IN PICTURES: The Duchess of Cambridge visits Smethwick children's centre

And Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cambridge, brought colour to a grey day in the Black Country - and gave one little girl a 'high-five' to celebrate her trip.

The Duchess has already greeted well wishers and guests during an event in Stoke before boarding a helicopter for her journey to the Black Country.

Her glamorous arrival typified her graceful elegance as she transferred into a sleek Range Rover for the final trip into Smethwick.

Crowds turned out to crane from every angle to capture just a glimpse of the future Queen of England.

This visit will prove one of her final public appearances ahead of the birth of her second child with The Duke of Cambridge.

And the incentive to spend ever a moment in her presence had persuaded hardy souls to brave a cold Black Country day to see her arrive at Action for Children's Cape Hill Children's Centre.

Right on time the Royal party arrived outside the brick built centre, in Corbett Street, with people holding their camera phones high to see Kate.

Stepping out of the Range Rover resplendent in a elegant blue coat, crowds grew into a cheer as she arrived on a tour to the Midlands.

While attendants moved to usher her towards the centre, Kate seemed determined to stay and greet the well-wishers outside despite her advancing pregnancy.

But it was soon off with the coat to reveal her patterned Seraphine dress covering her bump as she moved inside the centre to meet parents.

Kate breezed into the centre to greet staff and volunteers with the Action for Children charity which runs the centre on behalf of Sandwell Council.

And she appeared at ease chatting to parents and their exciting young child gathered at the centre which provides early support for vulnerable families.

Kate toured the centre before attending a private roundtable discussion with families who have accessed Action for Children services.

And a tear was brought to her eye when chatting to Michelle Griffiths, aged 33, who told a heartbreaking story of life at home.

The mother-of-two, of Norman Road, Oldbury, told the Duchess of life being cared for by her eldest daughter Chloe and said Kate listened with a caring ear.

She spoke with Kate about being diagnosed with the serious heart condition Brugada Syndrome and the battles for her family including youngest son, four-year-old Alfie.

"She actually cried when she heard my story, then I cried. She was so down to earth," she said.

"She is so beautiful and shook everyone's hands and kept eye contact when we were speaking.

"What got her tearful was when she asked how the children coped.

"She was very humorous and made people feel at ease. Some people were nervous and she said ' you don't have to talk to me. I can't believe how normal she was, she was so warm and friendly. "

She added: "My daughter Chloe is 13 and she is my carer. She has met other children who have parents with long term illnesses. It's a lot to put up with for a 13 year old.

"They have been a saviour for my family, they have given us our life back.

Mother-of-four, Sian Kavi, 25, from Smethwick, was also in the behind closed doors meeting, and said of Kate: "She was amazing.

"She asked me why I use the service and how it has helped me. She asked how my children were affected.She listened really well. It was really easy to talk to her."

After the meeting, she joined in a noisy children's play session in the centre - sitting down among the boisterous youngsters.

One of which, nothing little of her esteemed role, approached the beaming Duchess to high-five her to the delight of the room.

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