So did Bob cut Kate? The Duchess of Cambridge wears a plaster on her hand the morning after stroking the 'growling' star of A Street Cat Named Bob at glitzy London film premiere 

  • The Duchess of Cambridge, 34, paid a visit to The Nelson Trust Women's Centre in Gloucestershire 
  • Wrapped up warm in a baby blue Mulberry coat and printed Dolce and Gabbana black and white skirt 
  • Kate was seen wearing a plaster on her left hand the night after she was stroking the ginger cat at the premiere of A Street Cat Named Bob in London's Mayfair
  • At the time, the Duchess asked the ginger tom's owner, James Bowen, 'Is that purring or growling?'
  • Royal proved she was down-to-earth as she scooped up her own water bottle, which she dropped on floor 
  • The Duchess also marked the occasion of her visit by unveiling a plaque at the centre 
  • Kate made faces at four-month-old Gabriel and cooed over him whilst his mother held him 

Attending the premiere of a film about a cat will certainly not be one of the Duchess of Cambridge's more testing Royal engagements this year.

But it appears her appearance at the London debut of A Streetcat Named Bob may have left its mark on Kate.

On Friday, as she carried on with her charitable duties, the 34-year-old was sporting a plaster on her left hand. The cause? More than likely her encounter with the film's ginger tom hero.

As she stroked the cat, the Duchess asked his owner, James Bowen, 'Is that purring or growling?' 

Today, Kate remained tight-lipped about her little mishap, as she wrapped up warm in a recycled baby blue Mulberry coat, printed Dolce and Gabbana skirt and black turtleneck, to pay a visit to The Nelson Trust Women's Centre in Gloucestershire as part of her ongoing work on addiction and mental health.

In a meeting with some women who have used the centre's facilities and support, mother-of-two Kate cooed over two babies - one girl who was asleep in her mother's lap and a four month old boy called Gabriel, who was with his mother, Hlengiwe Sithole, 35. 

Did Bob The Street Cat scratch her? Kate was seen wearing a plaster on her left hand the night after she was stroking the ginger cat. At the time, the Duchess asked the ginger tom's owner, James Bowen, 'Is that purring or growling?'

She has been getting help at Nelson Trust since leaving prison in October last year. 'Is he a good boy?' Kate asked Sithole, and then when his mom put a pacifier in his mouth to calm him, Kate said 'Is that better?'.

Kate told the women, 'It's really great to have everything under one roof and have the expert advice here. It must be a great support.' 

The Duchess of Cambridge makes faces at four-month-old Gabriel as she talks to his mother, Hlengiwe Sithole, during a visit to the Nelson Trust Women's Centre in Gloucester

Niki Gould, head of women's community services at the centre, chaperoned Kate around. 'It was really important that the women have a voice and have been able to talk about their experiences to the duchess,' she said.

She said some of the women had been to prison and told the duchess their stories, including how they were separated from their children. 'She was very, very friendly, very easy to talk to and very empathetic. You could tell they were all very comfortable about talking to her. You can tell she's got the understanding and the empathy. 

'She has got very good insight into the vulnerabilities of women in the criminal justice system and she could see the journey from prison to the community. She totally gets that you need to support these women.' 

Just before she unveiled a plaque marking her visit, chief executive John Trolan praised her commitment and passion on behalf of the women at the centre and the morale boost the visit would bring to the staff. He then had Kate in fits of laughter as he said that two weeks ago they had Russell Brand visit 'and for reasons beyond me they still haven't got over that, so I really don't know how they're going to handle all this excitement.' 

As she left she bent down to receive a basket of flowers from Tilly, four, the daughter of Natashia Penhale, 39. 'Which one is your favourite?' Kate asked. And when Tilly pointed out an orange carnation in the bouquet, the royal mother said,: 'I think George would like that too.'  

Kate took a liking to four-month-old Gabriel as she talks to his mother, Hlengiwe Sithole, during a visit to the Nelson Trust Women's Centre in Gloucester

The Duchess of Cambridge speaks with Hiengiwe Sithole and her four-month-old son Gabriel during her visit 

The mother to Prince George and Princess Charlotte showed her maternal side as she grinned and cooed over the little four-month-old boy as his mother giggled 

Once inside, the Duchess of Cambridge was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Tilly Penhale, four from Cheltenham during her visit to The Nelson Trust Women's Centre in Gloucester

Dress like the Duchess in a skirt by Dolce & Gabbana

The Duchess of Cambridge has well and truly got her autumn wardrobe sussed.

After wearing a very pretty dress by Self-Portrait to a red carpet premiere last night, she paid a visit to Gloucester today, teaming a cosy blue mohair coat by Mulberry with a polo neck knit layered underneath. But it was her skirt that really made us reach for our credit cards!

It's by Dolce & Gabbana, and Kate first wore it with a Reiss blouse earlier this year. We love the grey herringbone bouclé fabric, and the fringe trim and button details are nice little touches too. Plus it's a super flattering length.

Unfortunately her exact style has now sold out, but click (right) to buy a similar D&G skirt at My Theresa.

Alternatively, we've found five black and white options similar to Kate's for a fraction of the price. Team yours with a crisp white shirt, opaque tights and ankle boots to breeze through autumn/winter in style.

* PRICES MAY NOT BE AS ADVERTISED

The mother-of-two, who wore her hair in its signature glossy blowdry, certainly seemed in good spirits after her late night as she was greeted by the centre's managers. 

Kate proved she was down-to-earth as she scooped up her own bottle of water after dropping it when exiting her Range Rover upon her arrival. 

The Women's Centre was set up in 2010 and is designed to support women who have vulnerabilities, particularly those who have experienced abuse and trauma. 

The centre has won numerous awards for the practical and emotional support it offers, with a focus on nine 'pathways of need'. 

These include finances, physical, emotional and mental health; drugs and alcohol; trauma and abuse; sexual exploitation and sex-working. Along with a second site in Swindon, the Women's Centre supports over 500 women annually, across Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire. 

Along with a second site in Swindon, the Women's Centre supports over 500 women annually, across Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.

During the morning, Kate, 34, met members of staff who deliver this help across The Nelson Trust Women's Community Services. The Duchess was also told about the various areas of work including; prison in-reach and social inclusion support, the Sex Worker Outreach Project, and Rural Outreach to young girls at risk.

The Duchess of Cambridge, 34, wrapped up warm in a baby blue Mulberry coat, printed Dolce and Gabbana black and white skirt, and black turtleneck as she paid a visit to The Nelson Trust Women's Centre in Gloucestershire

Oops! The Duchess of Cambridge proved she was down-to-earth as she scooped up her own bottle of water after dropping it when exiting her Range Rover upon her arrival at the centre this morning 

The mother-of-two looked chic in a designer outfit, which consisted of her trusty Mulberry coat and D&G skirt - a label she has turned to on numerous occasions recently 

She may have been out late last night at A Streetcat Named Bob's London premiere but that didn't stop the Duchess of Cambridge from her charitable duties this morning

Chief executive of the trust John Trolan said: 'We know that she has a special interest in this area and she understands the needs of those using our services.

'We see her as an inspirational individual who can motivate our staff as they continue to work in this very difficult operating environment.'

He says they see their role as preventing women going into prison and if they have been there, prevent them going again.

'We seek to support them so they can turn their lives around,' he said.

'Everybody agrees that these women should not be in prison -- they are low level offenders.

'[The duchess's] insights are impressive and her interest is sincere and it's very obvious from the other work of she does and the interest she shows on the area.' 

Left: The Duchess of Cambridge is presented with a bouquet of flowers by Tilly Penhale, aged four from Cheltenham during her visit. Right: The mother-of-two was certainly in high spirits despite a late night at a London premiere on Thursday 

This morning, The Duchess of Cambridge made a private visit to HMP Eastwood Park, a women's prison in Gloucestershire, to learn more about what support is available to women prisoners and their families living with complex social issues.

During the morning, Kate, 34, met members of staff who deliver this help across The Nelson Trust Women's Community Services. The Duchess was also told about the various areas of work including; prison in-reach and social inclusion support, the Sex Worker Outreach Project, and Rural Outreach to young girls at risk

The Duchess of Cambridge unveils a plaque during her visit to The Nelson Trust Women's Centre

Chief executive of the trust John Trolan, left, said: 'We know that she has a special interest in this area and she understands the needs of those using our services'

The radiant monarch smiled as she listened to the centre's leaders talking in Gloucestershire 

Along with a second site in Swindon, the Women's Centre supports over 500 women annually, across Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire

The Duchess of Cambridge talks to staff members of the Nelson Trust Women's Centre in Gloucester during a visit as part of her ongoing work on addiction and mental health

Cheery Kate waved to wellwishers as she arrived at the centre in Gloucester just hours after she had paid a private visit to a prison 

The centre has won numerous awards for the practical and emotional support it offers, with a focus on nine 'pathways of need'. The Duchess of Cambridge spoke with John Trolan, Chief Executive at the Nelson Trust, as she arrives at the Nelson Trust Women's Centre

The Women's Centre was set up in 2010 and is designed to support women who have vulnerabilities, particularly those who have experienced abuse and trauma. The centre has won numerous awards for the practical and emotional support it offers, with a focus on nine 'pathways of need'

The Duchess also marked the occasion of her visit by unveiling a plaque as part of a reception with supporters of the Women's Centre. 

This morning, The Duchess of Cambridge made a private visit to HMP Eastwood Park, a women's prison in Gloucestershire, to learn more about what support is available to women prisoners and their families living with complex social issues. 

The Duchess met with staff from Eastwood Park who explained the complex and often diverse needs of the women they work with including mental health concerns, family breakdowns, and treatment for addiction. 

She also met with a small number of women prisoners to hear their personal stories.

Kate's visit today came after she showed a daring length as she attended a glittering film premiere in London.

Despite the fact that it was a chilly November night, Kate wore a £320 crochet off-the-peg maxi dress by Self Portrait that was slit to the the thigh.

The dress was perfectly appropriate for her first engagement of the evening, a private screening of short films made by those who have battled issues with drink and drugs on behalf of one of her charities, Action on Addiction. 

This morning, The Duchess of Cambridge made a private visit to HMP Eastwood Park

The Duchess met with staff from Eastwood Park who explained the complex and often diverse needs of the women they work with including mental health concerns, family breakdowns, and treatment for addiction

The Duchess of Cambridge stunned on the red carpet this evening in a floor length white dress as she arrived for the premiere of A Street Cat Named Bob

Speaking to Bowen the Duchess asked if Bob was purring or growling as she stroked the cat this evening

But when the mother-of-two arrived at the Curzon Cinema in Mayfair for the premiere of the new film A Street Cat Called Bob, she suffered an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction as a gust of wind pulled the folds of the dress apart, leaving her helplessly showing her gym-honed leg to the thigh.

The Duchess, wearing her hair loose and an enamelled poppy on the bodice of her dress, shrugged off the incident as she met the stars of the film, most notably the eponymous ginger moggy, Bob.

He sat like a Maharajah on a red cushion with a scarf around his neck and gracious accepted a quick scratch behind the ears from the royal guest.

When it came to meeting the Duchess Bob appeared, well, really not that bothered. In fact the cat was more interested in the television cameras than the lady stroking his fur.

'Is that purring or growling?' the Duchess asked the ginger tom's owner, James Bowen, whose life with his feline friend is told in the movie A Street Cat Named Bob.

Kate, who is patron of Action on Addiction, was attending the UK Premiere of the film, in aid of the charity at the Curzon Mayfair, London.

James , 37, was unsure of his pet's mood. 'I'm really not sure if that's purring or growling' he said, putting a reassuring hand on Bob, perhaps in case he went for the Duchess.

As she stepped out of the car the Duchess seemed both surprised and thrilled by the warm greeting she received from her well wishers 

The royal paired her elegant dress with wine coloured accessories including a pair of suede pumps and a matching clutch 

James's co-author Garry Jenkins gave the Duchess a children's version of the book for Prince George and Princess Charlotte but wondered if they were too young to be reading yet. 'We are reading a lot to them,' Kate said.

The film is based on the much-loved, international best-selling book about the true story of the unlikely friendship between a young homeless busker, James Bowen, and the stray ginger moggy who changed his life.

James was a homeless, recovering addict living hand to mouth on the streets of London when he found an injured stray cat.

After helping nurse Bob back to health the cat refused to leave him, even following him onto the bus when he left to go busking.

James decided they couldn't be separated, got the puss a harness for safety - and allowed him to come along to his regular spots in Covent Garden and Piccadilly, travelling in the window seat of the number 73 bus.

The public reaction was overwhelming and the pair became so popular when James began selling The Big Issue that members of the public began uploading videos to YouTube and visiting Covent Garden to see them.

Their fame spread to such an extent that Bob was immortalized in print and, now, on celluloid. 

It wasn't just her dress that the wind was causing havoc with the Duchess's barnet also received some blowing about 

Kate was attending in her capacity as patron of Action On Addiction, a charity that helps those struggling with drug and alcohol abuse as well as their loved ones which sympathies with the story Bowen.   

Earlier this evening the mother-of-two joined former addicts for a secret engagement before attending the glamorous film premiere. 

Kate watched three inspiring films made by those who have battled drink and drugs issues as part of the Recovery Street Film Festival. 

The festival features deeply personal films made by former addicts and their loved ones about life in recovery.

It was established three years ago by a consortium of addiction charities, including Action on Addiction, and tours venues around the UK aiming to raise awareness of addiction, change the public's perception of it, and tackle the stigma surrounding the condition.

The films provide 'real hope' that people can and do recover from such issues. 

Kate will be told about the creation of the festival and its aims, as well as watch three previous prize-winners: 'Harry's Story', which explores addiction and its connection to mental health, 'Understanding Mum' which reflects on parental substance misuse, and 'Hope Inside' which discusses addiction and recovery in prison.

The mother-of-two watched three award winning films made by former addicts about their road to recovery , here she meets with cast and crew members 

The Duchess met with the Graham Beech, Chief Executive as she arrived at Working Titles Office on Thursday 

The Duchess of Cambridge congratulated recovering addicts on their 'inspiring' movies about the long path to sobriety.    

Kate chatted intently with many of those who starred in the three-minute winning films, including Martina Bell, who works with addicts at HMP Wymott, who said: ' She was fascinated to learn about the work we do and how many inmates are in recovery given the environment we are living and working in.'

She also cooed over 15-week old Eden Walker, who behaved beautifully during the hour-long event.

Her mother, Ceri Walker, 34, from Leicestershire, who also has a three-year-old, Jude, lost her alcoholic mother Carolyn when she was 21 and appeared in a film talking about the affect it had on her when he was growing up.

'Hello, aren't you a sweetheart,' said Kate, bending down to look at the baby. 'How old is she?' She asked.

Before she left for the film premiere Kate chatted with some of Action on Addiction's donors and staff, asking: 'Are these videos now online and being seen by the public? ' 

 

The comments below have not been moderated.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now