Kate Middleton joins Prince William last-minute at charity launch – best photos

The Duchess of Cambridge made a last-minute appearance with her husband Prince William, at the launch of the National Emergencies Trust in St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London on Thursday morning. It was initially a solo engagement for the Duke of Cambridge, but Kensington Palace announced on Tuesday that Kate would be joining him at the event.

Upon arrival, the couple met with a small group of people affected by previous disasters, including the Grenfell Tower fire and the Westminster Bridge terrorist attack. In 2017, the Queen and William visited families and first responders following the fire at Grenfell Tower and the Duke also joined the crew of DIY SOS in 2018 on a major project to support those affected.  

READ: Kate Middleton wears a dreamy royal blue dress for charity launch in London

The National Emergencies Trust (NET) is an independent charity which will provide an emergency response to disasters in the UK. The NET was created as a result of discussions held within the charitable sector about how to effectively respond to national emergencies following recent devastating tragedies, including the Grenfell Tower fire, and the terrorist attacks in London and Manchester in 2017.

MORE: Prince William and Kate Middleton take fans behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace ceremony

Kate, 37, looked elegant in a blue fit-and-flare dress with a waist belt, believed to be by Emilia Wickstead, teaming it with black patent court shoes and her Aspinal clutch bag. In tribute to Remembrance Week, her Women of the First World War poppy brooch was pinned on her left lapel. 

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The Duchess also wore Princess Diana's diamond and sapphire earrings for the engagement. 

The Duchess made a new four-legged friend at the launch! Kate was pictured crouching down to stroke an emergency services dog. The Cambridges are renowned pet lovers and have their own English Cocker Spaniel called Lupo. 

During his speech, William spoke about how pleased he and Kate were to be at the launch, saying: "We all know the important role that the Disasters Emergency Committee plays in channelling the British public’s extraordinary generosity to respond to disasters overseas. It is therefore only fitting that a new, national charity is able to fulfil the same function when tragedy strikes at home."

William and Kate spent time talking to Grenfell Tower and terror attack victims. The Duke said: "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."

William and Kate chatted to a children's choir, who peformed at the charity launch.