Last modified on
Nov 17, 2022 17:54 GMT
Phoebe Tatham
The Princess of Wales makes solo trip to Reading Ukrainian Community Centre. Get all the details here…
The Princess of Wales paid a visit to the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre on Thursday to meet displaced Ukrainian families and learn more about how the centre is supporting the local community.
SEE: The Princess of Wales’ Christmas announcement leaves royal fans confused
The Reading Ukrainian Community Centre houses the Berkshire branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), the largest representative body for Ukrainians and those of Ukrainian descent in the UK.
WATCH: The Princess of Wales was presented with an array of gifts
Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, the Community Centre has worked hard to provide kids with educational classes. Beyond this, the centre runs weekly coffee mornings to provide the Ukrainian community with practical advice and support surrounding employment and housing.
MORE: Princess Kate is all smiles at England’s Rugby League World Cup match
PHOTOS: Princess Kate’s most elegant evening dresses we’ll be shopping for party season
Kate looked gorgeous in a chic navy polka dot dress from highstreet favourite, LK Bennett. The sophisticated dress featured yellow dots in a sublte nod to the Ukrainian flag. She layered with a sleek camel coat and opted for a pair of suede court shoes.
The royal looked radiant
As for accessories, the royal elevated her smart getup with a pair of timeless pearl drop earrings and a quilted black leather clutch.
Princess Kate received a warm welcome
Upon arrival, the Princess of Wales was presented with a traditional Ukrainian cake.
During her visit, the mother-of-three met with volunteers to learn more about how they have adapted their services in recent months. Kate later met with a handful of families to hear their personal stories and how they’ve benefited from the Centre.
The royal spoke to Ukrainian families
At one point, Kate sat down with a Ukrainian woman to discuss her harrowing experience of fleeing Ukraine. Responding to her story, the royal said: “It’s still all going on and you have loved ones and family in Ukraine they still see the horrors of war every day… I am so impressed at your bravery and resilience I am overwhelmed by how strong you all are.”
The Princess of Wales posed for a picture with a little girl
Galina Bolebrukh, meanwhile, wept as she told Kate her experience of sheltering from Putin’s bombs with her three-year-old son and her mother. Moved by her story, Kate replied: “It’s understandable, everything you have experienced.”
Princess Kate met with Olena Zelenska in September
Later in the morning, Princess Kate participated in a kid’s art session. The monthly classes provide a safe space for children to have fun, build friendships and express their emotions and experiences through a creative outlet.
Five-year-old Zlata Yeromenko handed over a painting that read ‘Kate I Love You’.
The mum-of-three got stuck in
Kate’s touching visit comes after she joined members of the royal family to mark Remembrance weekend. On Saturday, the 40-year-old attended the Festival of Remembrance wearing a 50s-inspired blazer dress from one of her go-to London-based labels, Self-Portrait.
The Princess of Wales and Queen Consort Camilla on Remembrance Day
And on Sunday, the senior royal supported King Charles III as he led the touching Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph in London’s Whitehall. Princess Kate joined Queen Consort Camilla on the balcony of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office building.
Other royals in attendance at the moving ceremony were the Countess of Wessex and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who were seen on another balcony.
Make sure you never miss a ROYAL story! Sign up to The Royal Explainer newsletter to receive your weekly dose of royal features and other exclusive content straight to your inbox.
