Kate praises teachers for their 'vital role' during pandemic: 'You're a lifeline'

The Duchess of Cambridge has thanked teachers for the "vital role" they've played in supporting children through the uncertainty of the pandemic.

To mark Children's Mental Health Week, Kate Middleton, 39, spoke to teachers from Ribbon Academy in County Durham about how they were coping during COVID-19.

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"I'm so passionate about all the work that teachers up and down the country are doing," the royal mum of three said during the calls.

"You're doing a most amazing job. You're a lifeline to so many families out there, so well done. I know it takes an awful lot of effort, energy, patience.

Ribbon Academy is working with one of Kate's royal patronages, Place2Be, which helps support mental wellbeing among students and parents in UK schools.

"I'm really glad that Place2Be is there, they're needed across the country more now than ever," the duchess continued.

Though the calls were focused on the mental health of students, Kate also asked each teacher how they'd been looking after themselves throughout the pandemic.

"It's so important that you're looked after too and have the appropriate networks and support systems to make sure you can really do the best job you possible can," she said.

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"You play such a vital role in looking after our children ... It's been really hard work, but please look after yourselves.

"I wanted to say a massive thank you to teachers across the country for doing fantastic jobs."

For the video call, the royal dusted off a blue tweed coat by New Zealand designer Rebecca Taylor, previously seen at a 2017 royal engagement.

Like many parents across the UK, Kate and her husband Prince William are once again in the midst of home-schooling for their two eldest children.

During the country's third lockdown, Prince George and Princess Charlotte have been learning remotely from the Cambridges' country home, Anmer Hall.

In interviews last year, the duke and duchess both admitted the experience had been "challenging".

The Queen has permitted the couple to use an office in her Norfolk home, Sandringham House, for work purposes while George and Charlotte are undertaking home school.

The property is close to Anmer Hall.