Kate Middleton holds special video call with students of Waterloo Primary Academy in Blackpool

The Duchess of Cambridge, 38, virtually joined children at Waterloo Primary Academy in Blackpool to talk about the importance of being kind.

The sweet video call forms part of an online assembly that Kate will lead for online homeschooling hub, Oak National Academy, tomorrow (June 18).

In a clip of the video call, shared by Oak National Academy today (June 17), Kate said: "Today I wanted to talk to you about the importance of being kind and looking after one another.

"I’m now going to join a Zoom call with some pupils from Waterloo Academy in Blackpool to find out what kindness means to them."

A clip of the virtual chat then sees Kate asking the children: "Who wants to tell me what kindness means?"

In response, a child says: "Treat people as you want to be treated."

The children - whose parents have been working on the frontline during the coronavirus pandemic - also shared photographs they had taken and submitted to The Duchess’s Hold Still photography project.

One of the central themes in the project is 'Acts of Kindness, and they discussed with Kate some of the ways they had demonstrated kindness in recent weeks.

The full assembly, which was pre-recorded last week, is taking place on Thursday, June 18 at 10am in collaboration with Oak National Academy.

During the assembly, The Duchess will say: "Talking to someone, whether it’s a friend, family member, or teacher, is something you can do to make yourself feel that little bit better.

"And you can also play your part in helping others to feel better too, whether offering a friendly ear, or helping someone in need.

"Small acts of kindness can go such a long way. But as we help others, we mustn’t forget to nurture ourselves, by taking the time to focus on the things that make us feel happy too."

Oak National Academy is an online classroom that provide free resources for parents and teachers.

Created in response to the lockdown, it has so far delivered over 12 million lessons since its launch.

Every Thursday morning, the academy, in collaboration with TES, hosts assemblies for students across the UK, allowing them to experience the normal routine of a school environment.

Matt Hood, Principal at Oak National Academy, said: "We’re thrilled that The Duchess of Cambridge was able to lead this week’s assembly on acts of kindness.

"Being kind and considerate is a vital lesson for children at any time, but especially so in the current pandemic. We must encourage young people to talk about their feelings and to know that it’s normal to feel a bit anxious or upset right now.

"The Duchess’s Hold Still competition is a fantastic way to get children engaging with their mental wellbeing as they think about what kindness means to them and how they can show it towards others."