The Princess of Wales turned guest presenter as she opened the BBC’s annual Children in Need television appeal tonight.
Kate, 41, was the surprise opening act of the annual charity fundraiser in a video message.
Wearing a favourite £175 blue blouse dotted with rainbows by London brand Lisou, she told the audience: ‘Hello everyone. I’m delighted that Children in Need have invited me to open this evening’s show.’
Her appearance was timely given her landmark speech earlier this week on the importance of early childhood and the affect that experiences between the ages of birth to five can have on adult life.
‘Tonight is all about helping to support, champion and empower all children to be the very best they can be, which is crucial for their future health and happiness,’ the mother-of-three explained.
‘Our relationships, surroundings and experiences during the earliest years lay the foundations that shape the rest of our lives.
‘And yet sadly, we know that for too many people, stressful and traumatic situations in early childhood can cause harm and it can take many years to overcome.’
She concluded: ‘It is vital, therefore, that we nurture every childhood and why the sorts of projects supported by Children in Need are so important.
‘They help the very youngest, most vulnerable members of our society feel safe, secure and loved in these important, formative years, so that they can enjoy their childhoods now, and grow to reach their potential and thrive in the world in later lif
