Kate Middleton in pictures: Duchess of Cambridge performs sweet gesture during Essex visit

Kate Middleton visited Basildon Sporting Village with husband Prince William today.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Coach Core Essex, a scheme which aims to harness the power of sport and empower young people.

Their Royal Highnesses are patrons of the Royal Foundation, along with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, a charity behind the sporting apprenticeship programme.

Coach Core offers the chance for 16-24 year olds who are not in education or employment to build a career in sport.

The 36-year-old Duchess wore a black roll neck jumper with a pair of black skinny jeans teamed with a check blazer.

The beautiful royal highlighted her long legs in the slim fitted trousers when she added a pair of coordinating black boots to her ensemble.

The stylish look is very similar to ones worn by her sister-in-law Meghan Markle, 37, who is currently on tour with Prince Harry in New Zealand and Australia.

Prince William, 36, kept things casual in a blue zip-neck jumper and navy blue trousers for the sporty outing.

During the the day the couple who are parents to Prince George, five, Princess Charlotte, three, and Prince Louis, six months, will meet new apprentices and hear from graduates.

The mother-of-three was pictured hugging children outside the sporting villiage who had waited patiently to see her.

She also hugged a participant who was taking part in the sporting activities inside the Basildon centre.

Kate got stuck with a game of tennis and boccia in activities intended to inspire a new generation of sports coaches.