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The Princess of Wales paid a very special visit to Southampton on Tuesday to officially open Hope Street – a family-friendly residential community which will pilot a new approach to supporting women in the justice system.
Hope Street has been designed by a women’s organisation called One Small Thing. It is the first of its kind in the UK and is designed to transform women and children’s experience of the justice system.
It is a pioneering community which will offer a safe space allowing children to remain with their mothers in a home environment. The purpose-built facility features communal and private spaces, a 24-hour hub and onsite creche and play areas for children.
Hope Street ultimately offers a community alternative for women who would likely otherwise be imprisoned unnecessarily owing to lack of safe accommodation or concerns around their wellbeing.
It is hoped that Southampton’s Hope Street will act as a blueprint which can later be scaled across the country.
For the special visit, Kate, 41, wore a sophisticated navy and white polka-dot Alessandra Rich dress. Her chic garment featured vintage puff sleeves, a peplum waistline, pearly buttons and a Peter Pan collar. Known for her thrifty, outfit repeats, the Princess of Wales first wore her £1,335 fit-and-flare frock at Wimbledon in 2022.
She teamed her stunning frock with a pair of coordinating white and navy pointed heels, a sleek white leather handbag and some statement pearl drop earrings.
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As for hair and makeup, the Princess of Wales wore her glossy brunette locks over to one side and accentuated her naturally pretty features with a pop of pink blush and fluttery lashes. Stunning!
During her visit, Princess Kate was taken on a tour of the brand-new facility by Lady Edwina Grosvenor. The royal explored the new facility to learn about the type of support residents will receive, as well as meet staff, supporters and partners who have spearheaded the programme over the past six years.
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The mother-of-three learned more about how Hope Street is striving to prevent the trauma of mothers being separated from their children in the justice system.
Speaking to users of the centre, Kate said: “This is such an inspirational place.”
Later in the afternoon, the royal mum attached a handwritten green tag to a newly-planted tree. Her touching message read: “I see you and I am with you. Good luck in all that lies ahead. Catherine“.
The Princess of Wales has long been a champion of prioritising mental wellbeing, including that of children and young people.
And back in January, the royal launched her new early years campaign called Shaping Us. It aims to improve society’s understanding of the importance of early childhood in shaping adulthood and society as a whole.
HELLO! understands that the Princess of Wales sees the early years and The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood as her “life’s work”.
Kate said: “The way we develop, through our experiences, relationships and surroundings during our early childhood, fundamentally shapes our whole lives. “It affects everything from our ability to form relationships and thrive at work, to our mental and physical well-being as adults and the way we parent our own children.
“These are the most preventative years. By focusing our collective time, energy and resources to build a supportive, nurturing world around the youngest members of our society and those caring for them, we can make a huge difference to the health and happiness of generations to come.
The campaign has the support of several famous faces, including the likes of Professor Green, Fearne Cotton, Giovanni Fletcher, Zara McDermott and Leah Williamson.
