The Duchess of Cambridge showed her support for and recognition of the work of foster carers last week by attending a charity event hosted by the fostering Network.
Kate chatted over afternoon tea with foster carers and social workers about their work.
She also met fostered children and care leavers and heard their stories and experiences of being in foster care. The Duchess was even presented with a memory box, much like our own looked-after children receive from us, so she could take her memories of fostering with her.
The event was organised by the Fostering Network as a celebration of fostering, but the Duchess' attendance and engagement was another example of the growing recognition of the crucial work of foster carers being shown by the Royal Family - foster carers were remembered again this year in the New Years Honours List.
Although the event was a celebration, we were especially pleased to see that Jim Bond, President of the Fostering Network, took the opportunity and all the media buzz around The Duchess of Cambridge to send out the important message that more foster carers are needed, especially for teenagers and children with disabilities.
If you would like to see more, there are some great pictures on the Fostering Network's Twitter feed of the event. We hope that the Duchess of Cambridge's support will inspire many people out there with the right kind of skills and the desire to make a difference to children's lives to come forward and enquire about fostering.