Catherine, Princess of Wales visits maternity hospital in first solo engagement since new title

The Princess of Wales spent her first solo public engagement since assuming her new title cuddling a baby. See photos.

Catherine, Princess of Wales has stunned onlookers in her first solo royal public engagement since assuming her new title.

The Princess looked radiant in a yellow Karen Millen dress as she visited an award-winning maternity unit at a hospital in Surrey, south-west of London.

Catherine, Princess of Wales visits the Royal Surrey County Hospital’s Maternity Unit. Picture: Getty Images

The mother-of-three gently cradled a newborn baby at the Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, where she learnt more about the support it provides to pregnant women and new mothers.

The new Princess of Wales stuns in a belted Karen Millen dress. Picture: Getty Images

Catherine, Princess of Wales glows as she visits the Royal Surrey County Hospital's Maternity Unit at Royal Surrey County Hospital. Picture: Getty Images

During her visit, Catherine gently held tiny newborn Bianca, making sure the baby’s head was properly supported, and wore a face mask to prevent any risk of spreading Covid-19 to the infant.

The Princess smiled as she chatted to Bianca’s mother, Sylvia Novak, in her room at the hospital.

The Princess of Wales meets newborn baby Bianca. Picture: AFP

Catherine, Princess of Wales supports baby Bianca’s head as she cradles her in the hospital unit. Picture: AFP

The Princess of Wales speaks to new mother Sylvia Novak. Picture: AFP

A glowing Catherine teamed her $400 dress by famed British designer Karen Millen with understated Emily Mortimer earrings, navy stilettos and a navy clutch bag.

The Princess of Wales has long been a champion of early childhood learning research and development.

All eyes were on Catherine, Princess of Wales during her visit to the Royal Surrey County Hospital's Maternity Unit. Picture: Getty Images

The maternity unit in Surrey, which cares for around 3000 babies every year, received a UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative Gold Award in May for its outstanding work supporting infant-feeding and parent-infant relationships.

The unit’s ethos is that high-quality maternity and early years care can improve long-term health of the population - a belief the Princess of Wales champions in her work with the Centre for Early Childhood.

The unit’s Jasmine Team helps women affected by mental health illnesses during pregnancy and the initial postnatal period.

Originally published as Catherine, Princess of Wales visits maternity hospital in first solo engagement since new title