It was a chilly autumnal day in Essex with reporters noting conditions were " very cold" when the couple arrived at Basildon Sporting Village just before midday.
William and Kate returned to London over the weekend ahead of Prince George returning to school at Thomas's Battersea following a half-term break. The Cambridges spent much of last week at their country home Anmer Hall, briefly taking a helicopter back to Kensington Palace with Prince Louis, to attend the Dutch State Banquet.
Kate was greeted by a very excited group of children.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived at Basildon sporting village and took time to say hello to children and people who’d gathered to greet them #HeartNews pic.twitter.com/K8KTRzqsDO— Essex News (@HeartEssexNews) October 30, 2018
A little boy was determined to hold onto William's hand.
It looks like even the Duke thinks is cold today... #royalvisit #basildon #HeartNews pic.twitter.com/yCW5zoNt85— Essex News (@HeartEssexNews) October 30, 2018
Coach Core Essex has been running for almost three years, showing growth and building strong partnerships with local organisations year after year. William and Kate met apprentices working with two of these partner organisations: Sport for Confidence and South Essex Gymnastics club, who have been involved with Coach Core Essex since its inception and have subsequently employed multiple apprentices.
Coach Core received terrific news last month when Sport England announced plans to award the Royal Foundation a £1 million national lottery grant to double the reach of the programme. It will ensure plans to expand the initiative across England can take shape much faster than initially anticipated.
The Duke and Duchess met some of the 30 plus graduates of the programme, before joining in with their coaching sessions.
A hug from the Duchess.
More from the BBC:
"The mother-of-three was at the Basildon Sporting Village with her husband, the Duke of Cambridge, to highlight the ability of sport to change lives. She embraced young fans, along with Janet Emery, 58, who hugged both Catherine and Prince William. "Thank you very much," Catherine told her. "Hugs are very important. I keep saying that to my children."
A video of the sweet moment.
"Hugs are very important; I keep saying that to my children."— Peter Cary (@PeterCary1) October 30, 2018
The Duchess of Cambridge meets Janet Emery, a @sportforconf client in Basildon Sporting Village, Essex - my video for @PA. pic.twitter.com/wjTKsdoTOf
The couple also participated in a game of Boccia, which is one of the sports provided by Sport for Confidence, a social enterprise that provides sporting opportunities to individuals who face barriers to participation.
Getting very much into the spirit :)
The Duchess adores tennis and enjoyed hitting the ball.
William joined a group of children for various sporting activities.
William and Kate walked through to the gymnastics centre, which is the home of South Essex Gymnastics Club.
They watched Olympic standard gymnasts in training as well as a pre-school session.
The couple posed for an official photo.
Kate was given a beautiful bunch of flowers by Sophia Mitchell.
A very nice shot of William and Kate departing.
View a video from the engagement below.
The Duchess opted for a smart casual look in a stylish checked jacket, black turtleneck and black skinny jeans.
The Duchess sported the Smythe 2 Button Blazer (with thanks to Christin). The glen check/black corduroy, tailored, single-breasted silhouette has a traditional riding blazer feel, featuring a contrast collar, flattering pocket flaps and oversized leather buttons. It's retails for $795 at Smythe. It's also available in limited sizing at Shoptiques.
A closer look at the buttons.
Valerie from What Kate Wore Facebook suggests Kate's sweater is the $69 & Other Stories Merino Wool Turtleneck. It certainly looks like a match.
The Duchess wore her Russell & Bromley Fallon Mid Zip Chelsea Boots. The £295 boots are described as: "With elastic detailing and a stack heel, Fallon Dry by Aquatalia is the perfect gaucho-chelsea boot hybrid. Crafted from weather resistant black suede and featuring two zips, they delicately toe the line between smart and casual."
It appears Kate accessorised with the £1400 Kiki McDonough White Topaz and Diamond Cushion Drop earrings (with thanks to Rebecca). They are available on the Kiki website and in gold at Neiman Marcus.
Kate wore her Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.
At present, there's no further engagements announced for the Duchess. I expect that to change before the end of the week.
