Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty ImagesOpen for business!
Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton brought some royal sunshine to deserving families in a drizzly England town Friday. Bundled in a blue tweed Missoni coat, the 34-year-old mother of two arrived in Holt, Norfolk to officially open a new store for EACH Hospice, an establishment meant to provide support for life-threatened children up to 18 years old and their families in the surrounding area. Middleton has been a royal patron of EACH since 2012.
Surrounded by two families currently receiving care from the volunteer organization, the royal beauty snipped the ribbon held by two young boys in front of the building's entrance to mark its official debut as EACH's 21st shop, which are typically filled with donated items.
"We are delighted The Duchess of Cambridge will be taking the time to help us celebrate the opening of our new shop in the beautiful town of Holt," Tracy Rennie, EACH Director of Care, said in a statement. "We're really looking forward to becoming an integral part of the town's thriving and friendly community, and are confident local residents will help us make the shop a great success."
Before the duchess arrived to fulfill the important duty, a group of excited schoolchildren dressed in matching uniforms gathered along the sidewalk to greet her royal highness. The adorable kids eagerly waved their handmade flags in preparation for Middleton's approach. To show their gratitude for her participation, locals showered Duchess Kate with bouquets of flowers.
During a tour of the new store, 11-year-old Rebekah Hughes, who suffers from a severe form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome, showed the duchess one of her favorite pieces for sale—a silver purse.
"I'll have to buy her the handbag now or I won't hear the end of it," Hughes' mother told reporters. "[Kate] was brilliant with Rebekah and it was a really special moment."
Middleton didn't leave empty-handed. For 10 pounds, she purchased a Fireman Sam's Favourite Tales book and a Beatrix Potter Tom Kitten figurine for her son Prince George and daughter Princess Charlotte, according to reporters. She also spared some time to help EACH volunteers sort through clothing for sale.
Since the new year began, the royal mum of two has been focusing greatly on children's charities particularly involving mental health. As the patron of Place2Be—a U.K. organization which provides counseling in schools—Middleton appeared with children in a commercial to mark the start of Children's Mental Health Week in February.
The following month, she launched Young Minds Matter, a digital series aimed at leading the conversation about causes and solutions for mental illness and destroying the stigmas surrounding the universal issue.
Throughout all of her charity work, Kate has made one thing clear—neighborhood resources play an integral part in supporting the wellness of children and require full support to do so.
"We need schools and communities to play their full role to help children who are struggling in ways that are not always easy to see," she said.