The daredevil Duchess! Kate shows her athletic side as she slips into leggings, boots and a helmet to abseil at an activity centre in North Wales 

  • Couple paid a visit to north Wales to meet organisations supporting young people and tackling mental health issue
  • Kate took part in abseiling on a visit to the Towers Residential Outdoor Education Centre
  • Kate donned laidback jeans, a £325 coat from Reiss and knee-high black boots
  • Kate and William, both 33, lived happily in North Wales after they married
  • Pair will view a photography project run by charity Mind in Caernarfon, Gwynedd
  • Kate, 33, an avid photographer, will no doubt enjoy the visit, which focuses on art and photography
  • See the latest news on Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge at www.dailymail.co.uk/kate

The Duchess of Cambridge showed her daring side as she took part in abseiling and rock climbing on a visit to an activity centre in North Wales on Friday.

The sporty royal, who donned tight leggings, brown boots and a helmet, was in high spirits as she buckled up for the activity on a visit to the Towers Residential Outdoor Education Centre in Capel Curig, North Wales.

With a big smile on her face, the mother-of-two proved she isn't afraid of heights as she navigated a wooden wall backwards.  

As she went backwards over the edge of the 40 foot abseiling wall, she giggled: ‘This is the aggghhhhh moment!’ 

The Duchess of Cambridge showed her athletic side as she abseiled on a visit to the Towers Residential Outdoor Education Centre in Capel Curig, North Wales. The Towers is an outdoor education centre run by Wolverhampton Council providing adventure activities for children - and Kate certainly got stuck in 

The Duchess of Cambridge showed her athletic side as she abseiled on a visit to the Towers Residential Outdoor Education Centre in Capel Curig, North Wales. The Towers is an outdoor education centre run by Wolverhampton Council providing adventure activities for children - and Kate certainly got stuck in 

The sporty Duchess donned a red jacket, tight leggings, brown boots and a helmet as she strapped up to take part - and certainly seemed to be enjoying herself
Kate, 33, who was athletic at school proved she's a good sport

The sporty Duchess donned a red jacket, tight leggings, brown boots and a helmet as she strapped up to take part - and seemed to be enjoying herself

The good sport laughed her way through the activity, which concluded a busy day of duties for the royal and her husband.

Kate and her husband, Prince William, were in North Wales for the day to highlight charity work focusing on young people's mental well-being.

The couple visited The Towers Residential Outdoor Education Centre, situated in Snowdonia National Park, where children from Holyhead High School had joined the mountain rescue team for a day of activities.

After lunch, the couple changed into walking boots and waterproof jackets and along with representatives of Mountain Rescue England and Wales, of which the Duke is patron, went to meet their fate.

William was the first to have a go, with his wife holding his rope. ‘Are you holding me?’ he shouted up. ‘I've got you,’ she laughed.

And with a glint in her eye Kate added: ‘I'm quite enjoying this actually. For once I'm in control.’ 

Clearly relishing the moment, she laughed as her instructor jokingly asked how their insurance was and shouted down: ‘William – how much do you love me?’

Once at the bottom the couple's famously competitive spirit took over.

As William had a go at climbing back up the wall, Kate said: ‘Not that we're competitive but if he does that, then I'm having to do it too!’

Wills fell off as he was almost half-way up the more difficult section of the wall, but recovered his dignity to reach the top.

Kate, dressed in skin-tight black jeans, hiking boots - £160 Brasher Women’s Hillmaster - and a hard hat, nimbly followed him.

With a big smile on her face, the mother-of-two proved she isn't afraid of heights as she navigated a wooden wall backwards

With a big smile on her face, the mother-of-two proved she isn't afraid of heights as she navigated a wooden wall backwards

The sporty Duchess then ascended a climbing wall during her visit to the Towers Residential Outdoor Education Centre - but looked a little less confident 

The sporty Duchess then ascended a climbing wall during her visit to the Towers Residential Outdoor Education Centre - but looked a little less confident 

Up she goes! Kate displayed her athletic prowess as she pulled her weight up the climbing wall

Up she goes! Kate displayed her athletic prowess as she pulled her weight up the climbing wall

Kate got stuck into the activity and made her way up the climbing wall with a look of steely determination on her face 

Kate got stuck into the activity and made her way up the climbing wall with a look of steely determination on her face 

Kate looks excited as she gets buckled up ready to take part in the daring activity at the outdoor education centre

Kate looks excited as she gets buckled up ready to take part in the daring activity at the outdoor education centre

Accessorise like the Duchess in earrings by Kiki McDonough

We spend most of our mornings trying to recreate the Duchess of Cambridge's signature bouncy blow dry. But we do love it when she sweeps her hair back too, because we get to see her incredible collection of earrings a bit better!

In keeping with the rest of her recycled outfit of a Reiss coat from 2010 and her well-worn Aquatalia boots, Kate accessorized with some gems that we have spotted her wearing before. They're by Kiki McDonough and we love the pear-shaped citrine stone, which is set in 18ct yellow gold.

If you're looking for the perfect Christmas present for the lady in your life, we're sure she would love to find these wrapped underneath the tree. And the good news is that whilst everything Kate touches turns to gold, these exact earrings are actually still available to buy! Click (right) to snap them up at Neiman Marcus.

Or update your jewelry box with the Duchess-inspired styles we've found for you elsewhere.

* PRICES MAY NOT BE AS ADVERTISED
Ready, Kate? The mother-of-two shows her nerves as she prepares to be lowered backwards off the edge of the abseiling wall 

Ready, Kate? The mother-of-two shows her nerves as she prepares to be lowered backwards off the edge of the abseiling wall 

Kate cautiously makes her way down the wall and doesn't show her nerves 

Kate cautiously makes her way down the wall and doesn't show her nerves 

The Duchess of Cambridge holds Prince William's support rope as he abseils down the wall looking cool and collected 

The Duchess of Cambridge holds Prince William's support rope as he abseils down the wall looking cool and collected 

Prince William also got involved and is seen here, left, helping his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, after she abseiled down a wall as they visited the Towers Residential Outdoor Centre
The Duchess looked thrilled to be taking part in the exciting activity

Prince William also got involved and is seen here, left, helping his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, after she abseiled down a wall as they visited the Towers Residential Outdoor Centre

The sporty royal, who donned tight leggings, brown boots and a helmet, was in high spirits as she buckled up for the activity on a visit to the Towers Residential Outdoor Education Centre in Capel Curig, North Wales, with her husband
Prince William and Kate watch children on a zip-wire

The sporty royal, who donned tight leggings, brown boots and a helmet, was in high spirits as she buckled up for the activity on a visit to the Towers Residential Outdoor Education Centre in Capel Curig, North Wales, with her husband 

KATE'S ALWAYS BEEN A CLIMBER 

Kate Middleton has always been a climber and from an early age has had ambitions of reaching the top.

She was pictured, aged three, climbing a rock in the Lake District on a family holiday.

Even as a toddler she got the right pose for the picture with her hands and feet nicely positioned - and she even cracked a smile. 

Instructor Phil Blain, 64, who helped the couple abseil, said: ‘If that was Kate's first abseil she did fantastic.

‘And that was probably the first time she's held the life of the heir to the throne - and her husband - in her hands.

‘At the bottom, William tried the more difficult climb first but sadly he slipped off almost half way up as it was very wet.

‘He was on a rope so he was fine but he chose the easier side afterwards.’

The couple visited the Towers Residential Centre as it had agreed to host a day of outdoor activities for children from some of the charities they support.

Mountain Rescue Chairman Mike France, 63, said: ‘William asked us if we could help some of their vulnerable children from WellChild, Child Bereavement, Place2Be and Centrepoint, which we were delighted to do.

‘It's been a really fun day and the couple had a great time.’

Kate also said how much she missed being in Wales, having lived with William in Anglesey as newly-weds when the prince worked as an RAF search and rescue pilot.

‘I love it here. I really miss being here, being outside and in the mountains,’ she said.

She also told another Mountain Rescue volunteer how much their son, Prince George, loves helicopters ‘like his Daddy’.

Pauline Hallett of Ogwen Mountain Rescue said: ‘William used to fly us around when he lived and worked up here and I was telling him about the new helicopters.

‘Catherine then said how much George loved them. He knows all the different colours and asks her about all the parts. She laughed and said she tells George to ask Daddy as she has no idea.’

After touching down by helicopter, the royal couple were met by scores of waiting wellwishers - including locals and schoolchildren - who waved Welsh flags to greet the royals.

Kate, who was in high spirits for the trip, chatted to local children and received a beautifully bright bouquet of flowers from a young boy named Theo Hayward, aged three. 

Clearly taken by the youngster, Kate showed her maternal side as she crouched down to chat to young Theo and even let him smell the flowers that he had gifted her.  

The new parents viewed a photography project run by charity Mind in Caernarfon, Gwynedd, which Kate, 33, an avid photographer, no doubt enjoyed.

Here, they chatted to young people taking part in photography and art projects today with mental health charity Mind.

William and Kate spent several minutes talking to the youngsters from Coleg Menai, which works alongside Mind, who showed them their photographs and artwork. 

The royal couple looked a far cry from their usual selves as they donned athletic sportwear and helmets on the day trip

The royal couple looked a far cry from their usual selves as they donned athletic sportwear and helmets on the day trip

Kate and William wear matching red jackets as they meet children on a visit the Towers Residential Outdoor Education Centre 

Kate and William wear matching red jackets as they meet children on a visit the Towers Residential Outdoor Education Centre 

The Duchess of Cambridge abseils as she visits the Towers Residential Outdoor Education Centre on Friday
Kate looks somewhat relieved to have reached the end of the activity as she touches down on the ground

The Duchess of Cambridge abseils as she visits the Towers Residential Outdoor Education Centre on Friday

Kate is on good form s she prepares to abseil on a visit to the Towers Residential Outdoor Education Centre

Kate is on good form s she prepares to abseil on a visit to the Towers Residential Outdoor Education Centre

Prince William also got in on the action and made his way down after his wife gave abseiling a go

Prince William also got in on the action and made his way down after his wife gave abseiling a go

The Duchess of Cambridge holds Prince William's support rope as he abseils down the wall

The Duchess of Cambridge holds Prince William's support rope as he abseils down the wall

Prince William looked calm and collected as he made his way down the abseiling wall wearing his chinos,
He then helped his wife remove her harness after her trip down the wall

Prince William looked calm and collected as he made his way down the abseiling wall wearing his chinos, left, before helping his wife remove her harness 

Kate looks pleased with herself as she examines the abseiling wall she bravely navigated with the help of William 
Kate was in high spirits during the action-packed day out

Kate looks pleased with herself as she examines the abseiling wall she bravely navigated with the help of William 

Kate and William listen to a briefing as they prepare to abseil as they visit the Towers Residential Outdoor Education Centre

Kate and William listen to a briefing as they prepare to abseil as they visit the Towers Residential Outdoor Education Centre

The couple, know for their shared sense of humour, joke with children as they visit the Towers Residential Outdoor Education Centre

The couple, know for their shared sense of humour, joke with children as they visit the Towers Residential Outdoor Education Centre

The good sport laughed her way through the activity
Kate even appeared to be mocking Prince William's climbing attire

The good sport laughed her way through the activity, which concluded a busy day of duties for the royal and her husband, and even appeared to be mocking Prince William's climbing attire 

Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge listen to a briefing as they prepare to abseil

Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge listen to a briefing as they prepare to abseil

James Cheffings, 19, from Bangor, had just joined the group and didn't have a photograph to show he couple, but he did attract some attention from them because he had his leg in a cast.

He said: 'They were asking about how I ruined my knee cap.

'I was dancing in the pub and I dislocated my knee.

'Kate said it sounded like something William would do, so I was like 'ah, something in common'.'

James went through a difficult time at college but talking though things helped him.

He said: 'I accepted that I was a gay man and now I work in an attitude free gay bar and am a drag queen on weekends.'

He said about William and Kate: 'It came across that they were really accepting and understanding about the whole LGBT community which was really nice to see that we in that community have got that support from the royal family.

'It shows that people who are quite famous people do go to little villages like Caernarfon and little buildings like this and meet people like us who might not always get our voices heard.' 

The Duchess of Cambridge was in high spirits as she arrived to carry out engagements in North Wales. The majority of the visit focussed on work carried out by organisations to improve the mental wellbeing of young people

The Duchess of Cambridge was in high spirits as she arrived to carry out engagements in North Wales. The majority of the visit focussed on work carried out by organisations to improve the mental wellbeing of young people

The perennially chic Duchess showcased her sartorial prowess as she chatted to wellwishers who patiently waited for the royal couple to touch down in Wales by helicopter 

The perennially chic Duchess showcased her sartorial prowess as she chatted to wellwishers who patiently waited for the royal couple to touch down in Wales by helicopter 

The Duchess of Cambridge received flowers from Theo Hayward, aged three, as she left after visiting a GISDA centre in Caernarfon in Wales on a chilly Friday morning 

The Duchess of Cambridge received flowers from Theo Hayward, aged three, as she left after visiting a GISDA centre in Caernarfon in Wales on a chilly Friday morning 

Little Theo, who was dressed very smartly in a waistcoat and tweet trousers with his best shoes on, looked delighted to meet Kate

Little Theo, who was dressed very smartly in a waistcoat and tweet trousers with his best shoes on, looked delighted to meet Kate

The little man certainly seemed to have charmed Kate, who was left smiling after receiving the flowers from the animated child 

The little man certainly seemed to have charmed Kate, who was left smiling after receiving the flowers from the animated child 

Showing her maternal side, Kate leaned in and smiled as she let little Theo smell the beautifully bright flowers he had gifted her 

Showing her maternal side, Kate leaned in and smiled as she let little Theo smell the beautifully bright flowers he had gifted her 

Kate lets the young boy smell her lovely flowers as she visits Caernarfon Castle square 

Kate lets the young boy smell her lovely flowers as she visits Caernarfon Castle square 

Kate was left in hysterics by something the little man said to her as she left the GISDA centre in Caernarfon in Wales

Kate was left in hysterics by something the little man said to her as she left the GISDA centre in Caernarfon in Wales

Lizzie Wintle, 25, from Anglesey, showed the couple three photographs of herself on a beach exhibited alongside a written piece about her struggles with anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder.

She said: 'I was telling them how I was being a part of this project and telling my story to try to get others to tell their story.

'Kate was asking about my photographs and what beach they were taken on.

'She was saying it's really important to keep talking about it and for all of us here to keep talking about it.

'I think it's really good they're focussing on a charity like this.' 

Sara Moseley, Director of Mind Cymreu, said: 'Mind works with thousands of young people in Wales every year.

'It's clear to us that the level of need and mental health problems and distress among young people is growing really rapidly.

'The figures that we have across England and Wales are showing a rise in mental health problems across the board among young people.

'The levels of self-harm among young people in Wales are the highest in the UK.'

She added about treatment: 'With Mind you can walk in and ask for help, you don't have to go on a waiting list.

'A lot of young people are saying to us there's a terrible stigma and discrimination about talking about mental health problems and admitting they're mentally ill. And secondly when they finally get round to talking about it and asking for help, the help might not be there or it might be the wrong kind of help.'

Mind has four offices in North Wales and also goes into colleges and communities. They offer one to one services as well as groups which encourage young people to talk to each other and take part in projects like the art and photography which also result in exhibitions in the community.

Sara said Kate and William's interest in mental health issues was 'invaluable'. She said: 'It's difficult to raise a proper understanding of mental health problems. It's a tribute to the Duke and Duchess that the young people are relaxed about telling their stories.

'Also in terms of raising the profile and recognition and reducing the stigma it's invaluable.' 

The Duchess of Cambridge received yet another bouquet of flowers when she paid a visit to a photographic exhibition entitled Mute: are you being heard? from a mental health project run by Ynys Mon and Gwynedd's local 'Mind' charity in Caernarfon, north Wales
The project was created to enable young people to share their experiences of living with mental health problems and the challenges they face

The Duchess of Cambridge received yet another bouquet of flowers when she paid a visit to a photographic exhibition entitled Mute: are you being heard? from a mental health project run by Ynys Mon and Gwynedd's local 'Mind' charity in Caernarfon

Kate found herself in fit of giggles as she spoke to young people at the photographic exhibition

Kate found herself in fit of giggles as she spoke to young people at the photographic exhibition

Kate, a keen photographer herself, surely enjoyed her day out at the exhibition; a project  created to enable young people to share their experiences of living with mental health problems

Kate, a keen photographer herself, surely enjoyed her day out at the exhibition; a project created to enable young people to share their experiences of living with mental health problems

The royal style icon had her audience in fits of giggles as she viewed photographs at the exhibition organised by the charitable project 

The royal style icon had her audience in fits of giggles as she viewed photographs at the exhibition organised by the charitable project 

Sara Moseley, Director, Mind Cymru, told Wales Online : 'It's an honour to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Mind’s projects in Wales, reinforcing our shared commitment to ensuring everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve'

Sara Moseley, Director, Mind Cymru, told Wales Online : 'It's an honour to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Mind's projects in Wales, reinforcing our shared commitment to ensuring everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve'

Kate appeared to enjoy her visit to the photographic exhibition entitled Mute: are you being heard? from a mental health project 

Kate appeared to enjoy her visit to the photographic exhibition entitled Mute: are you being heard? from a mental health project 

Earlier Kate revealed that she would like her daughter, Princess Charlotte, to join the Girl Guides group for youngsters, Rainbows, as she enjoyed a royal walkabout.

Keen Scout volunteer Kate told guides Cadi Evans, 12, and Molly Swann, 17, from 10th Bangor group that she 'really enjoyed' helping out at a scout group on Anglesey when they lived on the island. 

'She said that she needs to put Charlotte's name down for Rainbows,' says Caernarfon's county commissioner for Girl Guides Jill Wilkinson. 'She really enjoyed helping with the scout group and said she will get George for scouting.' 

Behind the crowd was a bubble making contraption that brought excited cheers from the kids -- and clearly caught Prince William's eye. As he arrived at their first stop, the GIDSA charity, he said 'George would love the bubbles. We'll have to get him one for Christmas.' 

The couple then went in to the 'Te a Cofi' cafe run by the charity that helps vulnerable young people in the area. Offered a local pastry, William declined , saying: 'Have you ever tried eating a Welsh cake and talking at the same time?' 

Later they were to have some of their own - after taking part in rolling out some of the little pancake-style cakes with volunteer Lisa Parry, the couple was given some to take away. During the chat with the centre's patrons and staff, they 'took time to speak with all the young people'.

'They were warm and were given the fill impression of what it's like to be homeless in rural areas as opposed to a rural area,' said chief executive Sian Tomos. Kate was particularly drawn to young mum Jessica Davies, 21, who has a three and a half year old son Theo Hayward. 

She had been referred to GISDA's young parent group. 'How are you managing?' Kate asked of the single mum. 'I've got put more and it has increased my confidence,'' she told Kate and William. 

Jessica added: 'She was very interested, very kind and nice. I was telling them that GISDA young parent group has supported me with child care and helped build my confidence and has got me socialising more.' 

A cheery Kate lived in Anglesey with William after their wedding
Kate is on a visit to north Wales to meet organisations supporting young people and tackling mental health issues - a cause close to both of their hearts

Kate, who lived in Anglesey with William after their wedding, is on a visit to north Wales to meet organisations supporting young people and tackling mental health issues - a cause close to both of their hearts

The Duchess of Cambridge wrapped up warm in an old Reiss coat from 2010
Kate carried flowers after visiting a GISDA centre in Caernarfon in Wales
GISDA is a charity that provides support for homeless young people in the area

The Duchess of Cambridge, who wrapped up warm in an old Reiss coat from 2010, carried flowers after visiting a GISDA centre in Caernarfon in Wales. GISDA is a charity that provides support for homeless young people in the area

Kate's homegrown Home Counties girl style, which has hardly changed since her St Andrews days  is traditional and demure
As thrifty as ever, the coat she wore today - the £325 Angel from high street store Reiss - is one she snapped up back in 2010

Kate's homegrown Home Counties girl style, which has hardly changed since her St Andrews days is traditional and demure. As thrifty as ever, the coat she wore today - the £325 Angel from high street store Reiss - is one she snapped up back in 2010

Say cheese! A waiting fan takes a brilliant snap of the smiling couple as she captures their visit on her phone 

Say cheese! A waiting fan takes a brilliant snap of the smiling couple as she captures their visit on her phone 

The mother-of-two proved she is a natural with children as she chatted to the little ones waiting to meet her wearing her Hi and Dry by Aquatalia for Russell & Bromley boots

The mother-of-two proved she is a natural with children as she chatted to the little ones waiting to meet her wearing her Hi and Dry by Aquatalia for Russell & Bromley boots

Kate and William viewed the work of GISDA, an organisation that helps vulnerable young people in the town

Kate and William viewed the work of GISDA, an organisation that helps vulnerable young people in the town

One youngster was certainly excited to meet her favourite royal and was seen shaking hands with the Duchess 

One youngster was certainly excited to meet her favourite royal and was seen shaking hands with the Duchess 

Kate and William returned to North Wales, where they lived for several years when Prince William was working there

Kate and William returned to North Wales, where they lived for several years when Prince William was working there

A cheerful Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, meet well wishers as they visit Caernarfon

A cheerful Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, meet well wishers as they visit Caernarfon

A glowing Kate carries a bouquet of flowers as she and William wave to waiting wellwishers in Wales 

A glowing Kate carries a bouquet of flowers as she and William wave to waiting wellwishers in Wales 

Kate, who champions a natural beauty look, wore her signature smokey eye and a hint of blusher on her cheeks for the occasion. She accessorised her look with gold drop earrings 

Kate, who champions a natural beauty look, wore her signature smokey eye and a hint of blusher on her cheeks for the occasion. She accessorised her look with gold drop earrings 

The Duchess of Cambridge meets with young people as she visits a GISDA centre in Caernarfon in Wales - a charity that provides support for homeless young people in the area

The Duchess of Cambridge meets with young people as she visits a GISDA centre in Caernarfon in Wales - a charity that provides support for homeless young people in the area

The Duchess of Cambridge meets young people at the charity GISDA in Caernarfon during her visit to North Wales

The Duchess of Cambridge meets young people at the charity GISDA in Caernarfon during her visit to North Wales

Prince William and his wife Catherine enjoyed some food and drinks with young people as they visit a GISDA centre in Caernarfon in Wales, on Friday 

Prince William and his wife Catherine enjoyed some food and drinks with young people as they visit a GISDA centre in Caernarfon in Wales, on Friday 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chatted to young people at the charity GISDA in Caernarfon on Friday morning as they set off on a busy day of public engagements 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chatted to young people at the charity GISDA in Caernarfon on Friday morning as they set off on a busy day of public engagements 

The visit rounds off what has been a busy week of engagements for Kate, who gave a rare public speech on the sensitive issue of child mental health at a conference for headteachers on Wednesday. 

In an address intended to highlight the need to intervene with vulnerable young people as early as possible in order to prevent problems in later life, Kate talked of her own 'wonderful and secure' childhood.

The royal admitted she was 'lucky' to have had such supportive parents and teachers but stressed that even those who come from 'stable, happy homes' can suffer from emotional issues that blight them later in life.

She told her audience: 'I often get asked why I decided to spend time highlighting the mental health of children. I imagine my answer might be similar to many of yours. I know that I was lucky. My parents and teachers provided me with a wonderful and secure childhood where I always knew I was loved, valued and listened to. 

'But of course many children are not so lucky. Since beginning my work in areas like addiction, for example, I have seen time and time again that the roots of poor mental health in adulthood are almost always present in unresolved childhood challenges.' 

Kate and William and certainly throwing their weight behind their recent charity campaigns; most notably those linked to mental health

Kate and William and certainly throwing their weight behind their recent charity campaigns; most notably those linked to mental health

William, left, looked dapper in a suit jacket and pinstriped shirt
Perhaps in light of the stormy weather she experienced earlier this week, Kate, right, who has been flying solo for her recent engagements, wore her brunette locks scraped back into a ponytail

Perhaps in light of the stormy weather she experienced earlier this week, Kate, right, who has been flying solo for her recent engagements, wore her brunette locks scraped back into a ponytail. William, left, looked dapper in a suit jacket and pinstriped shirt 

Kate was in good spirits as she chatted away to the school children who waved Welsh flags as the couple touched down
The majority of the visit will focus on work carried out by organisations to improve the mental wellbeing of young people

Kate was in good spirits as she chatted away to the school children who waved Welsh flags as the couple touched down 

The new parents will view a photography project run by charity Mind in Caernarfon, Gwynedd, which Kate, 33, an avid photographer, will no doubt enjoy

The new parents will view a photography project run by charity Mind in Caernarfon, Gwynedd, which Kate, 33, an avid photographer, will no doubt enjoy

Kate displayed her trim figure as she chatted to wellwishers in Wales 

Kate displayed her trim figure as she chatted to wellwishers in Wales 

Kate and William certainly proved popular with hundreds of locals and schoolchildren turning up to catch a glimpse of the royals 

Kate and William certainly proved popular with hundreds of locals and schoolchildren turning up to catch a glimpse of the royals 

The Duchess of Cambridge, 33, looked chic in a £995 recycled grey Matthew Williamson dress as she arrived to make a rare public speech at the Place2Be Headteacher Conference on Wednesday

The Duchess of Cambridge, 33, looked chic in a £995 recycled grey Matthew Williamson dress as she arrived to make a rare public speech at the Place2Be Headteacher Conference on Wednesday

Gone with the wind! The Duchess of Cambridge struggles to contain her bouncy locks as she arrives to make a rare public speech
The Duchess of Cambridge smiles as she arrives for the Place2Be's Headteacher Conference, at Bank of America Merrill Lynch Offices in central London

Gone with the wind! The Duchess of Cambridge struggled to contain her bouncy locks as she arrived to make a rare public speech. Perhaps learning from her mistake, she tied her hair up for today's trip

Once inside, the Duchess of Cambridge gave a speech at the Place2Be Headteacher Conference at Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Once inside, the Duchess of Cambridge gave a speech at the Place2Be Headteacher Conference at Bank of America Merrill Lynch

She continued: 'I am sure you will agree that all children deserve time, attention and love from the adults in their lives. These basic qualities are so much more valuable than the always changing material and social concerns that can seem so important to young people. 

'As today's theme reminds us, many children – even those from stable, happy homes – are finding that their heads are just too full. It is our duty, as parents and as teachers, to give all children the space to build their emotional strength and provide a strong foundation for their future.'

Aides said the address, which she made at the Place2be Headteacher Conference in London, was 'very much her own'.

Kate has spoken only a handful of times in public since she married Prince William in 2011, but is believed to have been coached in public speaking techniques in recent months.

The royal is patron of the charity Place2Be, which offers counselling and support services in schools, and has taken a keen interest in issues surrounding the mental health of children.

The conference - which this year is entitled 'My Head is Too Full' - has been organised to bring together senior leaders from Place2Be partner schools in England, Scotland and Wales as a means to sharing ideas and expertise to help build children's emotional resilience and help give them the best chance to achieve their full potential.

Kate pictured with TV presenter Holly Willoughby, who presented the awards. 'It's been incredibly humbling to be meeting so many amazing foster carers, their families and care-experienced young people who have achieved so much despite the enormous obstacles that have been in their way,' said Holly

Kate pictured with TV presenter Holly Willoughby, who presented the awards. 'It's been incredibly humbling to be meeting so many amazing foster carers, their families and care-experienced young people who have achieved so much despite the enormous obstacles that have been in their way,' said Holly

In her address the Duchess, sporting a previously worn £995 grey and green bejewelled Matthew Williamson dress, told her audience: 'Of course, not all children have the anchor of a strong family. Many will arrive through your school gates feeling a real lack of love and devotion in their lives. This often leaves them feeling insecure and without confidence and trust in the world around them. That is why your work is so important. 'I want to start by saying a big thank you to all of the head teachers here today. I know how much is asked of you. 

She went on: 'The fact that you are all committing your valuable time to support Place2Be, and prioritise the mental health of your students is something that all parents should be grateful for.'

She continued: 'Parents, teachers and other school staff need the tools to help these young people early in their lives. And the earlier, the better. It is proven that early action prevents problems later in life. 'Imagine if everyone was able to help just one child who needs to be listened to, needs to be respected, and needs to be loved – we could make such a huge difference for an entire generation.

'As head teachers you have the chance to reach tens of thousands of children during your careers, and make an impact on a great scale. Thank you for making the work of Place2Be part of your mission. I hope you know how much your work is valued.'

Aides said the Duchess planned to spend the rest of the afternoon privately at the conference talking to attendees and listening to speeches.

The conference included presentations from Headteachers working in some of the most disadvantaged parts of the UK, alongside leading experts in child psychology and those involved in M-PACT Plus, a joint programme between Place2Be and Action on Addiction to support families dealing with the hidden harm of drug or alcohol addiction.

The Duchess of Cambridge pictured signing the book of condolences at the French Ambassador's home in London earlier in the week

The Duchess of Cambridge pictured signing the book of condolences at the French Ambassador's home in London earlier in the week

The night before, the Duchess of Cambridge highlighted the invaluable role of foster carers as she attended an awards ceremony in London, wearing a beautiful cobalt blue dress and her hair in soft ringlets.

Kate, 33, arrived at the 2015 Fostering Excellence Awards at the British Medical Association House in London, which television presenter Holly Willoughby was hosting. 

Earlier in the day, the Duchess of Cambridge and her husband Prince William went to the French Ambassador's residence in London where they wrote in the book of condolences for those who lost their lives in the Paris atrocities.

The Duke of Cambridge, president of the Football Association, attended an international friendly between France and England last night at Wembley Stadium. 

 

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