Kate Middleton opens new mythological themed Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace

The Duchess of Cambridge marked the official opening of Hampton Court Palace's new children's playground today (4 May). The playground, named the Magic Garden, was designed by architect Robert Myers, and is said to have drawn inspiration from the myths and legends of the Tudor Court. Located in south west London, Hampton Court Palace has not been inhabited by the royal family since the 18th century. Building began on the palace in 1514.

The garden includes a 25 foot-long sleeping dragon, a secret grotto, and colourful turrets and battlements.

Kate Middleton Hampton Court — Kate Middleton shares a joke with the staff during her tour Stuart C. Wilson/ Getty Images

Wearing a blue Michael Kors coat, which she also wore on her recent trip to India and Bhutan, Kate Middleton joined in with the children in the sandpit, and explored the 'dragon's nest' before she unveiled the plaque to officially open the Magic Garden. The Duchess also met with the designers and gardeners, who have been working on the garden for over six years.

The Duchess meets #MagicGarden designer @The_RHS landscape architect Robert Myers #HamptonCourtPalace pic.twitter.com/fx31joK3aM
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 4, 2016

HRH met gardeners & designers who created #MagicGarden over 6 years and children enjoying the area for the 1st time pic.twitter.com/CgJ1tkqx04
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 4, 2016

The Duchess of Cambridge unveils the plaque, officially opening the #MagicGarden at #HamptonCourtPalace @HRP_palaces pic.twitter.com/BoU2TyI1Hg
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 4, 2016

A magnificent cake to celebrate today's #MagicGarden opening. Thank you @HRP_palaces! Next stop @AFCevents... pic.twitter.com/rHtMuOOsht
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 4, 2016

HRH walks in the footsteps of Henry VIII in the #MagicGarden, where Royal jousting tournaments were once held pic.twitter.com/9igqDXZkIO
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 4, 2016

Battlements, moats and hidden dragon nests; The Duchess explores the #MagicGarden #HamptonCourtPalace pic.twitter.com/sANaqK65Rs
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 4, 2016

After visiting Hampton Court, Kate Middleton undertook her first engagement as Patron of the Anna Freud Centre. The Duchess attended a lunch reception at Spencer House in London, to support the development of a new centre of excellence for children's mental health.

The Anne Freud Centre works to improve the lives of thousands of children and young people with mental health problems. It is one of a limited number of places in the UK where children can receive full psychoanalysis.