The Princess of Wales visited the Reading Ukrainian Community Center on Thursday to speak with displaced Ukrainian families and find out more about how the facility aids the neighborhood.
The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), the largest representative organization for Ukrainians and people of Ukrainian descent in the UK, has a branch in Reading, Berkshire.
Photo: Rex
Since the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine, the Community Center has made a big effort to offer educational classes to children. In addition, the center hosts weekly coffee mornings where the Ukrainian community can get assistance with finding a job and a place to live.
Photo: Rex
Catherine looked stunning in a stylish navy polka-dot dress from LK Bennett, a favorite of the high street. The elegant dress had subtle nods to the Ukrainian flag in the form of yellow dots. She chose to wear a pair of suede court shoes while layering with a chic camel coat.
Photo: Rex
The royal enhanced her stylish ensemble with a quilted black leather clutch and a pair of classic pearl drop earrings.
The Princess of Wales was given a customary Ukrainian cake upon arrival.
The mother of three met with volunteers during her visit to learn more about how they have modified their services recently. Later, Catherine met with a few families to learn about their unique experiences and how the Center has helped them.
Photo: Rex
Catherine once had a harrowing conversation with a Ukrainian woman about her experience fleeing her country. The royal responded to her account by saying: “You still have family and friends in Ukraine, who continue to witness the daily horrors of war. I am overwhelmed by how strong each of you are and by the courage and resiliency you all possess.”
Galina Bolebrukh, in contrast, sobbed as she described to Catherine how she and her mother and 3-year-old son took cover from Putin’s bombs. Catherine, moved by her account, retorted, “It’s understandable, everything you’ve been through.”
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Princess of Wales took part in a kid’s art class later in the morning. The regular classes give kids a safe place to socialize, have fun, and find a creative outlet for expressing their feelings.
Zlata Yeromenko, age 5, presented a painting that said, “Kate I Love You.”
Photo: Rex
Following her participation with the royal family in commemorating Remembrance Weekend, Catherine made a moving visit. The 40-year-old, who frequently shops at Self-Portrait in London, wore a blazer dress with a 50s vibe to the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday.
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As King Charles III presided over the moving Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph in London’s Whitehall on Sunday, the senior royal provided support. The Queen Consort Camilla was joined by Princess of Wales on the balcony of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office building.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who could be seen on another balcony, and the Countess of Wessex were among the other royals present at the emotional ceremony.
