Kate Middleton Visits Baby Bank Before Christmas — and Brings Book She Reads with George, Charlotte and Louis

Frank Augstein - WPA Pool/Getty Images Kate Middletonis getting into the holiday spirit. On Friday, the Princess of Wales, 41, helped put the finishing touches to a Santa’s Grotto during a poignant visit to a charity that helps children in need. As they prepared the area, she and Sakol and the other volunteers told Kate that they expect to see 1,400 children this season, which “is a lot more than last year,” the charity founder tells PEOPLE.

Kate Middleton Was 'Uninterested' in 'Forming Bond' with Meghan Markle, New Book Claims

Kate Middleton on October 3; Meghan Markle in September 2022.Photo:Chris Jackson/Getty Images (2) Chris Jackson/Getty Images (2) Kate MiddletonandMeghan Marklemay have been two outsiders brought into the royal family, but that didn’t create an instant bond, author Omid Scobie writes in his new bookEndgame. In the book, published Tuesday andoriginally excerpted in PEOPLE, Scobie writes that Kate and Meghan had little in common, but the rift betweenPrince HarryandPrince Williamdidn’t help in the early days of their relationship.

Kate Middleton's Bachelorette Party Included a Performance Channeling Cheryl Cole: She 'Let Her Hair Down'

Ahead of her April 29, 2011 wedding toPrince William,Kate Middleton"let her hair down" at her bachelorette party. In his new bookCatherine, the Princess of Wales, royal biographer Robert Jobson writes that Kate’s sister and maid of honor,Pippa Middleton, organized a night to celebrate at a mutual friend’s house with a “minimal guest list." Kate’s college roommate from the University of St. Andrews Olivia Beasdale made the cut, as did two of her friends from her time at Marlborough College, Alicia Fox-Pitt and Rose Astor.

Kate Middleton's Blue Hues Continue — All About Her Back-to-Back Teal Looks (and Royal Wedding Connection!)

Kate Middleton opens Evelina London Children’s Day Surgery Unit on Dec. 5, 2023.Photo:Chris Jackson/Getty Images Chris Jackson/Getty Images Kate Middletonmight have a new favorite color! The hospital visit marked Princess Kate’ssecond timein a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen suit since the creative director announced in September that she isstepping awayfrom the brand after 26 years. The royal took a tour replicating a child’s journey on their day of surgery and met with families and staff about the impact the new wing has already had since it opened over the summer.

Kate Middleton's Boston Style! See All of the Princess of Wales' Outfits Changes in the U.S.

Photo: Getty (3) 01of 11Getty (3)Kate MiddletonandPrince William’s first visit to the United States since 2014 meant royal fervor, a glam awards show and — of course — stylish moments everywhere that the Princess of Wales went in Boston. 01of 11 Getty (3) Kate MiddletonandPrince William’s first visit to the United States since 2014 meant royal fervor, a glam awards show and — of course — stylish moments everywhere that the Princess of Wales went in Boston.