Prince George may have been at home with the sitter Tuesday, but he was on everyone’s mind when his parents made a joint appearance to learn more about efforts to help rehabilitate young criminals.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met with staff and supporters of Only Connect, an organization that works with prisoners, former offenders and at-risk youth. During the visit, Duchess Kate received a personalized onesie for her 4-month-old son from Aaron Russell-Andrews, a young ex-offender whose life has been changed by Only Connect.
"She was very pleased about it. She said it's a very good fit because he's growing very fast, and that he'll like it,” Russell-Andrews told the British Press Association after his meeting.
Russell-Andrews, 22, became involved with Only Connect four years ago after committing numerous crimes, including robbery, burglary and vehicle theft, as a teenager. Now a professional actor, he met the duchess with his own 20-month-old daughter in tow.
“[Duchess Kate] was very pleased that Only Connect has helped me make such a big change with my life and keep me on the right path,” he said.
As Russell-Andrews handed his gift to the duchess, his toddler tried to take it back from its sympathetic recipient. "Kate said, 'They're very demanding at this age,’” he said.
While Russell-Andrews' daughter was all smiles with the duchess, who recycled her brown, bird-print Orla Kiely dress coat for the event, the girl burst into tears when Prince William started speaking to her father. She was soothed with a piece of chocolate cake made by trainees from Switchback, which uses catering to help rehabilitate youth.
The prince's aunt, Lady Jane Fellowes, the older sister of Princess Diana, is a trustee of Only Connect, but Kensington Palace said it was a coincidence that she is involved. A palace spokeswoman said the duke and duchess wanted to see the charity's work as part of their interest in young people.