The Prince of Wales playfully teased Kate Middleton for ‘nattering too much’ as they packed parcels for struggling families at a food bank in Windsor today.
Prince William, 40, and his wife, 41, visited Windsor Foodshare this morning to hear how the organisation provides for individuals and families, where they also helped to sort out donations and prepare packages for the local community.
The Princess looked elegant in her Hobbs London Tilda Coat in fuchsia pink which she paired with a matching Hobbs jumper and a pair of smart black trousers.
The couple appeared in good spirits, promising they would return in the future, and teased one another about who was better at packing the parcels.
The Prince and Princess of Wales showed their caring spirits today as they visited a food bank in Windsor – as millions of families struggle with the cost-of-living crisis
The princess styled her hair in a bouncy blow dry for the outing and chose a subtle smokey eye shadow and a sweep of blush. It is a look that Kate has gone for before.
She last wore the colourful ensemble in November 2021, when she visited a school in London as part of her Early Years work.
During the engagement today, the couple met with staff who run the service, before learning more about the charity’s founding principles which centre around treating everyone as equals and making no judgements on their circumstances.
The Princess looked elegant in her Hobbs London Tilda Coat In Fuchsia Pink, which she paired with a matching Hobbs jumper and a pair of smart black trousers
Once inside, the couple appeared in good spirits as they chatted with staff and volunteers about the importance of the service
They also heard more about the impact that the rising cost of living has had on the demand for the service.
It operates on a referral basis from a variety of sources such as schools, doctors, social services, churches and community wardens.
Kate and William have long been campaigners regarding a number of social challenges – from addiction and violence to family breakdown and homelessness – so often underpinned by poor mental health.
Marking its 10th anniversary later this year, Windsor Foodshare provides short-term weekly help in the form of food parcels containing ambient foods, bread, eggs, fresh fruit and vegetables to any local household where there is a likelihood of an individual or family going hungry due to a lack of funds.
The couple appeared in good spirits at the event, promising volunteers and members of staff that they would return in the future
The royal mother-of-three maneuvered a trolley through the charity’s base in Windsor where she met with volunteers
Kate, who has become a dedicated campaigner on a number of social issues, sorted through different tins to make the food packages
The Prince and Princess, who have spoken of the ‘devastating’ impact of the cost of living crisis, were quick to get involved at the centre
Kate also helped volunteers to sort food donations and prepare packages for the charity’s clients to collect later that day (left and right)
Rolling up his sleeves! Prince William sorts through tins at the food bank today
The royal, who was in good spirits, was animated as he chatted with staff members and volunteers about their work
The royal couple joined other volunteers at the centre as they helped to sort through food donations to distribute to families in the local area
The Prince of Wales was quick to get to work and began checking through tins to pack into parcels for families
The royal father-of-three picked up packets of cereal and tins of food to pack into parcels at the food bank
The Princess, who just yesterday appeared at another royal engagement in Windsor, was animated as she spoke with staff and volunteers about their ongoing efforts
Toiletries and cleaning products are also provided on a monthly basis. The organisation, which forms part of Windsor Christian Action, is completely reliant on monetary and food donations from individuals, businesses and local retail outlets.
In 2022 the charity helped to feed over 7,000 local residents, an increase of 18 per cent from the previous year’s support, meaning that on average 150 people receive food per week from Windsor Foodshare.
The organisation also runs a home delivery service for people with mobility requirements and those who do not have access to transport.
It’s far from the first time the couple have volunteered at food banks during the cost-of-living crisis.
The Princess in November said the impact of food and energy insecurity in the country could be ‘devastating’
Kate, who has previously spoken of how families are struggling amidst the cost-of-living crisis, was animated as she spoke with staff at the centre during her visit today
During the visit, the couple met with staff who run the service, before learning more about the charity’s founding principles
Sarah Kember, manager of Windsor Food Share, greeted William and Kate at Dedworth Green Baptist Church
Meanwhile the Prince of Wales was dressed in a smart navy blue and green ensemble for the outing today
Chatting with staff members at the food bank, the couple heard about the impact that the rising cost of living has had on the demand for the service
Kate and William have long been campaigners to address a number of social challenges – from addiction and violence to family breakdown and homelessness – so often underpinned by poor mental health
The princess styled her hair in a bouncy blow dry for the outing and chose a subtle smokey eye and a sweep of blush
In September, Kate made a rare foray into politics when she spoke of the need for food banks as millions of families struggle with the cost-of-living crisis.
The royal made the comments about the importance of community services during a discussion with volunteers and members of the congregation at St Thomas Church in Swansea.
During the visit with husband William, Kate said: ‘With the cost of living crisis, there are a lot of desperate people out there.’
The royal said that the food bank was a ‘lifeline to so many people’ particularly after the pandemic and amid the soaring cost of living.
During their visit today, the couple also helped volunteers to sort food donations and prepare packages for the charity’s clients to collect later that day
William and Kate visited Windsor Foodshare this morning to hear how the organisation provides for individuals and families living in the local area
Leading the way! Kate stepped out of the car ahead of her husband, appearing enthusiastic to learn more about the service in Windsor
Kate showed off her eco-credentials today as she rewore the vibrant pink coat and jumper from British brand Hobbs
Kate and William have long been campaigners to address a number of social challenges – from addiction and violence to family breakdown and homelessness – so often underpinned by poor mental health
The Princess looked elegant in her Hobbs London Tilda Coat In Fuchsia Pink for the visit, which she paired with a matching Hobbs jumper and a pair of smart black trousers
The royal mother-of-three wore her lengthy brunette locks in a bouncy blow dry style for the outing today
The royal styled her bright pink jumper and matching coat with a pair of navy trousers and heels for the outing
The royal couple are set to learn more about the food bank today, as well as helping volunteers to pack sort through donations
And in November, the Princess of Wales shared a heartwarming message of sympathy for families with the thousands of families facing the ‘devastating impact of food and energy insecurity’.
Backing the Evening Standard’s On The Breadline Christmas appeal – aimed at supporting those suffering through the cost-of-living crisis in the UK – Kate said it is a vital time to help the vulnerable.
She told the newspaper: ‘As millions of people face increasingly difficult times over the coming months, it has never been more important for us to support families who are working so hard to protect their children from the devastating impact of food and energy insecurity.’
The mother-of-three thanked the paper, its partners and readers for its work and remarked that its sure to make a difference to families in London and the UK this winter.
It’s been a busy week for Kate, who yesterday met with eight experts, appointed to offer her strategic advice and provide oversight of the work of her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, at Windsor Castle.
Kate, shaking hands with the specialists, said: ‘I feel a bit nervous about it! But excited too.
‘I was talking to the children this morning – the excitement and nervousness gets mixed up together in the same pot.’
