Kate Middleton greeted the public, chatted with market traders and joined a discussion about early childhood experiences in Leeds. Her time in the city is part of work to raise awareness of the new campaign, including through the release of a short film highlighting how babies and children develop in response to their earliest experiences.
Here are 11 of the best pictures from her visit at the market, taken by Yorkshire Evening Post photographer Tony Johnson.
7. 'I'll give you a discount'
The Princess of Wales met the owner of Ada Proctor florists, which has been based at the market for more than 30 years. Neil Ashcroft joked that if the Princess of Wales bought some flowers, he’d give her a discount. Photo: Tony Johnson
8. Visiting The Nut Shop
Kate meets Joanne Johnson, the owner of The Nut Shop Photo: Tony Johnson
9. Meeting local workers
The Princess of Wales speaks to local workers about their experiences of working in Leeds, as she talked about the importance of the wider community in the development of a child Photo: Tony Johnson
10. Discussing childhood in the city
Princess Kate said it is “amazing that Leeds is putting children at the heart of what its doing” Photo: Tony Johnson
11. 'I'll let you get back to your stalls'
As she ended the discussion and wrapped up her visit at Kirkgate Market, Kate told traders she’d “let them get back to their stalls”, which prompted laughter Photo: Tony Johnson