The Princess of Wales has given her backing to baby banks in a push for donations and gifts in the run-up to Christmas.

Kate helped staff stack the shelves of a Christmas Grotto at Sebby’s Corner in north London.

She brought with her 50 copies of the book The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark as a personal donation.

Sebby’s Corner takes in donations of presents and essential items and distributes them to families in need.

During her visit, the princess sat down with volunteers, including a mum who has been supported by the project.

The woman, called Jennifer, told Kate she had cried the first time she visited the centre. She said: “There is a stigma but… sometimes we don’t realise how much we need help.

“I’m just so thankful for this incredible support. That stress has been taken away.”

“Every child should have the basic essentials,” Kate replied.

Since it opened in 2021, Sebby’s Corner has helped more than 5,000 families and, like baby banks across the UK, the numbers of those being referred is rapidly rising.

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There are currently over 200 baby banks across the UK and all of them are experiencing an increase in demand.

The Princess of Wales’s Centre for Early Childhood is starting a drive to encourage people to donate money and provisions throughout December.

A study carried out by the centre found the cost of living crisis is the biggest issue facing parents and carers, with childcare costs also frequently mentioned.

Earlier this year, the princess launched her Shaping Us campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the early years and find solutions to improve outcomes for children into adulthood.

The long-term project is said to be Kate’s “life’s work”, and part of her plan to make a real impact in her role as Princess of Wales.

Helping Kate at the baby bank was I’m A Celebrity winner and podcast host, Giovanna Fletcher, who is a Shaping Us champion.

As the princess and Giovanna put the books she had brought on the shelves, Kate said: “It’s one of the books I enjoy reading with the children.”

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