Kate Middleton Launches Study Into Early Years Development on Children

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Continuing her work to help children and families, Kate Middleton toured the University College London’s Centre for Longitudinal Studies on Tuesday in London, England.

She stepped out in one of her favorite dresses from Spanish apparel retailer Zara. The Duchess of Cambridge styled her checkered belted dress with embossed Hugo Boss pumps and Mappin and Webb Empress earrings.

Kate Middleton wears a belted Zara printed dress with Hugo Boss high heelsKate Middleton wears a belted Zara printed dress with Hugo Boss high heels (Credit: Avalon / WENN)

Marking the launch of the university’s Children of the 2020s project, which examines the holistic development of children from 9 months to 5 years, the royal met with academics and viewed archive material of historic early childhood research dating back to the 1940s.

“Our early childhoods shape our adult lives and knowing more about what impacts this critical time is fundamental to understanding what we as a society can do to improve our future health and happiness,” she said in a statement.

Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, during her visit to University College London's Centre for Longitudinal StudiesBritain’s Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, during her visit to University College London’s Centre for Longitudinal Studies in London on October 5, 2021 (Credit: Avalon / WENN)

“The landmark Children of the 2020s study will illustrate the importance of the first five years and provide insights into the most critical aspects of early childhood, as well as the factors which support or hinder positive lifelong outcomes,” she added.

Kate Middleton shows off her feet in embossed Hugo Boss pointy-toe pumpsKate Middleton shows off her feet in embossed Hugo Boss pointy-toe pumps (Credit: Avalon / WENN)

“I am committed to supporting greater in-depth research in this vital area and I’m delighted to be meeting all those behind the study at this early stage.”

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge getting ready for viewing the colors of the procession at The Royal Horseguards in London, England, on June 14, 2014The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge getting ready for viewing the colors of the procession at The Royal Horseguards in London, England, on June 14, 2014 (Credit: WENN)

In June 2014, London celebrated The Queen’s 88th birthday. All the royals were out in their most regal clothes and classy hats for the Trooping the Colour Procession.

The royal family watching the Trooping the Colour Procession from the balconyThe royal family watching the Trooping the Colour Procession from the balcony (Credit: WENN)

And no other outfit was as anticipated as Kate Middleton’s, of course. Don’t get your hopes up, though; this was no dress repeat. Unlike the golden dress for Prince Phillip II’s birthday, this outfit was all new.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in a blue jacquard silk blazer and skirt by Alexander McQueenCatherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in a blue jacquard silk blazer and skirt by Alexander McQueen (Credit: WENN)

For the special occasion, the Duchess of Cambridge smartly chose a skirt suit by British fashion designer Alexander McQueen.

Catherine riding the same carriage as Camilla Parker Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince HarryCatherine riding the same carriage as Camilla Parker Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince Harry (Credit: WENN)

Silvery white from afar, the blazer and suit set was actually blue jacquard silk with a gorgeous texture that set it apart from the pastel dresses worn by the older royals like Camilla Parker Bowles’ pink skirt suit and the Queen’s powder blue dress.

Catherine styled a Jane Taylor hat with an Alexander McQueen coatCatherine styled a Jane Taylor hat with an Alexander McQueen coat (Credit: WENN)

As expected from Catherine, her outfit was simple but chic and interesting.

Catherine’s Jane Taylor hat also fit her suit’s modern theme — a heart-shaped straw beret topped with wintry florals and sprigs. A pair of large pearl earrings and an unimposing pearl brooch by Annoushka finished off her look.

Catherine wearing a hat by Jane Taylor as well as pearl earrings and a brooch by AnnoushkaCatherine wearing a hat by Jane Taylor as well as pearl earrings and a brooch by Annoushka (Credit: WENN)