Princess Catherine delights children on school excursion to National Portrait Gallery in London

Princess Catherine has joined a group of schoolkids for a surprise day out with an important message. Watch video.

Princess Catherine assumed the role of teacher as she cuddled up to beaming kids during a school trip.

The 43-year-old mother-of-three was joined by young children for an interactive trail at the National Portrait Gallery in London as part of a special Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood initiative.

The initiative is Princess Catherine’s own Shaping Us Framework and is designed to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of social and emotional skills across society.

Pupils from a London primary school were the first children to take part in The Bobeam Tree Trail, an interactive journey through the gallery based on a “magical tree” that thrives when surrounded by stories.

Catherine, Princess of Wales joins a group of four and five-year-old schoolchildren at the National Portrait Gallery. Picture: Getty Images

Princess Catherine accompanied the children as they drew self-portraits – an exercise to encourage them to think about their own stories.

The Princess was also seen making “happy” and “angry” faces much to the children’s obvious delight.

Speaking afterwards, Liz Smith, director of learning and engagement at the gallery said: “She was part of the school party, like one of the mums and the helpers on the school trip, which always throws up some challenges.

“You could hear them shout their goodbyes at the end. It was so sweet.”

Princess Catherine and husband Prince William shared a video of the day on their social media.

Princess Catherine joined young schoolchildren at the National Portrait Gallery in London for an excursion. Picture: Getty Images

The royal joined the children to launch a Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood initiative. Picture: Getty Images

The post read: “Working with @earlychildhood to launch the new #ShapingUs framework. The Bobeam Tree Trail is just one example of how organisations can empower children to thrive emotionally and socially.

“With initiatives like this at the@NPGLondon, the foundation is laid for the next generation to grow into confident, compassionate individuals.

The new initiative is focused on helping young children develop essential social and emotional skills. Picture: Getty Images

The Bobeam Tree Trail helps organisations empower children to thrive emotionally and socially. Picture: Getty Images

The excursion to the National Portrait Gallery is the first project created based on the new Shaping Us Framework. Picture: Getty Images

“The Centre for Early Childhood is also working with organisations across a variety of sectors, on how the framework can be used to promote social and emotional skills across society.”

“If we are to address this properly, if we are to find real, lasting solutions to these deep-rooted challenges and create a physically and mentally healthier society, we must reset, restore, and rebalance.

“We must invest in humankind.”

Princess Catherine is continuing to make a gradual return to royal duties after confirming last September that she had completed her cancer treatment.

Originally published as Princess Catherine delights children on school excursion to National Portrait Gallery in London