Duchess of Cambridge Visits Oxford

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Kate has been greeted by cheering children waving flags during a visit to Rose Hill Primary School in Oxford.

Kate was there to learn about the work of one of her new charities - The Art Room - which uses art therapy to aid young people with issues such as low self-esteem and Asperger's syndrome.

The Duchess became patron of The Art Room in the new year and met staff and pupils from Rose Hill Primary School, Oxford, where the charity runs a dedicated arts therapy room.

She was greeted by dozens of cheering children waving Union flags who lined her route to the school doors.

Kate, wearing a brown dove-patterned dresscoat by London-based Irish designer Orla Kiely, stopped to chat to some of the youngsters as she walked up the drive and past a large group of photographers.

The dresscoat sold out "within minutes" of the Duchess appearing on television.

As soon as the duchess was spotted wearing the brown dove-patterned garment this morning, there was an "absolute frenzy'' on the website, the spokeswoman said.

Model and editor of a beauty and style website Ruth Crilly told Heart it was the perfect outfit for such an event:

"I'm sure they weren't splashing paint at her, but if you are going to a kids art class I wouldn't go for anything cream or white, so I think she's gone for the safest option there.

"I absolutely love her outfit."

Two children gave the duchess an apron emblazoned with "Miss Catherine'', some dog treats for her new pet, a male cocker spaniel, and a bouquet of cream-coloured roses.

Juli Beattie, founder and director of The Art Room, which celebrates its 10th anniversary next month, said:

"We are honoured that her royal highness has come to visit The Art Room in Oxford.

"It is a wonderful endorsement of the work we do - especially from someone who has a real understanding of the arts and the power that art has to help children with challenges raise their self-esteem and confidence.''

Sue Mortimer, headteacher of Rose Hill Primary School, speaking about the charity's work with her pupils, said:

"It is fantastic that the duchess will see this partnership first-hand and how much the children value their experience in The Art Room and what a difference it makes to their lives."

During her visit to the Art Room, Kate finally revealed the name of her new puppy - Lupo.

Lisa Hancock, manager of the school's art room, said the children had picked out a toy dog for the duchess before she arrived.

She added: "The children had chosen a dog for her to cuddle during the lesson. She said 'what's it called?' and we said 'would you like to give it a name?' and she said 'I will call it after my dog'.'"

The name is an Italian word meaning wolf and is also used as a surname in other parts of the world. Lupo's father is reportedly a pet owned by Kate's mother Carole Middleton.