Kate Middleton To Attend Annual Fostering Excellence Awards On Nov. 17

Kate Middleton will attend a royal engagement at the annual Fostering Excellence Awards on Nov. 17. The Duchess of Cambridge will once attend an event organized by The Fostering Network, a group that is dedicated to helping fostered children. Kensington Palace confirmed the official engagement Wednesday.

Kensington has revealed that the 33-year-old royal will meet all award winners at a special tea party at the British Medical Association House in London. She will then honor three young people who are being recognized for their extraordinary work by the charity.

The award function will celebrate the achievements of foster carers, young people, social workers and others within the fostering community. The Duchess of Cambridge will hear the inspirational stories of children and the youngsters.

The awards ceremony will highlight the work of every single foster carer, social worker, local authority, fostering service, civil servant, politician, employer and organization who has a passion for foster care, and who put the needs of children first.

“The spotlight that will be placed on these young people, who have worked so hard with the support of their foster [caregivers] to change their future, is thoroughly deserved,” said Kevin Williams, chief executive of The Fostering Network. He added that he was “delighted” to have Kate at the awards.

The mother-of-two has been supporting the fostering world with the aim to help vulnerable young people and children. Also, for Kate, her husband Prince William and brother-in-law Prince Harry, mental health, addiction and bullying are causes that are close to their hearts.

She was first introduced to the charity group in January when, she was five months pregnant with Princess Charlotte. She met foster parents and talked to youngsters who have experienced life-changing impact of the care in Islington, north London.

Middleton was given a special memory box to remind her of her day with the charity. Jim Bond, president of the charity praised his royal guest of honor for “shining a light on fostering” during her January engagement.

There are more than 64,000 children living with around 52,500 foster families across the U.K. There is currently a need for at least 8,370 new foster families across the country, the charity group said.