Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamstepped out together on Thursday morning to support the launch of a new organization tackling the response to disasters in the U.K.
William and Kate, both 37, helped kick off the National Emergencies Trust, which aims to coordinate the response to tragedies such as theGrenfell Tower tragedy in Londonand theManchester Arena terrorist attackin 2017. The organization hopes to bring about a joint action from charities and non-profits to fast-moving and developing events.
The launch, held at St. Martin-in-the-Fields church near Trafalgar Square in London was initially scheduled to be just with William — who has worked for the emergency services as an air ambulance pilot after a career in the RAF as a search and rescue helicopter pilot. But the palace added Kate — who wore a striking Emilia Wickstead dark blue belted dress paired with herAspinal of London clutch— to the schedule earlier this week, meaning the couple could meet some of those behind the vital new charity together.
Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images
The trust is set up to work collaboratively with charities and other organizations to direct public donations to specific appeals and to distribute funds fairly and efficiently at the time of a national emergency. It follows the concept of the Disasters Emergency Committee, which has been the U.K. response to many overseas disasters for more than 50 years.
Kate Middleton.Beretta/Sims/Shutterstock
Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton.Press Association via AP Images
In a speech on Thursday, William praised the “resilience and strength” of the survivors he and Princess Kate had met at the launch and on previous occasions.
“We all know the important role that the Disasters Emergency Committee plays in channeling the British public’s extraordinary generosity to respond to disasters overseas,” he said. “It is therefore only fitting that a new, national charity is able to fulfill the same function when tragedy strikes at home.”
Prince William.Nils Jorgensen/Shutterstock
Prince William
Press Association via AP Images
“You have heard first hand from Thelma today about her experience in the 7/7 bombings in 2005. Just now and on previous occasions, it has been humbling to speak to survivors of the London Bridge and Manchester attacks, the Cumbria floods, the Grenfell Tower fire and other disasters here in the UK. Their stories are as heart-breaking as they are inspiring. Their resilience and strength are deeply humbling.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton.Beretta/Sims/Shutterstock
Prince WilliamandKate Middleton
The couple, who were last seen publicly alongside each otheron their tour of Pakistanin October, are believed to have spent much of last week with their children at Anmer Hall in Norfolk, asPrince GeorgeandPrincess Charlottewere on a half-term break from their school at Thomas’s Battersea.
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The outing kicks off a busy few days of public events for the royal family. Later in the morning, Meghan andPrince Harryattended the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in London and Harry and Meghan will be reunited with William and Kate at theRemembrance Day servicesthis weekend.
source: people.com
