Duchess of Cambridge hugged by children at London school as she returns from maternity leave

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Olivia Tobin2 October 2018

The Duchess of Cambridge has returned to the public eye months after having her third child on a visit to a London school.

Kate Middleton marked her return from maternity leave by meeting youngsters at Paddington Recreation ground, in Maida Vale.

The duchess joined schoolchildren five months after having giving birth to Prince Louis.

While visiting the children, the 36-year-old was looking how the Sayers Croft Forest School and Wildlife Garden is helping children's emotional and physical well-being.

She stepped out on Tuesday wearing a green waterproof jacket, knee high boots, khaki brown trousers and a green jumper.

While there, she was filmed giving cuddles to schoolchildren while pupils shook her hand.

The Duchess of Cambridge at the Sayers Croft Forest School and Wildlife Garden at Paddington Recreation Ground
PA

They also gave the duchess a bunch of flowers.

The duchess was given flowers by pupils
PA

She was also seen helping the children fill up their watering cans

Kate gave birth to her youngest child Prince Louis on April 23.

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 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.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their Prince Louis outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital
PA

When the duchess visited 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, and was passing that passion on to her own children.

The duchess, who supports a number of mental health charities and initiatives, is passionate about offering children early social and emotional support.

Additional reporting by Press Association

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