All the best photos from Prince William and Kate Middleton's first engagement of 2017

Kate Middleton looked characteristically chic as she stepped out for her first engagement of 2017. The Duchess opted for a striking blue coat by Eponine London, which she paired with her navy suede Rupert Sanderson Malory pumps for her visit to the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families in London. Photo: Neil Mockford/GC Images

Prince George's mom, who is a patron of the center, visited the Early Years Parenting Unit to learn more about their work with families with children under age five. Photo: Twitter/@KensingtonRoyal

While chatting with women who underwent a program at the center, the royal mom-of-two admitted that raising children isn't easy. “Parenting is tough,” she said. “And with the history and all the things and the experiences you’ve all witnessed, to do that on top of your own anxieties, and the lack of support you also received as mothers… I find it extraordinary how you’ve managed, actually.” Photo: Twitter/@KensingtonRoyal

The Duchess of Cambridge joined a "theraplay" session at the center, which promotes the attachment relationship between parents and children. Photo: Ben Stansall PA Wire/PA Images

The stylish royal showed off her maternal side playing with a baby at the Early Years Parenting Unit. The unit aims to keep families together and help parents become more responsive to their children's needs. Photo: Twitter/@KensingtonRoyal

Two young children adorably peered through a window during the Duchess's visit to Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families. Photo: Victoria Jones PA Wire/PA Images

Following a solo engagement earlier in the day, Kate teamed up with her husband Prince William in the afternoon for their first joint engagement of the year at the Child Bereavement UK's centre in Stratford, east London. Photo: Matt Dunham PA Wire/PA Images

Kate was welcomed with flowers upon her arrival to the center, which supports children and families when a child of any age faces bereavement or death. Photo: Matt Dunham - WPA Pool/ Getty Images

Kate looked lovely and had a sympathetic ear for all she met during the moving engagement. Photo: Ben Stansall PA Wire/PA Images

The Duchess gave her husband a hand as they cut a colorful cake in honor of the London Centre's one-year anniversary. Photo: Twitter/@KensingtonRoyal

While at the center, Kate learned how the Child Bereavement UK's 'Memory Jar' exercise can help families dealing with bereavement. Photo: Matt Dunham PA Wire/PA Images

William, who lost his mother Princess Diana as a child, also participated in the 'Memory Jar' exercise during the support group session. Photo: Twitter/@KensingtonRoyal

The couple showed a moment of public affection as they left the Child Bereavement UK Centre. William placed his hand on his wife's back as they made their way to their car. Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage