Princess Kate wears separates to expand 'Shaping Us' initiative at the National Portrait Gallery

On Tuesday, the Princess of Wales visited the National Portrait Gallery in London to launch of a new initiative linked to her "Shaping Us" campaign, which highlights the importance of early childhood development.​

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KATE'S OUTFIT

​BLAZER: NEW! Petar Petrov Wool-Blend Blazer in Brown (US$1,660).

PANTS: NEW! Max Mara 'Rea' Pinstriped Trousers in Gray (US$895).

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

SHOES: ​Russell & Bromley '100Point' Blade Heel Court Shoe in Black (repeat).

EARRINGS: Sézane 'Bruna' Hoop Earrings in Gold (repeat)

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BRACELET: Halcyon Days Salamander Torque Bracelet in Forget-Me-Not (repeat).

The Princess joined a group of eager pupils from All Souls CE Primary School for a day of art, storytelling, and emotional exploration. Making the journey even more special, Catherine surprised the children by riding with them on the minibus, turning the trip into an adventure with games of "I Spy." 

Working with @earlychildhood to launch the new #ShapingUs framework.

The Bobeam Tree Trail is just one example of how organisations can empower children to thrive emotionally and socially. With initiatives like this at the @NPGLondon, the foundation is laid for the next… pic.twitter.com/DZx1npmfOa

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) February 4, 2025

The visit centered on the "Bobeam Tree Trail," an interactive storytelling experience helping young children explore emotions through art. The Princess joined them on the trail, using portraits to spark discussions about feelings. The highlight was the Bobeam Tree exhibit, where audio recordings and props brought the portraits to life, with Catherine encouraging the children to engage and share their interpretations.

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

​The creative journey didn't stop there. The children were then invited to create their own self-portraits, a powerful way to link their emotions to their artistic expressions. This activity offered a tangible way for them to recognize, process, and express their feelings, fostering valuable social and emotional skills.

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

The Princess of Wales's passion for early childhood development was evident as she highlighted the importance of making emotional learning engaging both in schools and the wider community. This visit further reinforced her commitment to the "Shaping Us" initiative, promoting children's well-being in their early years.

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace