Welcome back, Kate!

Kate Middleton returned to royal duty from her maternity leave today, visiting the Sayers Croft Forest School and Wildlife Garden at Paddington Recreation Ground in London. The Duchess of Cambridge spent time with some local schoolchildren, encouraging them to learn about nature. 

For the engagement, Kate looked like a walking advertisement for perfect outdoorsy autumn dressing, in a casual green jacket and brown pants. She finished the look off with her Penelope Chilvers knee-high boots, which, according to People, she’s had for over a decade. Reporters were also quick to notice that the royal was sporting a shorter, more layered haircut. 

 

The Duchess of Cambridge is visiting @SCTrust Forest School and Wildlife Garden, which gives inner city children a unique opportunity to learn about and engage with the natural world ? pic.twitter.com/GdB9v20r2H

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 2, 2018

 

Kate has been on mat leave since welcoming her third child, Prince Louis, in April. Although today is her first day back on official duty, she has been spotted at a few formal royal events, including Meghan and Harry’s wedding and Trooping the Colour.