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Kate Middleton coos over a tot the same age as Prince Louis as school kids hug her on her royal return from maternity leave
A CHEEKY student has today given Kate Middleton a warm welcome back from maternity leave - spontaneously hugging the royal.
But the Duchess of Cambridge clearly had her own children on her mind as she greeted students at the forest school in Paddington, cooing over a seven-month-old "almost the same age as my little boy."
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The mother has been on maternity leave for five months, with her visit to Paddington Recreation Ground her first official solo event since giving birth to Prince Louis in April.
And today the 36-year-old was inundated with young fans, left beaming as a little girl rushed forward to hug her around her waist.
Kate, clearly surprised, laughed as the girl gripped her arms around her waist, and a second rushed in to make it a royal group hug.
The duchess, wearing a khaki green Fjällräven jacket, a silk Joseph and Penelope Chilvers shirt, and riding boots, is today visiting Sayers Croft Forest School and Wildlife Garden to see how it is helping children's emotional and physical well-being.
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It was a charming start to Kate's first official solo event since welcoming third child Louis into the world.
The duchess made sure to speak to as many students and families as possible as she was taken around the facility - drawn in by some of the younger kids at her welcome.
Meeting a seven-month-old boy called Romi at the Paddington Recreation Ground, Kate gushed: "He’s very chatty, he’s almost the same age as my little boy."
Prince William's wife seemed happy to spend time with the young St Stephen's school students, listening to story time with Monkey Queen, read to them by Sayers Croft forest school leader Jennie Miles.
Kate Middleton shuts her car door as she returns to royal duty after maternity leave with visit to 'forest' school
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The royal, who was gifted posies by four-year-old Janine, also helped to hand out cups of juice and papers to make crowns.
And she was left in stitches as one student promised there would be "no boring bits" on the tour.
The duchess replied: "This is so cool, I can't wait to see it."
The seasoned royal's visit even closed her car door herself - with a little help - after fans went crazy that her sister-in-law Meghan Markle was last week seen doing the same.
The forest school, which had more than 5,500 visits by schoolchildren from across Westminster and neighbouring boroughs last year, gives inner city children the chance to engage with the natural world.
Kate Middleton tours through The Sayers Croft Trust to learn about how kids are getting the opportunity to engage with nature
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Although the duchess has appeared at events such as the RAF centenary, Trooping the Colour and Wimbledon, and celebrated the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's wedding, this is her first official solo engagement since Louis' arrival.
The mum has previously spoken about her love for the outdoors, making today's visit the perfect fit for her return.
Visiting a primary school in South West London last November to see its gardening projects, she told pupils she had "fond memories" of being outdoors as a child.
She also said she was passing that passion on to her own children.
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The duchess, who supports a number of mental health charities and initiatives, is passionate about offering children early social and emotional support.
It's been a big year for Kate Middleton and the royal family, having welcomed several new members into the Firm this year.
Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in a lavish ceremony in Windsor in May.
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Kate will also become an aunt when her sister Pippa Middleton gives birth to her first child.
Pippa, who married financier James Matthews, 42, is expected to welcome a child this month.
Kate was the first person after Pippa’s husband, James Matthews, to hear the good news.
Kate Middleton glows in glorious yellow as she and Prince William watch the mens singles final at Wimbledon
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