Posts two days in a row, who am I? The Duchess of Cambridge was out and about today, August 4, at Baby Basics UK in Sheffield to launch a baby banks initiative between Baby Basics, Little Village, and AberNecessities. The initiative sees 19 British brands and retailers donate over 10,000 new items to more than 40 baby banks across the UK.

Today’s visit saw Kate unpack donations before sitting down to speak with parents about the support baby banks have provided. Kate made private visits to Baby Basics West Norfolk earlier this year, and then spearheaded the initiative for donations of items for babies and toddlers from brands and retailers.

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As part of the launch, Kate released a statement, saying:

Over recent months, I have heard from families who have been supported by baby banks through the most difficult of times and I have been deeply moved by their stories. Having somewhere to turn to for support is important for all families, and baby banks work every day, up and down the country, to provide immediate, tangible and practical help for parents and carers when they are most in need. Baby banks are driven by incredible volunteers, demonstrating the power of community spirit in supporting families and coming together to raise the next generation. Thanks to the generosity of the companies taking part in this initiative, baby banks across the UK will be able to support even more families through this particularly challenging time.

Baby Basics

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Hello has some quotes from Kate as she spoke with volunteers and families during the visit.

As she unloaded pallets and unpacked the first deliveries at the charity’s temporary distribution centre, she told volunteers: “It can get very emotional. I remember a couple of the families I met from King’s Lynn and I went home and literally burst into tears, their stories were so moving. The struggles they have gone through, the bravery they have shown…in extraordinary circumstances. Helping their families through extraordinary times.” […]

In Sheffield, Baby Basics CEO Cat Ross told the Duchess: “Often in a world where there is a lot of judgement and stereotyping about being poor, that additional stress can be even more difficult for parents who are doing amazing things to keep their families going with such strength, such determination.”

“Yes,” agreed Kate, “One of the mums I met was a nurse. These are families who do fantastic jobs and even they are struggling.” Talking about community spirit during lockdown, she added: “It is those small volunteering acts that everyone can contribute to that make such a difference. That inter-generational support system has been amazing. Knowing that you can make such a big difference to another family is wonderful.” […]

The Duchess also spoke via videocalls to Amy Cotton, who fled a violent home with only her baby son Ricky, now three, and received a buggy, clothing and toys from Little Village. She is now a volunteer for the charity and has a 12-week old daughter, Ellie-Rose.

Kate told her: “It is brave and not often the easiest thing to do but it is really fantastic that you’ve reached out, that you are so open about your own struggles but also the fact that you are in such a fantastic place now. I suppose it is real credit to you, the journey that you’ve undertaken and the courage and strength you’ve shown to get there. So well done. And I love the fact that you are volunteering too.”

Hello

During this visit, Kate wore all repeats, aside from the mask. Kate chose a Suzannah “Flippy Wiggle Dress” (£1,850.00) which she previously wore to Wimbledon in 2019, her Daniella Draper necklace she debuted in January (£1,070.00), and Tabitha Simmons shoes that I think are from 2011.

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Kate did debut something new, though: a mask. This is the first time we’ve seen Kate wear a mask in public. The British Royal Family members who have been making in-person appearances the last couple months haven’t been wearing masks regularly, unfortunately (other royal houses, like Spain, have been wearing masks quite regularly).

Kate’s been out and about several times (which I will definitely probably cover eventually), but this is the first time she’s worn a mask. The mask she chose is from Amaia – the “Adult Reusable cotton face mask – Pepper liberty” (£15).

#WearAMask

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During a previous visit to Baby Basics West Norfolk, Kate helped pack baskets with essential products for babies.

During this visit, Kate wore a Boden “Viola Maxi Shirt Dress” (£112) (according to Kate’s Royal Closet on Twitter).

Here is a video of the visit.