Duchess Kate And Dr. Biden Joined Forces To Highlight The Importance Of Early Education
In a surprise joint engagement, the duchess and First Lady visited a school in Cornwall where they held a roundtable session focused on early-years childhood development.
The bond between the United Kingdom and United States got a little closer when the Duchess of Cambridge joined forces with Dr. Jill Biden for a special royal engagement during the G-7 Summit in Cornwall, England.
The pair met for a low-key visit to a school in the town of Hayle on Friday, June 11, where they led a roundtable discussion on the importance of early childhood on lifelong outcomes—a topic close to Kate’s heart.
Students aged 4 to 11 years old at the Connor Downs Academy in West Cornwall were surprised to see the pair walking side by side, both smiling as they approached the school gates. Upon arrival, the couple visited a class to hear how young boys and girls have been supported through a bespoke Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) teaching system, which uses child-led learning to help develop the pupils as confident and independent learners.
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The visit was also an opportunity for the two women—who were meeting for the first time—to get to know each other a little better. For Dr. Biden, she was keen to hear more about the royal family’s newest addition, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, who was born to Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry on June 4.
“I wish her all the very best,” Kate, who wore a pink Alexander McQueen shift dress, said of her new niece. “I can’t wait to meet her. We haven’t met yet. I hope that will be soon.”
Dr. Biden continues to teach while fulfilling her role as First Lady, so picking a school that reflected both women’s interests was important, especially as she and President Joe Biden are committed to increasing opportunities for children and youth to grow, learn, and gain skills to succeed. Connor Downs Academy is part of a network of schools in Cornwall that focuses on helping students reach their potential, while recognizing the importance of nurturing positive relationships and supporting mental health and well-being of both children and staff.
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Dr. Biden and Duchess Kate visit a class at Connor Downs Academy in Hayle, Cornwall. Photo: Getty
Dr Jill Biden Kate Middleton
During their roundtable session, the pair heard from eight representatives (four in the room and four video-calling from the U.S.) working in the early-years sector.
“The importance of providing adequate support for parents and children alike during early childhood, and the positive impact that this can have across society, is something which Her Royal Highness and The First Lady have both gained an understanding of through their respective work,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson shared in a media release with BAZAAR.com.
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There were also a few lighter moments for the pair during the engagement. Duchess Kate and Dr. Biden joined the school’s “animal cadets” to help feed rabbits outside, with the First Lady pictured carrying a large bowl of carrots.
Their engagement comes ahead of Friday evening’s G-7 leaders reception, which will take place banquet style at the Eden Project worldwide attraction. The two women will join their husbands, Prince William and President Biden, alongside the queen, Prince Charles, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. Afterward, Kate will join Her Majesty and Camilla at an event of The Big Lunch community volunteering initiative, launched ahead of next year’s platinum jubilee for the queen.
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Duchess Kate walks with Dr. Biden, who carries carrots to feed pet rabbits during their visit to Connor Downs Academy. Photo: Getty
Dr Jill Biden Kate Middleton
On Thursday, June 3, Dr. Biden was asked about her and the president’s plans to have tea with the queen at Windsor Castle on Sunday. “Joe and I are both looking forward to meeting the queen,” she said. “That’s an exciting part of the visit for us. We’ve looked forward to this for weeks and now it’s finally here. It’s a beautiful beginning.”
This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR US.