Duchess Kate brings back Hobbs dress for foster care engagement

Today the Duchess had an engagement "celebrating the work of foster carers," especially those offering support for young people. The event was hosted by the Fostering Network, the UK's leading fostering charity. The Duchess arriving at the Islington Council in north London, where today's function was held. Many readers will recognize her Hobbs Animal Print dress.

Kate took part in a roundtable discussion with those offering foster care and teens who have been, or are in, foster care, described by the Fostering Network as "...a private discussion about the issues that they feel are most pertinent in foster care today."

One of the Fostering Network's suggestions for those in foster care is that they keep a memory box; today Kate was given her own memory box.

"...one like so many children in foster care carry with them. It was full of stories and poems from young people in foster care, and the children of foster carers, and I hope that we managed to provide some more memories of fostering that she can carry with her."

Kate is not involved with the Fostering Network in a formal capacity at this point, she is not its patron, nor does she volunteer with the group to the best of our knowledge. However, it is an organization doing work that dovetails nicely with the themes running through her official patronages: care for children and help for at-risk youth.

Kate wore the Hobbs Animal Print Dress, a silk shirtdress we have seen previously. There's good news for anyone interested in purchasing the piece: it's on sale for just $95 on the Hobbs US site and still available in limited sizes, although it does appear to be sold out on the UK site.


Kate accessorized with her Mulberry Bayswater clutch. She also wore her Stuart Weitzman 'Power' pumps in black suede.The shoe is available in all sizes at Stuart Weitzman ($355).

We saw Kate wear a new pair of earrings today. The pair is by Mirabelle Jewelry, there's just a little confusion as to whether the Duchess is wearing the Lolita style, or the Gina. Both pair are gold plated and Fair Trade, as are many of Mirabelle's products.

As always, the Duchess enjoyed speaking with the children gathered for the event. Click through above to see more photos of the day!

See more from What Kate Wore here.