William and Kate Visit World Vision Project + Prime Minsiter's Office In Honiara

William and Kate kicked off another day of engagements with a call on the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet at the Prime Minister's office. The couple wore gift necklaces presented to them by the PM with "Princess Kate" and "Prince William" emblazoned on them.

Max Foster CNN

Kate's official title is Duchess of Cambridge but as the informative @MaxFoster CNN noted "Official titles aren't everything". It's a beautiful gift.

Max Foster CNN

Following the meeting, the couple travelled to a cultural village, Burns Creek, in Honiara where they viewed performances by the nine provinces that make up the nation. Each performance was given in front of a house built in accordance with the traditions of that particular province.

World Vision Asia Twitter

William and Kate watched Island warriors doing fearsome traditional dances to the sound of pan pies.

Rebecca English Twitter

The Cambridges braved the rain to learn more about village life and poverty in the Solomon Islands.

World Vision

William and Kate broadened their understanding of aid and development in the South Pacific when they met community members such as Louise Whitney and her baby who are working their way out of poverty with the help of World Vision. Louise has survived an abusive relationship and with business training is now able to support her family with a store.

World Vision

Louise said she was "so excited to meet the Duchess and tell her all about my little shop in Burns Creek."

World Vision Asia Twitter

The Duke and Duchess also met Ellison Maitaifiri who works with youth in the nearby Burns Creek settlement.

World Vision

Ellison spoke about meeting the royals:

'They greeted me like we'd met before. I told them about our community savings project. They asked lots of questions. They wanted to know why we didn't go to the bank and I explained that people can't read or write. I was so honoured to meet them. Last night I couldn't go to bed early. 

And the lasting impression he feels the visit will have:

'Our community has never seen a couple like that before, and they got to shake their hands. For the past few years we haven't felt part of Honiara. Today we feel powerful and we feel recognized'.

World Vision has been working with the community for the past eighteen months to change attitudes towards substance abuse and violence, and to create opportunities for youth through education and training.


World Vision's Country Program Director Andrew Catford spoke about the royal visit:

'We are honoured to host such an influential pair of young leaders. Our goal is that they'll walk away with an understanding about how we are empowering communities to overcome poverty in the Solomon Islands'.

Put simply, World Vision is building a better world for children and it would be wonderful to see the charity highlighted. No doubt this is exactly where William and Kate would wish the spotlight to focus.

Rebecca English Twitter

If you wish to sponsor a child you can find all relevant information here. For about $1 a day, you'll provide children in need with access to life-saving basics such as clean water, nutritious food, healthcare and education.

World Vision

You can also visit the World Vision Online Shop.

World Vision Online Shop

The couple met Burns Creek piglets. William suggested 'Will and Kate' as possible names. :)

World Vision

You can follow World Vision News via Twitter and Facebook. The World Vision Blog is an insightful and fascinating read.

World Vision Blog

Royal reporter Rebecca English said both William and Kate thoroughly enjoyed their visit and meeting the locals.

Rebecca English Twitter

A lovely shot of Kate.

Rebecca English Twitter

Kate wore the Pleated Shirted Dress today by British brand Jaeger (with many thanks to Tammie who ID'd the dress via WKW FB). The summer dress features cap sleeves, shirt collar, belt loops and button fastening through the front. The lightweight dress has a full skirt and soft pleating throughout. It is currently reduced from £180 to £75.

Jaeger

The dress is similar to the primrose yellow Jenny Packham dress Kate wore in Calgary during the royal tour in July 2011. The lovely Carly from Kate Middleton Style noted the Jaeger dress was a great alternative at the time. Excellent prediction!

Canadian Heritage Flickr

Kate wore her trusty LK Bennett Sledge Pumps. 

LK Bennett

Kate accessorized with her Kiki McDonough Citrine Drop Earrings. They are available for £495.

Kiki McDonough

Afterwards, the couple had separate engagements. William briefly attended a conference given for youth leaders from the Commonwealth leaders in the Pacific where he was invited to make some short remarks. The Duke subsequently awarded six Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards to Solomon Islanders and one awardee from Vanuatu. Meanwhile, Kate attended a reception for Solomon Islands women's groups.

Brynnan Facebook

William was given a baseball cap and Kate a beautiful exotic headdress.

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I always find tidbits of information from the tour interesting and thought I would share one from Royal commentator Robert Jobson. Robert spoke with the general manager of the Shangri-La resort in Kota Kinabalu who told him when William and Kate left they said "We wished we could have stayed longer". 

A look at the stunning view from their suite. Perhaps they'll be back sooner than expected...

Robert Jobson Twitter