CHRISTMAS KATE
Kate Middleton surprises excited children at a Christmas tree farm to celebrate new patronage from the Queen
KATE Middleton surprised excited kids today as she headed to a Christmas tree farm to celebrate her new patronage.
The Duchess of Cambridge got in the festive spirit as she donned a warm green and red outfit to visit Peterley Manor Farm in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire.
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The visit marked her taking on the Family Action patronage from the Queen, who had held it for more than 65 years after Queen Mary passed it onto her in 1953.
Kate, 37, appeared in good spirits as she headed to the farm this afternoon, ready to join families and children supported by Family Action for Christmas activities.
Wrapping up warm, she wore a a green jumper paired with red puffa jacket and boots.
And she seemed eager to be shown around, exploring the Elf Workshop before sitting down with families to make decorations.
Kate and the families also headed outside to pick Christmas trees for Family Action pre-schools.
Holding onto one little girl's hand, she chatted to the kids before they decorated the chosen tree together in adorable scenes.
At the previously unannounced engagement, the duchess then went on to help youngsters in the farm's Elves Enchanted Forest, where they made eco-friendly reindeer food.
Kensington Palace said: "This new patronage aligns with Her Royal Highness’ longstanding work on the early years, and the importance of supporting children and families during this seminal period of their lives."
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While Kate is out today, husband Prince William is also performing royal duties in Kuwait.
Family Action, which works with vulnerable or disadvantaged children, was founded in 1869 to help families in difficulty by giving them practical help.
It now supports families with issues such as financial hardship, mental health and emotional well-being, social isolation, parenting challenges, domestic abuse, and substance misuse.
Kate - mother to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - visited Family Action's base in Lewisham, south-east London, in January 2019 and launched its national support line, FamilyLine.
She also spent time at Hornsey Road Children's Centre in north London, where the charity provides services, in 2017.
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The charity's chief executive, David Holmes, said: "Everyone at Family Action would like to extend our thanks to Her Majesty for her steadfast support and encouragement to us over so many years.
"I have seen the duchess's passionate support for disadvantaged families first hand and have been impressed by her leadership in understanding and promoting the vital importance of the Early Years.
"Family Action looks forward to working with the duchess in the years to come."
This year marks the charity's 150th anniversary.
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