Like so many moms, Kate Middleton is busy during the holiday season. Kate has her three little ones to create holiday magic for. As the Duchess of Cambridge and the future queen consort, Kate has many more outside her family to reach out to during the holidays.
On Wednesday, Kate visited Peterley Manor Farm, where she helped children pick out Christmas trees for their classrooms. She also accompanied the kids in the "Elves Enchanted Forest," where they engaged in a number of Christmasy activities. The visit was part of Kate's new position as royal patron of Family Action, a patronage she's taken over from Queen Elizabeth. Her Majesty held the patronage for 65 years, having taken it over from her grandmother, Queen Mary, in 1953. Family Action provides practical, emotional, and financial support to families that experience poverty, disadvantage, and social isolation.
During her conversations with the many kids there, Kate made some mentions of Prince Louis. It seems William and Kate's youngest child is growing up fast. She revealed Louis is now talking and wanting to spend all his time with his mom.
Kate Middleton is as busy as one of Santa's elves this holiday season. The 37-year-old mom of three isn't just getting her own family ready for the holidays. She's also still serving her country as the Duchess of Cambridge.
On Wednesday, Kate got to really enjoy some holiday fun. The Duchess of Cambridge was at Peterley Manor Farm, where she helped students pick out Christmas trees for their classrooms. The visit was the first appearance Kate has made as royal patron to Family Action.
This patronage is a very significant one. Kate is taking over for Queen Elizabeth, who served as the charity's royal patron for 65 years. The Queen took over the patronage from her grandmother, Queen Mary, in 1953. It's certainly significant that she picked Kate to carry on the duties.
Kate is definitely the perfect pick for the part. The charity's work aligns with so much of what Kate has emphasized as important in her time as a royal. Family Action provides practical, emotional, and financial support to those who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage, and social isolation across England.
"The Duchess of Cambridge has spent much of the last eight years meeting charities and organisations who work every day to make our families and communities stronger," the press release announcing her Kate's new role reads.
"There is a powerful correlation between a parent or carer’s wellbeing and their child’s development, which is why organisations such as Family Action that provide support are instrumental to a child’s future. This new patronage aligns with Her Royal Highness’ longstanding work on the early years, and the importance of supporting children and families during this seminal period of their lives."
During the outing, there was a little boy who reminded Kate of one of her own little ones. The boy — who shouted, "Me, me!" while holding her hand — got her attention. That's when she let loose with a story about her youngest child, Prince Louis.
"You remind me of my little Louis; he keeps saying, ‘Me, me, me,’" the duchess remarked as she stroked the boy's cheek. "And he wants to come everywhere with me!" It's the first time that William or Kate has made mention of Louis talking, so it's exciting news.
Kate also gave some insight into her own family's Christmas traditions when she started asking questions about the Christmas trees. "She was asking about the trees which drop their needles and those that don’t, and which ones smell nice!" said farm owner Roger Brill. "She said that they normally have the Nordmann fir inside that doesn’t drop the needles."
Roger was very impressed with how Kate got her hands dirty helping out. "She was fantastic with the youngsters. She was in there moving them around and holding them up," he said of her visit. He would be happy to welcome the duchess back anytime.
"I will have to give her a job at the weekend, I think," he joked. "She was a very good saleswoman!" Aside from her natural success with tree sales, Kate worked wonders with the kids, as you could see from their smiling faces.
Kate wore a festive red puffer coat, green sweater, matching green socks and boots, and jeans for the occasion. She guided the kids through the "Elves Enchanted Forest." There, they made holiday decorations and eco-friendly reindeer feed before venturing inside for hot chocolate.
David Holmes, the chief executive of Family Action, was overjoyed by the duchess's first day as a royal patron. "I have worked with her on the early years for some time," he noted. "But she is fantastic with children and is also really interested in the issues — she’s really interested in families and parenting, and it really shines through everything she does."
While Kate gets her new patronage underway here at home, Prince William has been overseas. The Duke of Cambridge has been on a four-day solo royal tour, visiting Kuwait and Oman. The tour comes at the 120th anniversary of the signing a friendship treaty between Kuwait and the UK.
William and Kate have plenty more good cheer ahead this holiday season. The royal couple will be teaming up with iconic baker Mary Berry for a Christmas special that gives back to those volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the holiday season. A Berry Royal Christmas is set to air on December 16 at 8:30 p.m. on BBC One.
