Pupils excitedly waved flags as the car arrived...
A very warm welcome for the Duchess.
The Duchess of Cambridge in Mitcham, south London, this afternoon in a visit to see the Wimbledon Junior Tennis Innitiative working at a primary school. pic.twitter.com/mZFN0mpPjq— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) January 17, 2018
The programme aims to offer more children the opportunity to experience tennis, as well as showing how participation in sport can develop the life skills and values which tennis encourages, such as teamwork, discipline and fairness. The Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative also helps to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills to deliver exciting and productive school sports lessons, supporting pupils to live healthy and active lifestyles.
Although the pupils were supposed to greet Kate with a handshake, they couldn't resist a hug.
I just love these photos! Someday in the future when Kate is Queen and these children are all grown up, they'll look back on the day she came to their primary school.
The Duchess joined groups of children in the school hall as they took part in a range of tennis-related sessions, including activities to improve hand-eye coordination and footwork. Kate heard from the children and teachers about the impact of the programme, and met a number of the coaches involved in engaging children with tennis in the local community.
Next, it was time to get stuck into tennis exercises.
High-Five.
A video from Victoria Murphy.
Kate enjoying a tennis training session with children in south London pic.twitter.com/MAyKOQid2H— Victoria Murphy (@QueenVicMirror) January 17, 2018
The @WimbledonFdn sessions involve various tennis activities, such as drills and racquet skills, to help build technical ability and promote values such as teamwork, fairness and disciple. pic.twitter.com/NnCO965qTS— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) January 17, 2018
Kate revealed she's less sporty, now she has "lots of babies".
An example of the impact the initiative can have: Jenna Fontanilla was just five when the AELTC coaching team visited her school, St Teresa’s in Merton, and invited her to join the WJTI. Three years on, Jenna continues to take part in two hours of training a week and is fast-becoming a talented and skilful tennis player. Jenna’s parents say the WJTI has also helped her to overcome shyness, become more independent and able to work better individually at school. “The WJTI has had a clear impact on Jenna's life. It is so much more than a tennis master class," said Liza Fontanilla. "The support, constructive feedback and guidance that Jenna receives from the coaches have greatly improved her confidence. "You can clearly see this by comparing Jenna when she started school to the faster, stronger, more confident Jenna we see today.”
This has got to be a contender for one of the best royal videos ever :)
The Duchess was sporty in the Clarice Jacket by British tennis clothing brand PlayBrave (with thanks to Laura, Ashley and Sara for their work on the ID). The piece is described as "A premium quality track jacket, for active use in all kinds of conditions". It's currently reduced from £119 to £109.
An example of the impact the initiative can have: Jenna Fontanilla was just five when the AELTC coaching team visited her school, St Teresa’s in Merton, and invited her to join the WJTI. Three years on, Jenna continues to take part in two hours of training a week and is fast-becoming a talented and skilful tennis player. Jenna’s parents say the WJTI has also helped her to overcome shyness, become more independent and able to work better individually at school. “The WJTI has had a clear impact on Jenna's life. It is so much more than a tennis master class," said Liza Fontanilla. "The support, constructive feedback and guidance that Jenna receives from the coaches have greatly improved her confidence. "You can clearly see this by comparing Jenna when she started school to the faster, stronger, more confident Jenna we see today.”
This has got to be a contender for one of the best royal videos ever :)
Thank you to everyone at Bond Primary School for showing us your racquet skills (and for all of the hugs)! 🎾 pic.twitter.com/ww5jKmj3H3— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) January 17, 2018
Kate wore the Clarice Jacket in black last October for an engagement with the Lawn Tennis Association.
Kate wore her $345 slim-fit Monreal London Tuxedo pants. They have inbuilt shorts for lift, support and to add layer of opacity. Concealed pockets and side panels are flattering and leg-lengthening, while the elasticated waistband and invisible ankle zips add comfort. They’re made from high-flex luxury performance jersey and feature monochrome panels with a contrast neon yellow waistband.
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Kate wore her Nike Women's Air Vapormax Flyknit Running Shoes. They are available in several colours at Nordstrom and Six02.
Kate accessorised with her Annoushka pearls and Kiki hoops from this morning.
If you're just joining us, click here to view our earlier post covering Kate's visit to Great Ormond Street Hospital. Kate, wearing the Boden Lena coat, officially opened the Mittal Children's Medical Centre, met families and patients and said a few words after the unveiling.
A very enjoyable day of events!
