MUM'S THE WORD: 'YOU CAN SEE THE LOVE BETWEEN A MOTHER AND HER CHILDREN'

DURING A BUSY COUPLE OF WEEKS FOR THE CAMBRIDGES, ROYAL EXPERT JENNIE BOND GIVES OK! A GLIMPSE AT LIFE BEHIND KENSINGTON PALACE'S DOORS

- SAMUEL MCMANUS-MAXWELL

The Duchess of Cambridge returned to her solo engagements following the Jubilee celebrations last week as she visited Brent in London to attend a Little Village hub that provides essentials to families with children.

For her visit to the charity, the 40-year-old cut a stylish figure in a fitted white Zara blazer and top, paired with tailored black trousers and an off-white Massimo Dutti clutch bag.

Little Village is the country's largest baby bank charity, with eight different branches across London. The Brent hub visited by Kate opened in November last year.

She has long worked with Little Village, and in 2020 helped to get 19 British brands and retailers to donate over 10,000 new items to more than 40 baby banks nationwide, operated by Little Village, Baby Basics and AberNecessities.

Mum-of-three Kate has also previously visited baby banks in Sheffield and West Norfolk where she spent time helping to unload deliveries and sort donations, and spoke with families about their experiences of using their local baby bank services.

The charity describes itself as being "like a food bank, but for clothes, toys and equipment for babies and children up to the age of five".

Meanwhile, Prince William took up an unusual engagement of his own last week when he went undercover to sell copies of The Big Issue on the streets of London. William, who turns 40 next week, was dressed in the magazine's red gilet and baseball cap when he was spotted by royal fans in Westminster.

William took a moment to pose for photos with surprised passers-by, with one posting on social media, "What an honour to have a private moment with our future king who was humble and working quietly in the background, helping the most in need. These 'silent gestures' often go unrecognised."