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The Duchess of Cambridge has revealed the secrets behind how she chooses the best Christmas tree each year for her royal family, during a surprise outing to a Christmas tree farm.
The unannounced appearance followed an earlier announcement she had become the new royal patron of the charity Family Action – a role which The Queen had held for more than 65 years.
Dressed for the festive season, Duchess Catherine looked comfy in a green sweater, red puffer jacket, jeans, green socks and boots, and joined families supported by Family Action, a charity who give practical help and support to families going through hardship including perinatal mental health services, counselling and mentoring for children, young people and adults.
Helping children pick out Christmas trees and joining them in the ‘Elves Enchanted Forest’ to make Christmas decorations and eco-friendly reindeer food, Peterley Manor Farm owner Roger Brill told People the Duchess’ ideal tree was one that smells nice and doesn’t cause a mess.
“She was asking about the tress which drop needles and those that don’t, and which ones smell nice,” Roger told the publication.
“She said that they normally have the Nordmann Fir inside that doesn’t drop the needles.”
He added, “She was fantastic with the youngsters. She was in there moving [the trees] around and holding them up.
“I will have to give her a job at the weekend,” Roger joked, “She was a very good saleswoman!”
The owner of the Christmas tree farm said Kate was “fantastic” with the children and wasn’t afraid to get stuck in when handling the trees. (Image: Getty)
The 37-year-old mum of Prince George, 6, Princess Charlotte, 4, and Prince Louis, 1, also helped a young girl named Aleigha compose a wish list for Santa during Wednesday’s outing.
Talking to People, Aleigha’s mother Toni Law said the moment was one her eight-year-old daughter will never forget saying Kate was “amazing”.
A pre-schooler gets the royal seal of approval – a thumbs up – on the Christmas tree they’ve picked out. (Image: Getty)
She also said she spoke with Kate about the competition between some families over presents during the festive season.
“[Kate] said, ‘Instead of posting on social media about who’s got the bigger present, post on there about the meaning. Tell people the real meaning,'” Toni recalled.
She added the duchess told her she was doing an amazing job as a mum, with Toni saying she returned the praise.
“I said she is doing an amazing job. She’s an amazing person.”
Kate joined children making Christmas decorations and eco-friendly reindeer food. (Image: Getty)
Duchess Catherine’s new patronage is an incredibly fitting one, aligning with her longstanding work on the early years, and the importance of supporting children and families during this crucial period of their lives.
Speaking of Kate’s appearance at the Family Action outing, chief executive David Holmes said the duchess had been “lovely” saying it is obvious how passionate she is about her work.
“I have worked with her on the early years for some time,” he told People.
“But she is fantastic with children and is also really interested in the issues – she’s really interested in families and parenting, and it really shines through everything she does.”
The news of Kate’s new patronage comes just days after Kensington Palace announced the exciting news that she and Prince William will be coming to British TV screens very soon, collaborating with food writer and TV presenter Mary Berry for a Christmas special on BBC One named A Berry Royal Christmas.
The hour-long special, set to air on December 16th, will see Mary visit some of William and Kate’s key causes and help them prepare a festive feast to thank the volunteers and workers who are lending a helping hand over the holidays.
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