The Princess of Wales quietly made a thoughtful gesture to a little girl during her school visit on Thursday – and it made everybody's day.
Kate, 44, truly showed herself to be the "Children's Princess" as she stepped out for Children's Mental Health Week on Thursday, making a solo appearance at the Castle Hill Academy in New Addington, Croydon.
The school works closely with the charity Place2Be, of which Kate has been patron for more than a decade, and which helps to build trusted relationships, using creativity and play. During the visit, Kate was welcomed by groups of children waving homemade flags, took part in arts and crafts activities, and had many meaningful conversations with children and parents.
Speaking to HELLO!, Catherine Roche, CEO of Place2Be, revealed that the Princess was thoroughly "genuine" and created an "uplifting" atmosphere with every conversation. Catherine highlighted one "special" moment in particular that stuck in everyone's minds, and truly made it a visit to remember.
She said that one of the team members pointed out that it was one young girl's birthday – and, to her astonishment, she was soon in for a royal surprise as the Princess made sure to wish the little girl a "happy birthday".
"That was a special moment," Catherine reflected, adding that: "She (the Princess) was so genuine with so many of the children as she walked along."
What the Princess is really like
The Princess was greeted by the pupils, who lined up and waved homemade flags, all focused on Children's Mental Health Week and this year's theme, belonging and connection.
"She spent time with the children, chatting with them," Catherine said. "They were so natural and chatted so freely with her as well. So it was lovely."
© Getty ImagesKate later visited the art studio, helping children in Year 4 with their artwork – a project to create an island where they felt they belonged and had a sense of community. There, Kate spoke about her children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, ten, and Prince Louis, seven, and the different stages they are all at.
Catherine told HELLO!: "It just shows how relaxed and informal they were. Really, beautifully brilliantly with the children in a really relaxed and natural environment."
The royal mother-of-three was just as engaged while talking with the parents and was particularly sensitive around challenges that families go through, discussing bereavement, loss and change.
© Toby Shepheard / Kensington PalaceCatherine added: "The Princess is always so genuine with whomever she is speaking. So I think it was really touching, moving, the conversation with the parents, and her sensitivity around the challenges that some families go through, whether that's bereavement or loss or change. I think her genuine warmth and empathy really came through and was really appreciated by the parents."
As she left, Kate was presented with a bouquet by the school reps, looking delighted as she accepted it.
Kate's work with Place2Be
The Princess of Wales has over 20 patronages across the early years, arts and sports sectors. She has been Patron of Place2Be, a children's mental health charity, since 2013. Place2Be provides mental health support in schools and was one of Kate's first patronages.
© Toby Shepheard / Kensington PalaceShe even organised a roller disco in Vauxhall for the charity in 2008, before her marriage to Prince William, and opened the new headquarters in London in 2018 .
The charity itself has over 30 years' experience working with pupils, families and staff in schools throughout the UK, providing mental health support, expert training and professional qualifications. Children's Mental Health Week was founded by Place2Be and is held each year in February. The theme for 2026 is "This Is My Place", aiming to highlight children's support systems and feelings of belonging.
Just like her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, Kate has become adored for her interactions with children, often crouching down to eye level to talk to them. On each outing or royal engagement, Kate shows natural warmth and an ability to connect with families, which has led to her being dubbed "the Children's Princess" by royal fans.
Her Royal Foundation's business taskforce is one of the key cornerstones of her public work, while The Royal Foundation Centre For Early Childhood was launched back in 2021, focusing on research, developing new solutions, and campaigns to raise awareness.
