Princess of Wales plays I-spy and walks hand-in-hand with pupil into gallery

The visit was part of Catherine’s Shaping Us initiative, which focuses on early childhood development. The children took part in an interactive storytelling trail designed to help them explore emotions and create self-portraits.

Britain’s Kate, the Princess of Wales joins a group of four and five-year-old school children at the National Portrait Gallery as she launched a new project from The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood aimed at supporting young children in the development of crucial social and emotional skills, in London, Tuesday Feb. 4, 2025. (Arthur Edwards/Pool Photo via AP)

“My name is Catherine and I’m coming on your trip today,” the princess told the children as she boarded the minibus, checking that everyone had their seatbelts on.

During the visit, Catherine assisted the children as they drew their own portraits in a gallery filled with famous faces. The National Portrait Gallery, of which she is royal patron, recently launched the free exhibition to encourage young children to understand and express emotions.

Catherine’s Shaping Us initiative aims to bring out importance of early childhood experiences, with a focus on developing social skills and improving mental health.

Britain’s Kate, Princess of Wales, arrives at the National Portrait Gallery to join a group of four and five-year-old school children, launching a new project from The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood aimed at supporting young children in London, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025.(AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Liz Smith, the gallery’s director of learning, said young visitors could be the “harshest critics,” but the children had responded well to the project.

This visit marks another step in Catherine’s gradual return to public engagements following her cancer treatment. Last month, she revealed she was in remission and recently shared a photograph taken by her six-year-old son, Prince Louis, to mark World Cancer Day.

King Charles, who is also undergoing cancer treatment, shared a message on the Royal Family’s social media, sending love to those affected by cancer and recognising the efforts of medical professionals and support charities.