Since 2008 Radio 1 has held an annual event for teenagers aged 14 to 17 years. The awards celebrate the selfless, brave and exceptional achievements of young people. Celebrities and stars in the music, sporting and online industries are also honoured. The pre-awards event provided an excellent opportunity for the Duke and Duchess to meet the young people involved, and to congratulate them on their success.
The couple posed for photos with young finalists.
Hello reports:
'It is thought that the royal couple welcomed teenagers - Lily Rice, Junior Frood and Siena Castellon - into their home to praise them for their inspirational work after being crowned Teen Heroes of 2018. Speaking to HELLO! after the meet-and-greet, 16-year-old Siena - who has supported other students with autism and learning difficulties - revealed: "It was such an honour and privilege to meet the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Kensington Palace. They were both genuinely interested in my website, www.QLMentoring.com, which I created to support and mentor autistic students and students with learning disabilities."
Of meeting Prince William and Kate, who wore a burgundy coloured dress with white dots, she added: "The Duchess was especially interested in addressing autism stereotypes and was saddened to hear about the severity of the disability-related bullying I have experienced. She congratulated me for being a Diana Award holder and for currently serving on the National Youth Board, a role that has given me a national platform through which to share my disability-based bullying experience. They were both incredibly warm, supportive and encouraging. Meeting them was an awesome experience! They have inspired me continue to make a positive difference in my community."
Kate said to William: “You love breakdancing don’t you.” William replied “No, breakdancing is literally where I break myself.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met Radio 1 Teen Hero Junior at @KensingtonRoyal this week ahead of #R1TeenAwards on Sunday 🕺 pic.twitter.com/tfpTVCIZH9— Radio 1 Press Office (@BBCRadio1PR) October 19, 2018
This is not the first time William and Kate hosted a reception for the event. In 2016, they welcomed young people and representatives from the awards to Kensington Palace. Kate, who wore a bespoke McQueen dress told, Joe and Toby, who were both active fundraisers for Cancer Research UK. "I don't know how all of you find the time to do the volunteering," she told them. "It's such a great thing... Keep it up." William added, "Massive congratulations, it's seriously impressive," before them the group of winners as "shining lights".
The Awards take place on Sunday at the Wembley SSE Arena. A host of well known faces including Little Mix, Jonas Blue, Sigrid and 5 Seconds of Summer will be performing.
It was Kate's second engagement of the week. On Tuesday, Kate held a meeting with experts to discuss her early years initiative, convened by the Royal Foundation. Rebecca English exclusively revealed the initiative launches next year. Hello! adds:
'The mum-of-three hosted a meeting at Kensington Palace on Tuesday morning, most likely after doing the school run. Experts gathered at the palace to discuss Kate's new project, the 'Early Years' initiative. Kate, who gave birth to Prince Louis in April, returned from maternity leave earlier this month. Last spring, the palace confirmed that Kate will continue to support her patronages and charities, but her priority would be to look after her three young children: Prince George, five, Princess Charlotte, three, and six-month-old baby Louis.'
Kensington Palace also shared this video.
Meet some of the Teen Heroes who will be recognised this afternoon at the @bbcr1 Teen Awards. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were honoured to meet them earlier this week at Kensington Palace and hear more about their incredible achievements. pic.twitter.com/l29JGxMOLy— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 21, 2018
The Duchess wore the Whistles Margot Dress for the reception.
It's described as "Crafted from a lightweight fabric that elegantly skims the silhouette, this piece is adorned with a timeless all-over polka dot print and features long sleeves for a demure finish. The shirt design, complete with collar neckline with button through front give this a classic look." The £159 dress is available in limited sizes at Whistles, Bloomingdales, Selfridges, John Lewis and Next.
Kate accessorised with her Cassandra Goad Temple of Heaven Earrings.
On Monday, the Palace released delightful news confirming the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expecting their first baby in Spring 2019. The couple are currently undertaking a packed tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand. Read all about it over on Mad About Meghan.
At present, there's no engagements announced for Kate. George is on half term until the 29th, it's possible the family will spend a week at Anmer Hall. In the meantime, there is a strong possibility we'll see the Cambridges at the private luncheon and/or State Banquet for the Dutch State Visit on Tuesday.
