Kate Middleton Looks Ravishing in Red at Charity Fundraiser, Pens Letter to Mother Whose Daughter Died

The Duchess of Cambridge finally met Leigh Smith at a charity fundraiser

By Francesca Bacardi Nov 25, 2014 3:04 PMTags
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Kate MiddletonChris Jackson/Getty Images

Kate Middleton has the best of both worlds—flawless looks and a heart of gold.

The Duchess of Cambridge wowed in a short red dress by Katherine Hooker while greeting those who were attending the East Anglia's Children's Hospices Appeal launch Tuesday. The 32-year-old British beauty showed off just the tiniest baby bump while holding a small bouquet of flowers.

One of the attendees at the event was Leigh Smith, whose daughter, Beatrice, died from a rare heart conditions after only 89 days. Smith revealed that she once wrote a letter to Kate detailing her story, which ultimately received a personal reply from the duchess.

"I was so surprised to receive a letter with such personal comments and signed by her," Smith told reporters. "It was a lovely gesture and helped me through a terrible time. I was touched that she had taken so much time to carefully read my letter and then to reply herself—it shows how much she cares."

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The event, which was held to help raise about $15 million for a new hospice, allowed Kate to meet with some of the families who have benefited from the charity's work. Smith was able to meet Kate in person, and recalled sending the special correspondence.

"When I met her today she remembered the letter and said it was an honor to meet me," Smith said. "I was completely taken aback. For me, it was an honor to meet her."

Although it was a difficult time for Smith—her daughter would have turned 1 on Friday—she said meeting Kate was comforting.

"I had mixed feelings about today because it's a difficult time, but this is the most amazing way of celebrating her birthday and I hope Beatrice was looking down as I met Kate."

Kate might start becoming known for her letters, as she also wrote a special note to young Fabian Bate, a cancer patient who passed away at just 12 years old. The letter became one of the family's prized possessions.

"I want Kate to know it wasn't just a letter, it was a message that meant so much," father Darrell Bate told London's Mirror. "It has stayed with him and it's staying with him now he's departed."

Kate wrote to young Fabian on Oct. 13, 2011, after she and Prince William met him at the hospital a month beforehand. She had been the Duchess of Cambridge for about six months.

"Despite the enormously demanding course of treatment you are undergoing, I was so touched by your strength of character, and delighted to hear the news that one of your big sisters will be able to donate bone marrow to you later this year," read Kate's later, typed on St. James' Palace stationery. "I will keep my fingers crossed that your health goes from strength to strength over the months ahead."

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