown, which she wore back in 2014 when she was pregnant with Princess Charlotte. Coincidentally, Prince Harry's girlfriend Meghan Markle owns a shorter, navy version of the Duchess' DVF gown.

The royal's autumn diary is filling up fast – a sure sign that Kate is well enough to carry out royal duties. She had to take a break from engagements in September and October as she suffered from severe morning sickness, but the mum-of-two appears to be on the mend. Next week, Kate will visit the Hornsey Road Children's Centre in London. She had been due to visit in early September but cancelled due to her sickness.

Pregnant Kate displays a hint of a baby bump at a charity gala

Duchess of Cambridge attended a gala in honour of The Anna Freud National Centre 

for Children and Families.

Lovely in lace! Kate displays a hint of a baby bump in black designer gown that she also wore while pregnant with Princess Charlotte as she attends a glittering Kensington Palace charity gala.

The royal appeared to want to keep attention off her growing bump and was spotted holding her clutch in front of her midriff.

Looking glowing, Kate showed off her growing baby bump in a floor length black lace gown by designer Diane Von Furstenberg at the 2017 Gala Dinner for The Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families. If this dress looks familiar it's because Kate wore it back in 2014 to the Royal Variety Performance when she was pregnant with Charlotte! 

A timeless classic, this floor-sweeping gown featuring a fitted bodice and fluted skirt is the kind of piece you'll want to dig out time and time again. We love the ladylike three-quarter length sleeves combined with the scalloped neckline; meanwhile the all-over lace design gives it a romantic feel.