KATE'S POIGNANT PRISON VISIT

Visiting one of the UK's largest women's prisons, the Princess of Wales shows her support for mothers and babies there- and praises those working to give the youngsters a good start in life

- EMILY NASH

Taking her mission to support early childhood behind bars, the Princess of Wales surprised inmates at one of the UK's largest women's prisons last week.

She was there as patron of Action for Children, shining a light on the vital support the charity provides to mothers bringing up babies while serving jail terms.

Arriving at HMP Styal near Wilmslow, Cheshire, to cat-calls, a wolf-whistle and shouts of "we need more funding" from inmates who leant from the windows to greet her, she responded with smiles, a wave and a "hello".

Wearing a brown checked full-length coat over a knitted brown skirt and polo neck, teamed with suede boots, the Princess was escorted through the main gate by prison governor Nicky Hargreaves, the two women laughing as they tried to squeeze through under an umbrella.

Kate began her fourth official visit to a prison in the Mother and Baby Unit, meeting four serving prisoners with babies and touring their accommodation and nursery.

The unit is designed to help mothers with babies aged up to 18 months to break the cycle of reoffending by helping them care for and build strong bonds with their children.