Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, got hands on during her latest royal engagement on 18 February, as she visited the Emma Bridgewater factory to see a mug the company has launched in support of East Anglia's Children's Hospices (Each), of which the duchess is patron.

Kate tried her hand at making a plate and decorating a mug during the visit to the factory in Stoke-on-Trent.

And her relaxed attitude went down well with the staff at the factory.

"Excellent, really down to earth lady isn't she. Couldn't believe how like, I won't say common, but really, really down to earth," said worker Andrew Davies after meeting Kate.

The charity mug will be launched on 2 March in support of the Each Nook Appeal, to build a new hospice in Norfolk to provide care and support to life-threatened children, young people and their families.

Later Kate will visit the Action for Children's Cape Hill Children's Centre in Smethwick.

Kate is pregnant with her second child but has kept up her busy schedule. She is due to give birth in April.