Duchess of Cambridge arrives in Copenhagen for first joint humanitarian mission with Prince William

Belting good look: Chic Duchess of Cambridge arrives in Copenhagen for first joint humanitarian mission with Prince William

By Maysa Rawi

Last updated at 7:10 PM on 2nd November 2011



Sporting what is fast becoming her signature colour, the Duchess of Cambridge looked radiant in red as she landed in Copenhagen today with Prince William.

The royal couple were greeted by the Crown Prince and Princess of Denmark for their first joint humanitarian mission.

And Kate looked every inch the part in a Seventies-inspired L.K. Bennett coat and belt with black suede knee-high boots.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are greeted by Denmark's Crown Princess Mary and Prince Frederik as they arrive in Copenhagen to support Unicef's East Africa appeal

Hat's off: The Royal couples were forced to wear hard hats for the Unicef warehouse visit

The couple, accompanied by the Danish royals, visited a Unicef famine relief depot in the city and were offered a taste of a special high-protein peanut paste which is being sent to malnourished children in East Africa.

They were then given a briefing on the crisis threatening the region.

William took a fingerful of the paste before passing the package on to the Duchess, who declined to taste it and passed it over to Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary.

Splash of colour: Kate, pictured with Princess Mary, made a statement in a red L.K. Bennett Seventies-inspired coat, belt and knee-high boots

East Africa is a region close to the couple's hearts - it was just over a year ago that William arranged a romantic stay in a secluded log cabin on Mount Kenya, where he proposed to Kate.

After visiting the Unicef warehouse William and Kate were being taken to the airport where they were touring a British Airways Boeing 747 before it leaves for the stricken region.

The aircraft will be laden with 45 tonnes of aid, including emergency medical supplies.

Helping hands: The visit is also likely to lead to speculation that the Duchess might consider making African famine relief one of the causes she wants to support

Colour clash: Kate looks amused at having to wear the unflattering 'accessory'

After visiting the Unicef warehouse William and Kate were being taken to the airport where they were touring a British Airways Boeing 747 before it leaves for the stricken region

Unicef UK's executive director David Bull said: 'We know that when children are malnourished their immune systems are weakened and they become very susceptible to life threatening diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea. We need to help these children urgently.

'The supplies being packed on this plane will help Unicef to save these children's lives.'

Down to business: Kate and William were given a briefing on the crisis threatening the region

Kate helps to pack boxes at the Unicef warehouse with supplies destined for famine-hit East Africa

William tastes a high energy paste used to treat severe malnutrition but Kate declines to try it

Famine was declared in Somalia three months ago after the worst drought in 60 years.

Unicef says 6.7 million children in Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti need urgent assistance, including almost 320,000 children suffering from life-threatening severe acute malnutrition. Thousands have already died.

Joint mission: The British and Danish royal couples hope to help focus attention on the crisis in East Africa. William has described the region as close to his heart - it is where he proposed to Kate

Prince William asked Kate to marry him in the surrounds of Kenya's beautiful Lake Rutundu while on holiday at the nearby Lewa Downs wildlife sanctuary.

It is a fact that could not have failed to have had an effect on the couple today as they viewed the effort to help those in need and assisted Unicef workers in packing emergency life-saving supplies.

The Duke in particular may be affected by the current crisis; he has in the past described Africa as a place close to his heart.

Welcome gift: Kate accepts a bouquet of flowers

He went on his first joint overseas engagement to Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa with his brother Prince Harry in June last year.

The brothers' visit was on behalf of the Football Association (FA), of which the Duke is president, in support of its bid to host the 2018 Fifa World Cup.

They are also both patrons of the charities Tusk Trust and Sentebale and in 2008 trekked through the wilds of Africa to raise thousands for Sentebale.

Attention: William and Kate are met by a barrage of photographers in Copenhagen

The Unicef visit is perhaps also likely to lead to speculation that the Duchess might consider making African famine relief one of the causes she wants to support.

Severe food shortages in East Africa are affecting more than 13 million people and the royal party hope to maintain global attention on the crisis, which is worsening with more areas expected to be declared as 'in famine' over the next few months.

Unicef's emergency supply centre in Copenhagen is a worldwide co-ordination centre for nutrition and other emergency supplies reaching children in crisis around the world.

WHAT KATE AND WILLS SAW AT UNICEF

Unicef's supply centre in Copenhagen has a warehouse the size of three football pitches.
It sources, packs and distributes essential supplies for children around the globe, including food, water, special nutritional supplies for the most malnourished children, vaccines and emergency medical kits.
So far, Unicef has delivered more than 10,000 metric tones of supplies to the region, treated 108,000 severely malnourished children in therapeutic feeding centres, vaccinated 1.2 million children against measles and provided 2.2 million people with access to safe water.
More than 320,000 children are in grave danger and need life-saving emergency supplies, like those being shipped and airlifted from the Uniceef warehouse today.
To donate to the East Africa Appeal visit www.eastafricacrisis.org.uk

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Kate's childhood ordeal: Palace reveals Duchess's serious childhood operation that left her with huge scar on her head

By Rebecca English, Royal Correspondent

Last updated at 6:08 PM on 27th October 2011

Shimmering in silver, the Duchess of Cambridge conducted her first solo engagement as a royal yesterday – and displayed a hitherto unknown childhood secret.

Underneath Kate’s stylish half-up, half-down hairstyle a prominent three-inch scar could be seen on the side of her left temple.

A spokesman for the Duchess at St James’s Palace confirmed last night that it was the result of surgery as a young child. ‘The scar related to a childhood operation,’ they said.

The palace declined to discuss what kind of operation because it was, they said, a private matter.

Senior royal sources also confirmed that it had been ‘a very serious operation’ but declined to comment further.

Composed: Attending a private charity dinner last night, Kate looked glamorous in a pale aqua Amanda Wakeley dress, while her hair was pulled up in a natural half up, half down style

John Scurr, consultant surgeon at the Lister Hospital in London, said it was unlikely to have been the result of a tumour.

‘I really doubt it was any serious medical condition and I would say it is as a result of an arteriovenous malformation – a birthmark – being removed, ‘ he said.


‘It is remarkable, given the measurement, that no-one has noticed before.’

Kate's scar, the result of a childhood operation, was clearly visible on her temple, while right, William has what he calls his Harry Potter scar on his forehead, the result of being hit with a golf club when he was 13

Kate's scar was clearly visible on the side of her head in a photo taken earlier this year

Kate is not alone in having a prominent childhood scar on her head. Her husband, William, bears a large zig-zag mark on his forehead as a result of being hit with a golf club when he was 13. He calls it his ‘Harry Potter scar’.

The duchess was conducting her first solo engagement as a member of the Royal Family, standing in for her father-in-law, Prince Charles.

The prince had been due to host a glitzy black-tie private dinner at Clarence House, his London residence, in aid of In Kind Direct, a charity he set up in 1996.

Unfortunately Charles was suddenly required to fly to Riyadh to present condolences to the Saudi Royal Family following the death of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.

So he called his new daughter-in-law and asked if she would step in.

Apparently Kate was ‘delighted’ to have been asked and spent the previous day mugging up on the charity, which redistributes surplus goods from manufacturers and retailers to UK charities working at home and abroad.

She even apparently ‘tapped’ up her mother, Carole Middleton, to see if she had any spare stock at Party Pieces, the family firm which sells children’s party goods over the internet.

A St James's Palace spokesman said: ‘The Duchess of Cambridge was delighted to be able to step in for her father-in-law, The Prince of Wales.’

Kate looked slender in her beaded gown - which, unusually for the Duchess, who tends to cover up with either sleeves or small bolero, showed off her shoulders - as she chatted with the 30 guests at Clarence House

Kate, 29, looked stunning – if a little slender – in an unusually sexy vintage silver evening gown with a delicately beaded halter neck that extended round her bust. The dress was designed by one of her favourite couturiers, Amanda Wakeley, and was from her Winter 2006 collection.
At last night’s event Kate chatted knowledgeably about the charity’s work at a 45-minute champagne reception in the Garden Room before leading the 30 guests through to the dining room for dinner.
An apologetic message from the prince was then read out in which he referred to ‘darling daughter-in-law’.
A palace aide revealed: ‘The Duchess had a little bit of time beforehand to prepare for the engagement - it all went very well.

Kate looked comfortable in her role as she greeted guests at the reception, held in aid of charity In Kind Direct

‘She was so pleased that her first solo engagement was for the Prince of Wales, who has shown her so much support over the years.
‘The soiree was designed to thank existing supporters and introduce new ones to In Kind Direct as well as asking them to continue to support the charity’s work.
Robin Boles, the charity’s chief executive, said: ‘This event was a unique opportunity for In Kind Direct to thank generous supporters who have helped us over the years to deliver so much benefit for UK charities and the millions of people they serve.
‘We were delighted that the Duchess was able to step in at such short notice after our founder was unexpectedly called away.
‘The Duchess hosted a very special evening with absolute professionalism and charm.
‘You would never know it was her first solo engagement. It was as if she had been trained by the Prince of Wales.
‘She was completely natural, professional and charmed everyone. She spoke to every single guest and was genuinely interested, and interested in continuing to help.
‘She said she had already called her mum to tell her about us in case Party Pieces had surplus products.

The Duchess of Cambridge - head and shoulders above the guests at the event - was totally at ease as she chatted to the patrons of the charity

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Duchess in red: William and Kate are guests of honour at charity gala

By Rebecca English

Last updated at 3:24 PM on 14th October 2011



The Duchess of Cambridge sizzled in red as she and her husband attended a charity gala last night.

Kate, who wore a red evening gown by Beulah London with billowing sleeves, and William were guests of honour at the black tie do held at St James’s Palace in London by 100 Women in Hedge Funds.

William, 29, is patron of the fundraising City organisation for three years and the event last night raised more than £675,000 for the Child Bereavement Charity, another charity he is personally involved with.

Red hot: Kate, wearing a pillar-box red maxi-length evening gown by Beulah London with billowing sleeves, and Willam at the black tie do held at St James’s Palace in London by 100 Women in Hedge Funds

Since 2009 the Duke has been patron of the body which educates professionals and supports families both when a child dies and when a child is bereaved.

Ann Chalmers, chief executive of the Child Bereavement Charity, was invited to William and Kate's wedding in April.



Miss Chalmers said yesterday: ‘The Child Bereavement Charity is immensely grateful to have been chosen as beneficiary of 100 Women in Hedge Funds London Gala.

‘The funds raised will be transformational in helping us extend our reach to more bereaved children, families and professionals throughout the UK.’

The charity's Chair of the Board Anne Popkin, right, and Executive Director Amanda Pullinger, left, with the Duke and Duchess

In a speech delivered before dinner, William said he felt a ‘quiet pride’ about what both organisations had achieved.

‘I find it enormously rewarding and gratifying to observe how two organisations which mean so much to me are working so superbly with one another,’ he said.

In a speech delivered before dinner, William said he felt a ‘quiet pride’ about what the organisations had achieved

‘What you are both doing together to alleviate the suffering of children who have lost family members, and bereaved families who have experienced the tragedy of losing a child, is beyond praise. ‘

The prince also explained more about the work of The Child Bereavement Charity which, he said, had now directly helped thousands of families and in the past year has trained 5,000 individuals working on the frontline in healthcare, social work and the emergency services.

‘In the course of their professional lives, all of these people are highly likely to benefit first hand from the knowledge and expertise of the Child Bereavement Charity,’ he said.

‘This year too, the Charity has brought its compassion and experience to the aid of bereaved military families, whose children suffer so much - in a way, for all of our sakes. I thank you for doing this from the bottom of my heart.

‘The other half of this great collaboration, 100 Women in Hedge Funds, is ten years old this year. ‘A hundred’ has now grown into 10,000 – I have to say, I’m quite glad you’ve kept the original title: I’m not sure I’d dare turn up to speak to 10, 000 women.’

The second-in-line to the throne is patron of 100 Women in Hedge Funds' charitable initiatives for a three-year period.

The charity has been focusing its fundraising work on three of William's patronages, devoting a year to each.

During 2010 it raised money for Centrepoint, with a similar gala event generating almost £500,000 for the homeless charity. This year it is focusing on the Child Bereavement Charity and in 2012, Skill Force will benefit.

Last night’s event saw 300 female leaders from across the hedge fund industry join William and Kate.

Last night’s event saw 300 female leaders from across the hedge fund industry join the Royal couple

THE DUCHESS' BEAUTIFUL £476 BEULAH DRESS

Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs and her business partner Lavinia Brennan in two Beulah dresses - including the one the Duchess wore

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Here comes the bridal lingerie! M&S unveils new range outside hotel where Kate stayed on night before Royal Wedding

By Maysa Rawi

Last updated at 1:05 PM on 29th September 2011


Staff at the Goring Hotel are no doubt used to witnessing a bit of drama.

They were the first to see the Duchess of Cambridge in her wedding dress just moments before her marriage to Prince William in April.

And it has since become a regular haunt for the Middletons and the Royal set.

Not just any bridal lingerie: Models unveil the new Marks & Spencer bridal collection available to buy today

But the sight of half-naked models standing at the steps of the entrance would probably have come as something of a shock to onlookers.

The lingerie-clad girls, wearing nude heels, stockings and suspenders, were promoting M&S's new range of bridal lingerie at the Victoria hotel where Kate spent her last night as a Middleton.

The vintage-inspired collection, available to buy from today, includes corsets, bras and bodices made of silk and lace.

The range, available in up to DD, includes vintage-inspired lace and 1950's corsets

Fit for a princess: The range was unveiled outside the Goring Hotel in Victoria, London, where Kate spent her last night as a Middleton before marrying Prince William

Key pieces include a 1950's inspired long line bra, glamorous waist cinching knickers, a shaping body, a beautiful basque and a multiway bra, going up to DD+.
A romantic, ultra feminine silk negligee and gown complete the collection.
The bridal range also contains hosiery - and the all important garter.
Prices starting from £12 for silk knickers to £45 for a glamorous basque.

Affordable: Prices starting from £12 for silk knickers to £45 for a glamorous basque

Kate stayed at the Goring on the night before her wedding, left, and sister Pippa as Maid of Honour

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Following in Diana's footsteps: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit cancer-stricken children at Royal Marsden hospital

By Maysa Rawi

Last updated at 4:57 PM on 29th September 2011


It was the hospital Princess Diana chose for her first solo charity trip.

So it is rather fitting that the Duchess of Cambridge should follow suit for her second official engagement since the Royal Wedding with husband Prince William today.

Kate was all smiles in an elegant in cream Amanda Wakeley dress and her favourite L.K. Bennett nude heels at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in South London.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit the Royal Marsden to open a new £18 million children's cancer unit in Sutton, Surrey today

A sleep-deprived William, who flew a mercy mission just hours before opening the new £18 million children's cancer unit, looked slightly less sprightly in a navy suit.

William and Kate, both 29, are touring the Oak Centre for Children and Young People which has been built to treat day and inpatients, where they will meet medical staff, young patients and their parents.

During the visit, William will be reunited with Alice Marples, a cancer patient who interviewed him two years ago for the CBBC Newsround programme.

The Duchess is spending her time trying to get to know various charities and good causes so she can decide what her future role will be

Welcome wagon: The Duchess, wearing an Amanda Wakeley dress, greets some fans

Children and hospital staff wait for the couple to arrive

The sleep-deprived Duke flew a mercy mission to take a sailor to see a seriously-ill relative just hours before today's even, left, while Kate looked as glossy as usual

The 12-year-old, who is due to fly to America to receive radiotherapy for a brain tumour, presented Kate with a bouquet of flowers when she arrived at the hospital.

A St James's Palace spokesman told the London Evening Standard: 'The Duke is looking forward to seeing Alice again and finding out how she has been.

'Through his close connection with the hospital he has met many inspirational young people, like Alice, who have shown such bravery in battling their illness.

Prince William, greeting hospital staff, was also invited to unveil a plaque to officially open the centre

William and Kate, both 29, are touring the Oak Centre for Children and Young People

'Tomorrow, he is keen to show the Duchess the incredible work the Royal Marsden does to help Alice and others like her.'
William is president of the Royal Marsden - the first hospital in the world dedicated to cancer treatment and research into the causes of the disease.

Kate will recieve a bouquet of flowers from Alice Marples, a cancer patient who interviewed Prince William two years ago

First solo trip: Diana visited the Royal Marsden in 1982

He took over from his mother, who took on the role in 1989 until her death in 1997.

William went without sleep last night as he ferried the serviceman from a warship off the Isle of Man to Sandhurst in Surrey.

The royal flew back to his base at RAF Valley on Anglesey just after 9am before making the trip to open the Royal Marsden's new £18 million children's cancer unit in Sutton, south London, a few miles from Sandhurst.

The duke, an RAF search and rescue force helicopter co-pilot, carried out the 'compassionate call-out' during a normal 24-hour shift which also saw him help pick up a casualty with serious head injuries in Snowdonia.

A St James's Palace spokesman said the duke would have got little, if any, sleep and was expected to arrive at Oak Centre for Children and Young People on a royal flight helicopter this afternoon.

His wife, who was in London, was arriving by car.

The royal couple have been enjoying married life together in North Wales since their glittering nuptials in April.

They have deliberately kept a low profile over recent months as the Duke, a flight lieutenant with the RAF Search and Rescue Force, is focusing on earning a promotion to captain.

The Royal Marsden is a cancer centre specialising in diagnosis, treatment, research and education

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