Mask-clad Kate reveals how she broke into tears after speaking to struggling families during baby bank visit
Kate Middleton was spotted wearing a floral face mask during her visit to a baby bank in South Yorkshire. This was the first time the Duchess of Cambridge was seen in a mask at a royal event.
The 38-year-old visited a baby bank called Baby Basics on Tuesday, August 4, where she helped unload a van of donations from more than 19 British brands and retailers that came forward to help the most vulnerable families of the country. For the event, Kate chose to wear a crisp button-down summer dress by Suzannah which she teamed up with Amaia London’s floral-print face mask. Her visit to the bank marked her efforts in leading a donation drive which prompted big names like Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's, John Lewis and Tesco to contribute over 10,000 new goods to baby banks across the UK.
Speaking of the initiative, the mother-of-three said: “Over recent months, I have heard from families who have been supported by baby banks through the most difficult of times and I have been deeply moved by their stories. Having somewhere to turn to for support is important for all families, and baby banks work every day, up and down the country, to provide immediate, tangible, and practical help for parents and carers when they are most in need. Baby banks are driven by incredible volunteers, demonstrating the power of community spirit in supporting families and coming together to raise the next generation.
“Thanks to the generosity of the companies taking part in this initiative, baby banks across the UK will be able to support even more families through this particularly challenging time."
Kate also spoke about how she got emotional after coming back home from the baby bank. She said, “I remember a couple of the families I met from King's Lynn and I went home and literally burst into tears, their stories were so moving. The struggles they have gone through, the bravery they have shown... in extraordinary circumstances. Helping their families through extraordinary times."
For parents who were struggling amid the Covid-19 pandemic, baby banks proved their savior who helped them a lot during the crisis. But due to increasing demands, they also faced issues. When Kate — who has previously visited Baby Basics in West Norfolk — learned about the struggles of baby banks, she stepped in and encouraged around 19 brands and high street retailers to help Baby Basics, Little Village, and AberNecessities, who operate baby banks all over the nation.
CEO of Baby Basics, Cat Ross, spoke with the Duchess regarding the struggles of the families amid the coronavirus crisis and told her: “Often in a world where there is a lot of judgment and stereotyping about being poor, that additional stress can be even more difficult for parents who are doing amazing things to keep their families going with such strength, such determination." To which Kate responded, “Yes, one of the mums I met was a nurse. These are families who do fantastic jobs and even they are struggling. All of the research shows how vital things like this are for them and that they are being recognized."