TEAMING UP WITH GIOVANNA FLETCHER
IS ON GLIT TERING FORM AS SHE DRESSES A CHRISTMAS GROT TO AT A BABY BANK
With a month to go beforeshe celebrates Christmas with her own children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, the Princess of Wales got into the festive spirit on a visit to a baby bank.
She helped to dress a Christmas grotto at Sebby’s Corner in Barnet, NorthLondon, joining volunteers including podcaster Giovanna Fletcher – a champion of Kate’s Shaping Us early years campaign – to stack shelves with toys and add decorative bows, giggling as she got glitter on her face.
The Princess, who will host her now annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on8 December, also donated 50 copies of Jill Tomlinson’s The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark – the book she read on CBeebies Bedtime Stories in February last year.
HELPING HAND
Wearing a black roll-neck top and a long brown skirt with boots, she visited the organisation to highlight the vital role of baby banks in supporting families struggling with the cost-ofliving crisis.
She also launched an initiative by the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood to encourage people to support their local baby banks in the run-up to Christmas by donating money, products or pre-loved items, or volunteering their time.
VITAL ROLE
Kate said: “All those who are looking after young children and babies, it’s such a vital role you play. Being able to have support from the community and support from a network, it is essential, not only for children but also for parents.
“There are so many families in challenging circumstances. Every child should have the essentials. The needs are really huge.”
She added: “It’s amazing how generous people are. There is a real willingness to give back. Sometimes people don’t know how to support, so part of raising awareness here is helping
