Kate Middleton reveals 'I'm shy' in bold red Armani suit on London engagement

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry stepped out on a sunny Thursday morning (20 April) to conduct a joint engagement at The Global Academy in Hayes, London.

The young royal trio came together for their mental health campaign Heads Together – founded to end the stigma around mental health and wellbeing – and watched a radio show being broadcast live at the school.

William, Kate and Harry spent time talking to teens gearing up for a future in the media industry and helped out with the production of Heart radio's breakfast show, presented by Jamie Theakston and Emma Bunton, from the school in west London.

They were fascinated by the teens sat at their desks filled with an array of buttons, switches and lights as senior production staff oversaw the programme. On his experience of a radio studio, William, 34, said: "Funny thing to be locked in a box talking to a big red microphone," to which Theakston replied: "I'm not sure the royal party has been this close to a Spice Girl."

Kate, 35, looked resplendent in an eye-catching red skirt suit from the Armani Collezioni line which she paired with some nude court shoes and a matching clutch. The form-fitting blazer featured a ruched design to add further detail, while the skirt fell just above the knee for a streamlined yet conservative look.

The royals also took part in a roundtable discussion with Global presenters such as Theakston, Bunton, LBC's Nick Ferrari and Capital's Roman Kemp, as well as students who took part in the morning radio shows. They all spoke about the importance of having a conversation about mental health.

Each of the royals visited a classroom involving pupils learning about the science of sound, and at one point the duchess spoke to a group of students working in the academy's radio station alone.

On discussing the teenage students' work on packages regarding mental wellbeing, she said: "Is this an issue you knew about or had experienced before this? Have any of you spoken to your friends or family about issues that have been bothering you?"

She added: "The important thing is to be able to start a conversation if there is."

Oliver Monger, 16, from Uxbridge, who has been a student at the academy since it opened in September 2016, told the royal: "I've not really had a problem I've needed to talk to someone about, but meeting you is a new thing. I don't really know how to speak to someone so high. I'm quite shy."

A reassuring Kate confessed to him: "I'm shy as well, so don't worry."

Later on, Monger said: "That was just fantastic. It has really boosted my confidence. I had no idea what to say at first but she really put me at ease."

Kate went on to praise the academy and the facilities it offers to students, stating: "It's just brilliant that they have the chance to put what they learn into practice. It's the best of both words."

The Global Academy is a university technical college for 14-19-year-old students working towards GCSE and A-Level qualifications. Their focus is on learning skills to apply for jobs in the media and working towards Ofqual-approved diplomas in broadcast and digital media.