Visit to Hope House in London

February 19, 2013: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visited Hope House, an Action on Addiction women's treatment center in London, England.

The mission statement of Hope House from their website:

"The Mission of Hope House is founded in the spirit of St. Louis de Montfort, who had a commitment to the poor and the courage to do what no one else had the courage to do.

"This is our mission: To provide compassionate, comprehensive and competent care for the poor, the marginal and the wounded among us. This commitment is woven in the Gospel vision that all life is sacred and every human person is unique and has the right to be respected and protected.

"Specifically, we are committed to young people and families in crisis, pregnant women and mothers and babies in crisis and all other wounded people, within our society, who are seen as abandoned and protected.

"Thus we seek to be men and women of hope in a world of shattered dreams." 

Kate Middleton visited at Hope House for over an hour.  The Duchess toured the center, attended an assembly, as well as interacted with the women staying at the center, some of whom are recovering from drug and/or alcohol abuse.  She took interest in the art therapy session as she toured the facility on the frost bitten Tuesday morning.  Action on Addiction is one of the four patronages taken on by Kate in early 2012.

Pictures: Zimbio

Unveiling at the National Portrait Gallery

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived to the National Portrait Gallery in central London on January 11, 2013 to view the first official portrait of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge created by artist Paul Emsley.

As a patron, Kate Middleton worked with the Gallery to select an artist for her first royal portrait.  Together they settled on Paul Emsley. Born in Gasgow and raised in South Africa, Emsley is known for realistic portraits.  His subject matter is normally still lives, animals and haunting portraits.

The portrait of Catherine was in the vein of his previous works; somber and chilling.  This lead to mixed reviews in the media.

Kate was overheard saying "it’s just amazing, absolutely brilliant," while William echoed the same sentiments, "it’s beautiful, it’s absolutely beautiful."

The portrait will be on display at the gallery in Room 37 through September 1, 2013.

The National Portrait Gallery boosts a collection of portraits of historically important and famous British people. It was the first portrait gallery in the world when it opened in 1856.  The gallery is sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Pictures: Zimbio