During Kate Middleton“s Tuesday visit to two schools in Oxford — in her official role as patron to the Art Room charity — the royal couldn”t helping but gush about her newly adopted puppy, Lupo.
Visiting first with kids at Rose Hill Primary (located in one of the most deprived areas of England, with 48 percent of students speaking English as a second language, and with 50 percent special needs), Kate, 30, received doggy treats and a stuffed dog from students.
“I will call it after my dog,” Kate (wearing a brown Orla Kiely coat dress and brown ankle boots) said of the toy. “Lupo!”
Explains a source of Kate and Prince William“s chosen name (Italian for “wolf”) for their pet: “They picked it because they liked it. No other reason.”
Wearing “Duchess Catherine” apron in an art room class, Kate spoke about her husband”s current military stint in the Falkland Islands. “She was explaining how they have been speaking,” an observer says. “And William said he has seen penguins!”
Interacting with the kids in the art class, the royal was a natural, Art Room manager Lisa Hancock told Us. “She had all the right language and was very calm and gentle with the children… She is a young, independent, intelligent woman who really wants to make a difference. I have nothing but respect and admiration for her.”
After Rose Hill, Kate moved on to Oxford Spires Academy School, where was greeted by 1,000 students and lunched with Art Room staffers inside. “The children have been hugely excited and they all feel so proud she has visited this school,” headteacher Sue Croft said.
Added student Saif Omer, 11: “She asked me how old I was and which house I was in. She is a very nice woman. Seeing her here is like a dream come true.”
