Kate wears face mask for first time during charity visit

The Duchess of Cambridge has worn a face mask at a royal event for the first time as she revealed that the stories of families struggling during lockdown moved her to tears.

Kate described how she wept after a trip to a baby bank, which provides essential items to mothers in need like nappies and infant clothes, as she visited a similar project in Sheffield.

During the event, Kate put on a floral face mask, a move which shows how the monarchy are adhering to coronavirus guidelines like the rest of the country.

The Duchess of Cornwall recently wore a face covering during a visit to the National Gallery in London, and the Prince of Wales has joked about being given tartan masks.

Commenting on how she cried after returning home from the baby bank visit, Kate said: “It can get very emotional.

“Helping their families through extraordinary times.”

Baby banks have proved to be a lifeline for many parents during the coronavirus crisis, but have found their services under increasing pressure due to demand and because they cannot accept second hand donations.

Hearing of this, Kate – who has also previously visited Baby Basics in West Norfolk – decided to see if she could help and has encouraged donations from 19 brands and high street retailers to Baby Basics, Little Village and AberNecessities, who operate baby banks across the UK.

Kate helped unpack donations including clothes and toys during her visit to Baby Basics UK in Sheffield, before talking to parents about how baby banks have provided them with invaluable support when they have needed it most.

Cat Ross, chief executive officer of Baby Basics, told the duchess: “Often in a world where there is a lot of judgment and stereotyping about being poor, that additional stress can be even more difficult for parents who are doing amazing things to keep their families going with such strength, such determination.”

Kate replied: “Yes, one of the mums I met was a nurse. These are families who do fantastic jobs and even they are struggling.

“All of the research shows how vital things like this are for them and that they are being recognised.”

“It’s difficult for sure but there is a lot of fear (and) worry about when furlough ends and what it means for families,” said Ms Ross.

“But one of the positives to come out of it is the strength of communities across the UK and people wanting to help, volunteering and wanting to provide for each other.

“Organisations like us want to harvest that and it keep it going as much as possible.”

At the height of the lockdown, Kate’s children were pictured joining in with the weekly applause for carers and delivering food to the vulnerable on the Queen’s Sandringham estate.

The duchess said: “It’s been wonderful during lockdown, hasn’t it?

“About the way everyone has been busy knitting away, and actually it is those small volunteering acts that everyone can contribute to, that make such a difference.

“That inter-generational support system has been amazing. Knowing that you can make such a big difference to another family is wonderful.”