June 19, 2020 at 02:01PM
The coronavirus pandemic is not over, but in a testament to the UK’s progress in containing the virus, Kate Middleton went out for her first in-person event today. The Duchess of Cambridge visited the Fakenham Garden Centre in Norfolk to talk with its owners and staff about how the center has been affected by COVID-19.
The center is close to the Duchess’s country home, Anmer Hall, where she, Prince William, and their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are quarantining.
Kate dressed casually for her visit, pairing skinny jeans with a Jaeger mint button-up, Fjällräven brown vest, and dark green sneakers. Kate did not wear a mask; she did, however, appear to keep about six feet apart from the people she spoke to: centre owners Martin and Jennie Turner and members of their staff. The CDC and WHO recommend that people wear a mask in public where there is widespread community transmission of COVID-19 to help prevent its spread. This applies especially in cases where six feet of separation between people cannot be maintained, although the WHO defers to local authorities to instate area policies.
The Duchess’s in-person visit comes one day after footage of her leading a virtual assembly with school children aired. Kate spoke about the feelings of frustration that come with being in quarantine, telling the kids:
“We all have our ups and downs, especially when things change in our lives as they have in so many ways recently. This can cause us to have a huge range of different feelings. Sometimes these feelings may be good, but sometimes they may be uncomfortable, and we feel worried, angry or upset.
“Being unable to see your friends or spend time with your family will undoubtedly be frustrating for you, just as it is for them. It’s been a really difficult time for us all. But it’s important to know that these feelings and frustrations are totally normal, and that they won’t last forever.”
“As we help others, we mustn’t forget to nurture ourselves by taking the time to focus on the things that make us feel happy too. This might be playing our favorite game, being outside, or talking to our friends. They all help with our mental wellbeing. Thank you for inviting me to speak to you today. Look after yourselves, reach out when you need help, and do your part to support those in need.”