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The Duchess of Cambridge has returned to work following six months on maternity leave after the birth of her third child.

Catherine joined children at a forest school and wildlife garden in Paddington, west London.

The duchess helped them search for spiders and other "mini beasts" - something she said she regularly does with her own children.

As she left, the youngsters queued up to hug her and shouted "Bye princess!"

Prince Louis was born on 23 April, but Catherine's last official appearance was on 22 March with Prince William, helping to prepare a feast as part of the Commonwealth Big Lunch.

She has been seen in public since giving birth but that was for private events.

The duchess, who also has five-year-old Prince George and three year-old Princess Charlotte, visited the Sayers Croft Forest School and Wildlife Garden - which provides outdoor facilities to inner-city school children so they can experience wildlife.

She was joined by children from St Augustine's Primary School, who presented her with flowers on her arrival, and children from St Stephen's CE Primary School.

She was seen smiling and laughing with the children as they planted seeds together and crouched in bushes looking for insects.