Yesterday The Duchess of Cambridge made an unannounced visit to the University College London (UCL) Developmental Risk and Resilience Unit to see the UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences’ (UCLPALS) work into how environment and biology interact to shape the way in which children develop both socially and emotionally.

Professor Eamon McCrory at UCLPALS spoke with The Duchess about how his lab uses brain imaging to see changes in brain structure & function in children following early adversity, with the aim of developing ways to prevent mental health problems before they emerge.

One of The Duchess’ key areas of interest is championing the importance of providing solid social and emotional foundations for children to support their development and emotional needs, setting them on the best possible pathway for a healthy adulthood.

The Duchess also met two students enrolled on UCL’s masters programmes in child development, based at the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families (one of Kate’s patronages), one focused on clinical training and one focused on neuroscience research.

UCL President & Provost, Professor Michael Arthur, said, “We’re delighted that Her Royal Highness is hearing from UCL’s developmental neuroscience researchers, as UCL takes great pride in its neuroscience and psychology work. We hope that this can help leverage the work of our neuroscientists as they seek to improve the lives of people affected by mental health disorders and ensure that every child has the best possible start to life.”

The Duchess was back in another lovely recycled outfit for today’s visit to the University College London.

She wore her burgundy Paule Ka skirt suit, first worn in 2012 to London’s Middle Temple to meet with law students, and then again last year for a visit to Action for Children in Wales.

Kate’s jacket is slightly cropped with a peplum effect and pockets, while the matching A-line skirt features horizontal ribbing.

Paule Ka is a French ready-to-wear brand founded by designer Serge Cajfinger, whose inspiration comes from the fifties. Mr Cajfinger explained: “The cinema of that time inspires me and my style. I like Cary Grant and Fred Astaire. Mad Men is very close to the Paule Ka fashion. I love it.”

The Duchess wore a black turtleneck top underneath the jacket, along with black opaque tights. She also carried her black Mulberry ‘Bayswater’ clutch again.

You may recognise Kate’s heels; they are Tod’s Black Suede Block Heel Pumps, worn quite a few times since last year. They sold for £335 and are no longer available except for on eBay.

For jewellery, Kate wore her Asprey Oak Leaf Earrings again today. The intertwined oak leaves in 18ct yellow gold with pavé diamonds are available for $6,450.

Lastly, a nice little touch was the velvet hair ribbon Kate wore in her ponytail. It is by J Crew and is available for £11, down from £22, in black, burgundy and mauve.

A lovely Autumnal look for The Duchess ! I’m loving all the repeats lately! :)