Kate Middleton helps during a visit to the Children’s Bank in Barnet which supports struggling families in the run up to Christmas

Kate Middleton ditched her tuxedos today as she lent a helping hand during her visit to the Children’s Bank in Barnet, north London.

The Princess of Wales, 41, headed to Sebby’s Corner to kick off an initiative from the Royal Foundation’s Center for Early Childhood to provide support to families with young children in the run-up to Christmas.

Keeping her hair down in loose curls and sporting a natural make-up look, the Queen looked relaxed as she chatted with staff and helped stock shelves with books and toys.

The mother-of-three, who has made early years development the core of her work in the royal family, wore a light layer of foundation and black eyeliner that perfectly matched her business casual look.

After arriving in a warm brown coat, the princess took it off and appeared today in a black polo neck, a brown skirt and fashionable knee-high high-heeled boots. For a touch of sparkle, she added £71 Missoma earrings.

The 41-year-old’s latest looks exude a purposeful, business-like image and couldn’t be further from the basic-colored dresses she’s favored so far.

This has led many to wonder if there is a new face on the Princess’ team, or if there is a style advisor in the wings.

Sources close to the future queen insist this is not the case, saying the spring in Kate’s step is simply due to her being a woman who has finally hit her stride.

Sebby’s Corner was established in January 2021 and provides items to families in need throughout Barnet, Hertfordshire and London.

Families are referred through a large network of referral partners including specialists such as midwives, health visitors and teachers.

One explains that although the “step” to becoming the Princess of Wales was daunting, she now has a year “in the job” under her belt.

This coincided with the launch of its new campaign, “Shaping Us,” to highlight the importance of the early years of childhood and how what happens to us during that period can shape our adult lives.

A source said of Kate: “She’s spreading her wings and creating public awareness of important issues close to her heart. People have sat up and taken notice.”

“It’s a lifelong campaign for her, and the fact that it’s been so well-received has given her a huge amount of confidence.”

Since opening, Sebby’s Corner has supported more than 5,000 families and has seen an annual increase in referrals.

With the support of local communities, baby banks provide a vital lifeline to families in all types of difficult circumstances.

The visit comes as the Royal Foundation’s Center for Early Childhood published its ‘Issues Index’, which found that a third of the public cite financial pressures as the biggest issue facing parents and carers in 2023.

During her visit, the Princess will hear about the crucial work being done by baby banks across the UK to deliver essential items to families, including clothes, nappies, toiletries and baby equipment.

While at Sebby’s Corner, the Princess will meet a mother who has been supported by the charity as well as the referral partner who made the referral.

Her Royal Highness will join volunteers and Shaping Us champion, Giovanna Fletcher, in putting the finishing touches to Sippy’s annual Christmas grotto.

The Christmas Grotto provides a space for families struggling to choose gifts for their children.

Finally, the Princess will join a conversation with Baby Banks representatives from across the UK to discuss the growing demand for their services.

There are more than 200 children’s banks across the country, all of which are currently seeing increased demand for their services.

The Early Childhood Center will encourage members of the public to donate money, products and favorite items, or volunteer their time, to support local children’s banks throughout the month of December.

Several Shaping Us heroes will also add their voices to the drive

As highlighted in the Princess’ Shaping Us campaign launched in January, our relationships, experiences and surroundings in our early years lay the foundations that shape the rest of our lives.

Organizations like Baby Banks can help relieve some of the pressures and strains they face, thus giving parents and carers the ability to provide the nurturing care that is so important to babies and very young children. Supporting parents and carers, who are doing their best to provide care for their families in extremely difficult circumstances, is essential and can have a life-changing impact.