Kate Middleton Hosts Palace Reception In Sapphire Blue Sparkling Gown

Published on March 10, 2020.

Kate Middleton had a jam-packed schedule this year for Commonwealth Day!

The Commonwealth Day celebrations began with a service at Westminister Abbey where Kate Middleton and Prince William reunited with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after their time in Canada.

Later that evening, Kate hosted a Buckingham Palace reception in celebration of her patronage Place2Be‘s 25th anniversary. For the special occasion, the Duchess changed from her monochrome berry-toned look from the day into something a little more glitzy. She opted for a sapphire blue gown with long sleeves, lace detailing and a flowing skirt. She accessorized with a coordinating blue beaded clutch and glittery shoes. For her beauty look, the Duchess let her hair loose from the elegant updo she wore during the day and styled her hair in a bouncy blowout.

Kate made a rare speech during the reception to address and welcome the crowd. “Place2Be was one of the first charities I became patron of. I knew it was special then, but having spent many years since, learning about the importance of childhood development, I see even more the value in the work that you do and I am hugely grateful for all that you have taught me over the past seven years,” Kate said.

“You taught me, right from the start, that the children in your schools are only as happy and emotionally strong as the adults in their care. That is why you take such great pride in the work you do with your teachers and your parents.”

She continued, “You taught me the importance of creating safe and nurturing environments within schools, embracing a holistic view of emotional well-being which permeates through the whole school system. You also taught me that it’s the simplest things that make a difference to children. It’s the quality time that is spent with them. It’s the time you take to listen to them. It is trusting relationships that have the most profound impact on the emotional and mental well-being of a child.”

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Check out Kate’s gorgeous blue gown below:

(Chris Jackson/Pool photo via AP) (Chris Jackson/Pool photo via AP) (Chris Jackson/Pool photo via AP) (Chris Jackson/Pool photo via AP)