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Kate Middleton wows in leopard-print dress and boots on first solo engagement of the year

The Duchess of Cambridge went to Shout, a free 24/7 mental health texting service, which she started with Prince William and the Sussexes

Kate Middleton mostly opts for classic pieces when stepping out; but for her most recent public appearance, she chose to do something different, even wild, as she donned a leopard-print dress and paired it with stiletto boots. The Duchess of Cambridge went to Shout on Wednesday, January 26. Shout is a free 24/7 mental health texting service, which she started with Prince William and the Sussexes in 2019 as part of their Heads Together Campaign.

Kate reportedly visited the center to celebrate the mental health text service reaching more than one million conversations with those in need. At the facility, she met clinical supervisors, volunteers, and fundraisers and thanked them for their services. For the day, the 40-year-old strayed away from her go-to monochromatic pantsuit and coat look and wore Derek Lam’s olive green, leopard-print midi dress. The dress came with a pussy bow on the neck and a thick black belt with an oversized buckle.

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For accessories, Kate kept it simple with tall, black stiletto boots and gold hoop earrings. Her hair was combed in its signature bouncy curls. The mother-of-three took to Twitter to post about her visit. She tweeted, “Having met some of the incredible volunteers today to hear their stories and see how they facilitate conversations, it’s obvious how their empathetic approach helps people feel safe, calm and listened to. Visit @GiveUsAShout to help them take their next 1 million conversations.”

She added: “Since launch, Shout 85258 has taken 1 million (that’s 1,000,000) conversations with 386,000 people across the UK – with 4 in 10 texters seeking help for the first time. Mental health support and resources across the UK have made significant strides over the last decade. @GiveUsAShout , through its 24/7 text messaging service, has been a huge contributor and consistent support for children, young people & adults during their most difficult times.”

PEOPLE reported that during the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, “Shout has seen usage on its platform increase by 140%.” It also stated that the service saved the life of a 12-year-old boy who was going to take his life by jumping from a bridge. In March last year, the Cambridges spoke to the boy’s parents. The boy’s father told them over call, “We have no doubt that what happened between our son and SHOUT when he stood on that bridge was enough to save his life.” To which Kate added: “I can't imagine as parents ourselves what it's been like for you, and it's every parent's worst nightmare is receiving the call that you did on that night.”

Meanwhile, a lot of people have reacted online to Kate’s change in style. A user tweeted, “Nice to see Kate pick her own clothes out once in awhile instead of the palace dressing her like an old lady who is queen. Then again she has to compete with Rose so she probably said F U I'll wear my own clothes.” Another one said, “Catherine looks great in anything. I’d like to know her secret about keeping weight off lol.” “The Duchess of Cambridge looks fantastic in anything, be it leopardskin or glitter,” the third user added.