The month of February was a big month for The Duchess of Cambridge. Not only did her husband Prince William set out on a 6-week posting to the Falklands, but Kate stepped out on her won — and did very well indeed. (You can recall that she filled in for Prince Charles for a private reception at the last minute last year, but these are her first scheduled solo duties). Kate for the first time visited her chosen patronages publicly– The National Portrait Gallery, The Art Room and Action on Addiction — which took her to Liverpool and Oxford in the process. Below are highlights of the visits, with links to videos, articles & pictures.
National Portrait Gallery
8 February 2012
With a degree in History of Art, it seemed only fitting that The Duchess of Cambridge made her first solo appearance visiting London’s National Portrait Gallery, of which she is royal patron. And if she was nervous at striking out on her own nine months after her marriage, it certainly didn’t show.
Kate was attending a private viewing of a new exhibition of portraits by the late Lucian Freud. After facing a large pack of photographers outside, she slipped into the gallery and mingled with arty types including photographer Mary McCartney, Bella Freud, the artist’s daughter, and Jefferson Hack.
It was also announced that the Duchess has agreed to sit for her first portrait. The artist is yet unknown. Perhaps the next time she visits the National Portrait Gallery, she’ll have one of her own hanging on the wall?…
Videos
- Telegraph: raw footage arriving, inside & leaving NPG
- America’s Today Show video report
- America’s ABC, video report
Articles with Pictures
- Telegraph: Duchess of Cambridge’s first solo outing at the NPG
- Daily Mail: Duchess of Cambridge carries out first public engagement without William
- What Kate Wore: Kate in defunct Jesire for the NPG
More Pictures: Getty Images | Rex Features
Action on Addiction + Alder Hey Kids
14 February 2012
It’s Valentine’s Day! And with her husband away in the Falklands, Kate wasn’t short of flowers or hugs in Liverpool. The Duchess visited to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and an Action on Addiction project, the non-alcoholic Brink bar for her second major solo public appearance.
At The Brink, Kate sampled a smoothie named the “Duchess” in her honour, and proclaimed it “seriously good.” She was then serenaded by a resident choir of recovering addicts called the Raucous Caucus Recovery Chorus. Outside, she met her valentine, 8-year-old Jaqson Johnston-Lynch, who presented her with roses, a card and a cupcake. Kate then revealed to the boy and his mother that she’s received flowers and a card from Prince William that morning.
Next stop: Kate wowed a 500-strong crowd by chatting to well-wishers outside Alder Hey Children’s hospital. She was given a tour of Alder Hey’s burns and oncology units and also visited Ronald McDonald House, which provides free accommodation for the families of some of the hospital’s sickest children. The visit proved a hit for everyone, as Kate gave children lots of hugs and stayed way past her schedule to give the kids individual time and greet the crowds, who showered her with flowers and gifts.
Videos:
- Telegraph: Cheers greet Kate in Liverpool
- BBC: Report on Kate’s Valentine visit to The Brink
- BBC: Kate taste’s alcohol free smoothie called the “Duchess” at The Brink bar
- BBC: Report on Kate’s Valentine visit to Liverpool (including Alder Hey)
- Guardian: Inside footage from Alder Hey
- CBS: Updates on Kate & Harry from Victoria Arbiter
Articles with Pictures:
- Daily Mail: Kate wins children’s hearts in Liverpool
- The Sun: Kate walks alone for Valentine’s Day
- Express: Caring Kate is the Queen of Hugs on Valentine’s Day
- Telegraph: The Duchess of Cambridge visits Liverpool on Valentine’s Day
- BBC: Kate a hit with Liverpool crowd as she visits charities
- Mirror: From the Falklands with love: William sends Kate card and flowers
- Telegraph: Kate sends Wills underpants (boxer shorts) for Valentine’s
- Telegraph: Could Kate’s Uncle Gary be her inspiration for taking up an addiction patronage?
- What Kate Wore: Kate in Hobbs & Oasis for Liverpool
More Pictures: Getty Images | Goff Photos
The Art Room
21 February 2012
Kate paints with children. Photo from Getty Images
The Duchess of Cambridge put her passion for the arts into practice on her first public engagement as royal patron of The Art Room, which encourages confidence in disadvantaged children.
As the Duchess arrived she was greeted by Juli Beattie, founder and director of The Art Room, who said: “You can’t fail to be charmed by her. She’s a highly independent woman who wants to make a difference.” Two youngsters gave the duchess an apron emblazoned with “Miss Catherine”, a bouquet of flowers, and some dog treats for her new pet. Inside, she was given a stuff animal – a dog, who she decided to name after her own cocker spaniel puppy. And alas, after 2 months of “puppygate,” Clarence House confirms that William & Kate’s dog is named Lupo (Italian for “wolf”)! Yes, it’s Lupo Cambridge, who already has 3 Twitter accounts (funny, active one here) and a website as of this writing.
At Rose Hill Primary School in Oxford, Kate joined eight children who will be working on The Owl And The Pussycat poem by Edward Lear. The second part of the visit saw her visit the Oxford Spires Academy, where she joined a round-table discussion covering debriefing, training and supervision of all the charity’s staff in Oxford.
Kate is patron of The Art Room. Photo by Reuters
Videos
- ITN: Duchess of Cambridge paints at Oxford school (lots of footage of her speaking)
- BBC: Duchess of Cambridge embraces art in school visit
- Telegraph: Raw footage from the day with students
Articles With Pictures
- Daily Mail: Duchess of Cambridge visits schools as patron of The Art Room
- Express: Kate supports youngsters in need
- Press Association: Kate praised by art charity chief
- Telegraph: Kate smudged in paint after school art visit
- Telegrapah: Duchess of Cambridge reveals new puppy name is Lupo
- What Kate Wore: Kate in Orla Kiely for The Art Room
More Pictures: Getty Images | Rex Features
Next up for Kate: Teaming up with the Queen on March 1 and March 8!
