Britain's Duchess Catherine opened an art room at a school in London on Valentine’s Day with news presenter John Show.

The 32-year-old royal visited Northolt High School in Ealing this morning to meet with children and staff and officially open the room, which helps struggling pupils through art.

Despite it being Valentine's Day, Catherine opted for a bright blue LK Bennett dress for her appearance.

The school, which is under new leadership after a damning Ofsted report in 2011, was chosen as the location for the seventh art room, which has been open to pupils since September.

Catherine, who has been a patron of the ICAP Art Room charity since 2012, was joined by news presenter John Snow, who is also a patron, and the room will be used by up to 60 students at the primary school, and eventually other children from schools in the borough in west London.

She said: "I am a firm believer in the power of art to make a difference, and The Art Room is providing this on a daily basis."

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It was Catherine's second solo engagement of 2014, after she attended the National Portrait Gallery's annual gala in London on Wednesday (12.02.14).

Her appearances mark her gradual return to official royal duties after spending time with her seven-month-old son Prince George, with husband Prince William.

She will attend a number of events in coming weeks before she is joined by William and baby George on a tour of New Zealand and Australia in April.

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