It's been a busy week for the Princess of Wales—and it's only Tuesday! This week, Kate Middleton launched her new project as Princess of Wales, "Shaping Us," an awareness campaign dedicated to shining a spotlight on the first five years of a child's life. "It is essential, to not only understand the unique importance of our earliest years, but to know what we can all do to help raise future generations of happy, healthy adults," Kate said in a speech last night at a pre-launch event.

Today, the Princess of Wales was in Leeds to meet with university students and local residents at a market. Here, see all the best photos of Kate's first solo engagement to promote "Shaping Us."

Kate dressed for the cold weather, wearing a new bespoke emerald green coat by Alexander McQueen and brown Gianvito Rossi boots.

"The way we develop, through our experiences, relationships, and surroundings during our early childhood, fundamentally shapes our whole lives. It affects everything from our ability to form relationships and thrive at work, to our mental and physical well-being as adults and the way we parent our own children," Kate said in a statement to mark the launch of Shaping Us. "These are the most preventative years. By focusing our collective time, energy, and resources to build a supportive, nurturing world around the youngest members of our society and those caring for them, we can make a huge difference to the health and happiness of generations to come."

At the University of Leeds, she met with students who are studying in Childhood Studies BA.

Three students she met are studying to become teachers. Eisha Salem, one of those students, told People, "We told her we are going to university to be primary school teachers, and she said how important the early years are for children and a great profession to get into."

"She told us she thought it was a really good thing to be doing and great career choice," Salem adds. "We've heard a bit about of her early years. She was really relatable and took time to speak to us."

At the University of Leeds, she met with Councillor Lesley Gettings and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds, Professor Simone Buitendijk.

She also spoke with students and faculty.

Her dress is designed by Victoria Beckham, and the belt is by Vanzetti.

She also went to Kirkgate Market, a local market in the city.

Large crowds greeted the Princess as she stepped out in Leeds. Kate's father was born in Leeds, and she has family history in the area.

"She said she was really looking forward to being here," a local, Shirley Wainwright, tells People. "She said she's got a massive family tree and that there's a lot of history around here in Leeds and is determined to come back."

Her gold hoop earrings are from Shyla London; they are the Biaritz Squiggle Earrings, and they retail for just £74! She last wore them to attend a Boston Celtics game in December.

In the market, she viewed a digital display of her "Shaping Us" campaign video. She coordinated her green dress with a green Manu Atelier bag.

"We all need to know the critical importance of our early childhood. They really are years like no other in our lives. I urge everyone reading this, to take the opportunity to learn more about this incredible time of life, to think back to your own childhood and how it shaped you, and most importantly, to ask yourselves what you can do to make the world a more supportive and loving place for our children. Because healthy, happy children shape a healthy, happy future," Kate wrote in her open letter shared this weekend.

Kate chatted with the royal fans who gathered to catch a glimpse of her at the market.