The Cambridges Attend National Emergencies Trust Launch

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stepped out this morning for the launch of the National Emergencies Trust at St Martin-in-the-fields, London. 

The engagement was initially announced as a solo appearance for William. On Tuesday, Kensington Palace confirmed Kate would be joining her husband. Following their tour of Pakistan, the Cambridges spent half-term break at their country home Anmer Hall. During their time there, Kate was spotted at a nearby Sainsburys for a spot of Halloween shopping with George and Charlotte.

The scale of several dreadful tragedies in the UK in 2017 including the Grenfell fire and terrorist attacks in Manchester and London led the Charity Commission to convene a number of organisations, charitable bodies and leading figures on the ground to establish a means of responding to national emergencies as quickly and effectively as possible. The intensity of 2017 led to the stark realisation proper measures were not in place to co-ordinate the public response to domestic emergencies. The answer was to come together and create the National Emergencies Trust. It will operate independently of government.

The trust will work collaboratively with charities and other bodies to direct public donations to NET appeals, and to distribute funds fairly and efficiently at the time of a national emergency. The concept of a collaborative approach to public emergency response has been proven by the Disasters Emergency Committee, which has been responding to overseas disasters for more than 50 years, and will be applied by the NET to domestic emergencies.

The Telegraph reports:

'Last month, it was revealed that 16 fraudsters who posed as people affected by the inferno that killed 72 people falsely claimed a total of £775,000 from the Grenfell victims' fund, with police only recovering £24,000.

The trust said that multiple charitable appeals following a disaster could leave the public feeling overwhelmed.

General Lord Dannatt, the chairman of the new trust and a former Chief of the General Staff, said of the response in 2017: "The general public were very generous and most of the money that was raised went to the right causes and the right people, but not everything went as it should have done.

"The Charity Commission challenged charities in the voluntary and community sector to come up with a more efficient and collaborative way of working together in response to any future tragedy."

The Duke and Duchess met a group of people affected by the Grenfell Tower Fire and Westminster Bridge terror attacks. Shortly after the horrific fire, William joined the Queen to meet residents and later participated in a DIY SOS project to support those in the area. Those in the UK will know it's been a painful time for those who lost loved ones and their homes in the fire. Phase one findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry were shared just over a week ago. The report found "serious shortcomings" and "systematic failures" in response to the fire. While the findings praised the courage of the London Fire Brigade, it was highly critical of their response with a number of recommendations suggested moving forward. The report found the principal reason the fire spread was aluminium composite cladding filled with plastic used on the exterior of the building. It led to a barrage of media coverage and political commentary. As I watched it all unfold last week, I couldn't help but think of the families who are still coming to terms with the unimaginable horror they endured and how deeply impactful the inquiry is for them.

The Duke and Duchess met representatives from the emergency services, NGOs, and some of the NET’s charitable partners.

Kate was particularly taken by a dog trained to assist during emergencies.

During a speech Prince William said: "Catherine and I are very pleased to be here today at the launch of the National Emergencies Trust. The UK is one of the most generous countries in the world in helping those in need and giving to charity. We all know the important role that the Disasters Emergency Committee plays in channelling the British public’s extraordinary generosity to respond to disasters overseas. It is therefore only fitting that a new, national charity is able to fulfill the same function when tragedy strikes at home."

William's continued:

'Just now and on previous occasions, it has been humbling to speak to survivors of the London Bridge and Manchester attacks, the Cumbria floods, the Grenfell Tower fire and other disasters here in the UK.

Their stories are as heart-breaking as they are inspiring. Their resilience and strength are deeply humbling. In talking to survivors, I’ve always been inspired to hear about the help they were offered by people and organisations acting on their own initiative with immediate and heartfelt compassion. This empathy is both natural, and remarkable.

Whenever and wherever disaster strikes here in the UK, this country has a unique way of pulling together. From the people who donate their blood, to the children who empty their piggy banks, to the families that set aside a bedroom in their home. The way that local communities support those affected shows the very best of our values and human nature.

But in the wake of tragedy, managing and channelling the public’s desire to help can prove tricky. I saw this for myself on the ground in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire. I therefore fully support what you are doing here today.

I’m impressed about how willing the charity sector has been to learn the lessons from previous responses, and to ensure that the quickest and most appropriate support is offered to those affected.

I commend the Charity Commission for initiating this work, and all the charities in the voluntary and community sector for coming together so successfully. Your cooperation is admirable. The result is an organisation that you helped to design, that draws on all your strengths, and is warmly welcomed. 

I am very pleased that the National Emergencies Trust now stands ready to provide a structured, organised response to help people right across the UK in the event of a domestic disaster.

Many thanks to the whole team behind the Trust for all their hard work ahead of the launch. We all dread the day when you are needed. But I know that, like everyone here, I am glad that you now exist.'

If you would like to donate to the National Emergencies Trust please click here.

A video from the engagement.

Afterwards, the Duchess undertook a private engagement as she visited the BBC Children's and Education Team ahead of Anti-Bullying Week. It is understood she met with the BBC's Director General, The Lord Hall of Birkenhead. Reporter Russell Myers noted something "very interesting" is in the pipeline and we'll hear more about it next year. I expect it's possibly a Royal Foundation initiative that may be tied to her early years and mental health work. Speaking of early years, we can expect to hear more about Kate's project in the coming weeks.

Does Kate's dress look familiar? The Duchess wore the Emilia Wickstead 'Kate' dress in navy.

Kate owns the piece in lavender and debuted it during an official visit to Germany. She brought it back last autumn for the Global Ministerial Health Summit.

It became so popular, the designer released it in three colours, aptly named 'Kate'. The £1,420 piece is described as "Emilia Wickstead's wool-crepe Kate dress is an elegantly versatile choice for the social season. It's tailored in the UK with a flattering boat neckline and long darts throughout the front and back of the bodice, then lined with black crepe to ensure a smooth fit." Kate added a belt by the designer to complete her look today.

Kate carried her limited edition ‘Blue Heart’ clutch in black croc. It is described as "a beautiful collaboration between Aspinal of London and Beulah using Beulah’s iconic blue heart print on the interior lining. The Blue Heart clutch is a grown up classic with a timelessly elegant silhouette that works effortlessly and includes Aspinal of London’s distinctive signature shield lock clasp. The intricate metal chain is in a gold finish and adds to the functionality allowing the clutch to be held in the hand or elegantly draped over the shoulder.

The Duchess debuted a fabulous pair of Jimmy Choo Romy 85 Patent Leather pumps. They are available in multiple colours for $850 at Net-A-Porter.

And accessorised with her sapphire and diamond earrings.

Coincidentally, a reader messaged me earlier this week to suggest the Women of the First World War brooch from the poppy collection as an ideal choice for Kate to wear this week. The Duchess obviously had the same thought and chose the special £30 piece today. It is still in stock at the Poppy Shop.

The Duchess has several engagements coming up including two events for Remembrance week.

9 November - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will join members of the royal family for the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.

10 November - Remembrance Sunday

15 November - The Duchess of Cambridge, Royal Patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, will visit the charity’s new hospice ‘The Nook’ on Friday 15th November to meet children and families being supported by EACH, tour the hospice, and unveil a plaque to officially open the building.

18 November - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend the Royal Variety Performance at the Palladium Theatre, London, held in aid of the Royal Variety Charity.

I'll see you Saturday evening for the Festival of Remembrance. It begins at 7 pm. It's always a beautifully organised and moving night.

It's L.K. Bennett Gabrielle For Radio 1's Teen Heroes Reception

This morning, several images were released from a reception the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge hosted on 1 October, at Kensington Palace, to celebrate Radio 1's teen heroes of 2019.

Now marking its tenth year, the awards celebrate the selfless, brave and exceptional achievements of young people. It is the biggest annual teen event in the pop music calendar.

Celebrities and stars in the music, sporting and online industries are also honoured.

William and Kate met with the finalists and joined well-known faces including performer Camila Cabello and BBC Radio 1 DJs Clara Amfo and Greg James.

Ms Cabello said: “I was so honoured to be invited to Kensington Palace to meet and celebrate this year’s Teen Hero finalists with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Hearing the incredible things these Teen Heroes have done is so inspirational! Their passion and dedication to help others is amazing and they really blew me away!”

More on the background of three of the finalists from BBC Radio 1:

'12 year-old Hazel lives with a rare genetic disorder called Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) which limits the body’s ability to repair damage caused by UV light. After being diagnosed at age 3 Hazel was advised by doctors to stay indoors indefinitely, but she has since learnt how to manage the condition safely in her daily life with support from charities and specialist clinics. Hazel has raised awareness of XP by making a film and giving talks to schools in her local area, and has raised £2000 for the charity that supported her by climbing the 900m high Ben Lomond mountain earlier this year in her protective clothing.

Rachel, aged 17, campaigns for change and better futures for young people in the UK. She is a volunteer for her local youth council and a member of the UK Youth Parliament, and has won a Diana Award for her work towards tackling cyber bullying. Rachel is also chair of the UK Youth Select Committee, which this year has been focussed on knife crime.

14 year-old Scarlett is a young carer to her mother, older sister and grandmother. Both Scarlett and her mum have an incurable nerve condition called HNPP, which can make everyday activities like carrying shopping bags extremely painful. As well as helping her mum, Scarlett cares for her sister, who has type 1 diabetes, and her grandmother, who has depression. A typical day for Scarlett, who also has autism, includes house chores, gardening, walking her grandmother to church and entertaining the other church goers.

It is the fourth consecutive year William and Kate hosted finalists at Kensington Palace. In 2016, they welcomed young people and representatives from the awards. Kate, who wore a bespoke McQueen dress told, Joe and Toby, who were both active fundraisers for Cancer Research UK. "I don't know how all of you find the time to do the volunteering," she told them. "It's such a great thing... Keep it up." William added, "Massive congratulations, it's seriously impressive," before them the group of winners as "shining lights".

Last year, they met teenager Siena who shared her experience of meeting the couple with Hello!: "The Duchess was especially interested in addressing autism stereotypes and was saddened to hear about the severity of the disability-related bullying I have experienced. She congratulated me for being a Diana Award holder and for currently serving on the National Youth Board, a role that has given me a national platform through which to share my disability-based bullying experience. They were both incredibly warm, supportive and encouraging. Meeting them was an awesome experience! They have inspired me continue to make a positive difference in my community."

The Duchess selected L.K. Bennett's Gabrielle Abstract Midi dress in toffee and black for the occasion (with thanks to Kate Middleton Style).

The £395 piece is described as: "Inspired by 30s style with exaggerated shoulders and ruching through the front, the Gabrielle midi dress from L.K.Bennett offers a soft, smooth feel thanks to the stretch silk fabric, printed with a vintage archive pattern that gives it a statement aesthetic." It's available in several sizes at John Lewis.

The winners will be presented with their awards on Sunday, 24 November.

The Duchess in Ghost London Dress for Private Pakistan Engagement

Just when we thought coverage had wrapped up on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's tour, several images unexpectedly emerged.

You might recall after William and Kate carried out engagements in Islamabad, including a visit to Model School for girls and a visit to Margalla, they were scheduled to privately meet staff from the British High Commission.

The Palace didn't share more on it, however guests posted a few snaps on Instagram today. I imagine the reception was an opportunity to thank all those from the British High Commission, Ambassador Thomas Drew and his team for seamlessly organising the trip.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cambridge Family fan page (@kate_william_family.ir) on Oct 21, 2019 at 9:33am PDT

Kate's very pretty floral dress is the Ghost Avery style (with thanks to Emily for the ID). Ghost London is a very chic brand offering a range of stylish dresses and timeless occasion wear. I've been hoping to see Kate in their pieces for some time. The Georgette mix and match print is available and retails for £250.

I'm flying out the door, so this a brief one. Hope you're all having a great evening!

Kate Makes First Instagram Post Following Return Visit to SOS Children's Villages

When unexpected weather meant William and Kate couldn't travel back to Islamabad Thursday night, it meant a great deal of last minute logistical changes and the cancellation of a long planned trip to Khyber Pass on the Afghanistan border. With an additional morning in Lahore on Friday, the royal couple made a return to SOS Children's Villages.

In her very first Instagram post, Kate wrote: "The community at the SOS Village is built around family - and the best possible family you could imagine - where everyone comes together to nurture, love and protect the children in their care. These vulnerable children, many who have come through traumatic circumstances, are nurtured in this caring environment and are able to form these quality relationships that they so desperately need to thrive."

When the tour wrapped up, although I wasn't aware they had returned to SOS I mentioned the organisation had particularly resonated with Kate. The global organisation, with villages all over the world, looks after the most vulnerable children in society, offering them a family, safety, and a mother figure in their life. The UK branch was founded in 1968 and has been actively supporting their international work since. I would love to see William and Kate get involved with them and continue to champion their outstanding efforts across the many Commonwealth countries they work in.

More from the Telegraph:

'On their return visit, the couple met some of the young “graduates”, who had been supported by the SOS Village and gone on to mentor some of its younger residents.
Saba Shahzadi, 28, said she came to SOS when she was eight and still lived there, acting as a mentor to the children, while working as a manager for Nestle in Pakistan. She told the couple: “I can’t even imagine what would have happened if I hadn’t found SOS.”

Simon Perry reports Kate noted: "Some of the things I’ve been looking at back home are how best do you support children and what do they need to have a successful life. One, it’s about quality relationships and two, the environment. What’s great is that you have both here."

During the visit, the couple received friendship bracelets.

William said: "I won't take it off. My children will wonder why I'm wearing it."

People reports:

'Later, as they joined some of the children for an art group, William revealed Kate’s love of landscape photography. “Catherine likes taking lots of pictures. She does a few portraits, but mostly landscapes. When we went up to Chitral to see the glacier and then looked around, she took some great photos up there,” he said.

Kate — who, before the tour started, had been especially looking forward to visiting SOS — spoke about the fate that had enabled them to return. “I’m so glad we came back to get the full picture,” she said. And her husband added, “I could feel that there was more to talk about.”

He also gave credit to his staff: “Our team is very good at finding us projects.”

Time for a spot of cricket.

And a group photo to end the visit.

A video from the visit.

Additionally, the Sunday papers were given exclusive rights to share a series of images taken of a family by the Duchess during the tour. Unfortunately, they were not made available online (They have been posted on Twitter, click here to view them). More from the Telegraph:

'During the chance encounter, the Duchess stopped the convoy to greet and take pictures of locals who waved.

The Duchess, a keen photographer, had spotted the family during her trip to a glacier in Chitral. Speaking through an interpreter, she was invited into their hut for tea and asked the grandmother, mother and daughter about farming in a place where snow freezes for six months each year.The family had no electricity, running water and during the winter cannot leave their homes.

The Duchess borrowed a camera from the couple’s official photographer and the family posed for her pictures. She later also took pictures in the Kalash village of Bumburet which the couple later visited, watching colourful scenes of dancing in the village square.

She later said: “It was fantastic to meet these people living in such a remote place. They were so hospitable, offering William and me a cup of tea. It was a very special moment, they had no idea who we were which gave us a chance to see a different side of Pakistan!'

Kensington Palace shared this video marking the close of the tour (watch out for some rickshaw footage :))

🇬🇧🇵🇰Thank you Pakistan! // شکریہ پاکستان@UKinPakistan #RoyalVisitPakistan pic.twitter.com/NK3Fw7R5I8

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 20, 2019

A word of sincere thanks to those who commented on the tour coverage, I greatly appreciate it. 

"It's Been Really Special": The Cambridges Bid Farewell to Pakistan

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge concluded their five-day official visit to Pakistan today.

The trip concluded on a high note, with the couple speaking to the media and attending engagements. Behind the scenes, aides and officials from the British High Commission were presented with an incredible logistical challenge last night when the couple and members of the press were forced to return to Lahore en route to Islamabad due to inclement weather conditions. It meant several engagements had to be cancelled or rearranged, and last minute accommodation and security arrangements were put in place.

More from Rebecca English who was on RAF Voyager with the Cambridges:

'They touched down in Pakistan's capital at around midday - hours later than expected after a terrifying electrical storm forced their pilot to abandon the first attempted landing and overnight in Lahore.

Last night, British High Commission officials sprang into action to find the couple a hotel room, along with their entourage, security team and around fifty journalists - almost 100 rooms in all.

The couple privately thanked their RAF pilots and praised royal aides and British High Commission officials for coming up with an emergency backup plan so quickly and with minimal fuss.

William also personally insisted that journalists travelling with himself and Kate, who were also on the flight, came with them to the hotel and were found a bed for the night. 'The Duke's immediate reaction was that nobody was being left behind, we were all in it together. He was adamant about that,' a source said.'

Logistical changes meant a visit to Kyhber Pass, on the border with Afghanistan, had to be cancelled. The trip had been planned as one of the last engagements of the tour, not only to highlight the important strategic military location and trade route, but as an opportunity to see another important element of the country. Instead, the Duke and Duchess undertook a private engagement in Lahore before returning to Islamabad. Local reporters revealed they actually returned to SOS Children's Villages because they enjoyed their first visit so much. William was wearing a bracelet, which he was likely given by one of the children there.

They concluded the tour surrounded by adorable puppies at Islamabad Army Canine Centre.

Before Prince George was born, Lupo was the Cambridges' first "baby". When they were living in Wales, we saw the cocker spaniel with the couple on beaches near Anglesey for walks. The royal family absolutely adore dogs, so this was a very fun one to wrap up with.

The Duke and Duchess took golden Labrador puppies Sky and Salto for a walk.

People reports:

'The royals were at the Army Canine Centre in Islamabad, which mirrors the U.K. Defense Animal Training Centre in the English Midlands. In a relationship that goes back a decade, Britain has been helping the Pakistan Counter Improvised Explosive Device program as it aims to take on the ongoing security challenges of the region.  

Part of that alliance with the U.K. is the breeding and training of dogs to identify explosives. Pakistani officers say the dog program has been a huge success, finding 19 tons of explosives and 700 homemade bombs in the past three years. Bomb incidents have fallen 30 percent since 2015.'

They were shown training areas and discussed the successful impact the dogs have made.

Some of you have been suggesting we'll see another addition to the Cambridge household. My money's on a pet Labrador sooner rather than later :)

Afterwards, the couple briefly spoke to media outlets who had accompanied them throughout the trip. William said: "The whole week we have been hearing about security in Pakistan and it’s really brought home to Catherine and I the importance of the relationship between the UK and Pakistan. A lot of lives have been lost by the Pakistanis in securing large parts of this country over the years and those sacrifices from the Pakistanis should be acknowledged. It’s been a huge, huge undertaking for them. Actually, what happens here in Pakistan directly correlates to what happens on the streets of the UK. We are involved with the Pakistanis for a very good reason: it will actually keep people safe back in the UK."

The Duchess recalled the turbulent departure from Lahore: "I think it was quite an adventure really, it was pretty bumpy up there. But we were looked after so wonderfully by the RAF who did a great job liaising with everyone and got us home safely, so we are hugely grateful to them."

The full interview is included in the video below.

The Duchess also spoke exclusively to CNN's Max Foster at SOS Children's Villages yesterday: "I think William and I really wanted to come and see an SOS Children's Village like this. There are so many vulnerable women here but they really use their positivity. The support the village here provides them really to support and protect the next generation. The children in their care and give them the best possible start to their future lives." Regarding the visit, Kate said: "It's been fantastic, we've seen a lot of Pakistan. There's been a huge variety. It was amazing seeing some of the geography, but then to see some of the community activities like this has been really special."

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, spoke to @MaxFosterCNN in an exclusive interview during her five-day tour to Pakistan along with Prince William. This is her first interview since she became a part of the royal family.https://t.co/rlhWr9Lcy7 pic.twitter.com/utQumgiD3S

— New Day (@NewDay) October 18, 2019

A departure video.

It's been fascinating to learn more about Pakistan throughout the tour; the causes, culture, people and traditions. The Palace and British High Commission organised a beautiful itinerary despite security challenges. It was Kate's first Commonwealth tour in over three years, and I very much hope it marks the first of regular visits across many member nations in the years to come. The links between the monarchy and the Commonwealth are so precious, it's vital to continue those relationships. We saw the couple follow in Diana's footsteps with poignant moments along the way. I think Kate was particularly touched by the work of SOS Children's Villages. Supporting the most vulnerable children ties in perfectly with her work at home. I was so pleased to hear Kate give a speech and her first tour interview. Hearing from the royals directly adds so much context to overseas trips. They received a wonderful welcome in Pakistan. Someday George will visit and retrace his parents' footsteps; that sense of continuity is something I love about the monarchy.

Sartorially, Kate embraced traditional looks with an array of shalwar kameez, kurta, dupatta and other pieces from local designers such as Maheen Khan and longtime favourites Catherine Walker and Jenny Packham. The majority of Kate's looks were bespoke with accessories and shoes from her own collection and Pakistani brands. We saw several shades of green honouring the country's flag, along with periwinkle blues, white and black pieces. It was a treat to learn about new designers and to see the styles on Kate. Which pieces were your favourites? Today's first look and the show-stopping Jenny Packham gown take the crown for me.

For her final looks of the day, we saw ensembles featuring pieces from several designers and brands. For the departure from Lahore, Kate wore a gorgeous black and white embroidered kurta by Pakistani fashion designer Élan. It was worn with matching white trousers.

Kate carried her Smythson Black Panama East/West tote.

And accessorised with a pair of her earrings, thought to be the Accessorize Filigree style.

After much searching, it's been determined the new J Crew pumps Kate has been wearing during the tour are the Lucie pumps (a big thank you to Kate's closet who discovered they are also known as the 'Colette'). The $220 D'Orsay suede pumps are available at J Crew (25% off with code BUNDLEUP).

Kate changed from her kurta to the Beulah London Papilio jacket from their Autumn/Winter 2014 Collection. It's possible Kate's had the piece for several years.

The Duchess also changed into a pair of £195 Russell & Bromley Xpresso crossover flats in black.

A huge thank you to Andrew Parsons, Stephen Lock and all the photographers who provided amazing photography every day. I also want to sincerely thank everyone who followed on the blog and commented, and from those on the ground in Pakistan who shared background information and local excitement.