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.
1. Kate Middleton visits Kirkgate Market
The Princess of Wales visits Leeds Kirkgate Market and speaks to fishmonger Stephen Myers, who has been trading in the market for more than 30 years Photo: Tony Johnson
2. Arrival
Kate arrived at the market at about 11.30am and greeted members of the public who had queued up to see her Photo: Tony Johnson
3. Market tour
The Princess of Wales stopped for pictures as she toured Kirkgate Market Photo: Tony Johnson
4. All smiles
Large crowds had gathered to catch a glimpse of the Royal, despite the news of her visit being announced just 30 minutes before she arrived Photo: Tony Johnson
5. Shaping Up
Kate’s time in Leeds 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. Photo: Tony Johnson
6. Market tour
Kate's campaign, which she described as her “life’s work”, aims to increase public understanding of the crucial importance of the first few years of a child’s life Photo: Tony Johnson