Daily Mail

Forget pretty in pink ... Kate looks gorgeous in Gucci!

- By Rebecca English Royal Correspond­ent

The Duchess of Cambridge looked more than pretty in pink last night as she arrived at a gala dinner to support mental health workers in schools.

Kate, 37, oozed glamour in a floorlengt­h Gucci gown as she joined top women from the finance industry at the event in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.

She was guest of honour at the 100 Women in Finance (100WF) fundraiser in support of Mentally healthy Schools – a Royal Foundation programme. Kate, along with her husband William and brother-in-law harry, is a patron of 100WF’s Philanthro­pic Initiative­s.

Its schools project aims to help start conversati­ons about mental health and is a key focus of Kate’s public work.

The duchess chatted to 100WF’s Amanda Pullinger and Lauren Malafronte, telling them: ‘This time last year I was still pregnant.’

She had earlier admitted she had been ‘very naive’ about children’s developmen­t at a mental health conference. The royal was seen intently scribbling notes throughout the Mental health In education event in London.

Looking chic in a Dolce and Gabbana boucle tweed skirt suit, the mother of three told delegates: ‘When I first started out ... I was very naive myself as a parent of really just how important particular­ly the early years are for children’s futures.’

She said she did not realise ‘how critical it is [for] everyone looking after children at a critical time – teachers, parents, and everyone who’s caring for them – ... that we get it right.’

Kate stood up and delivered an impromptu speech just before she was due to leave, saying: ‘What we have all been discussing here today really brings to light the vital role teachers are playing in supporting our youngest children’s mental health.

‘Over the last eight years working with charities, I’ve met some of our leading experts in mental health, addiction, family breakdown, homelessne­ss and education. They have taught me over and over again that the root cause of so many of today’s social problems can be traced right back to the very earliest years of a person’s life and often over generation­s.

‘The scientific and other evidence is clear – the first few years of a child’s life are more pivotal for developmen­t and future health and happiness than any other single moment.’

She added: ‘It is also clear the positive developmen­t of our children is directly linked to those who care for them – teachers, carers and parents.’

 ?? ?? In the pink: Kate arrives for gala dinner last night
In the pink: Kate arrives for gala dinner last night
 ?? ?? Blow-dry: The duchess’s glossy hair yesterday
Blow-dry: The duchess’s glossy hair yesterday

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