Kate Middleton pays homage to Princess Diana for last-minute appearance to launch new charity

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The Duchess of Cambridge joined Prince William on Thursday for a last-minute appearance near London's Trafalgar Square to launch their new charity called the National Emergencies Trust (NET), which will bring together charities across the United Kingdom to distribute funds and resources in wake of domestic disasters.

The organization, which distinguishes itself as independent from the state, was created in response to the mass of tragedies that shook the United Kingdom in 2017, including the Manchester terrorist attacks and London's Grenfell Fire. In order to have the most impact, it seeks to be a resource for those affected by disaster and will work with other charities to allocate funds efficiently at the time of emergency.

"The intensity of emergencies in 2017.... led the Charity Commission to convene a number of people in the charitable sector to see if there was a better way of responding to national emergencies," NET explains on its website. "This has led to the creation of the National Emergencies Trust, which will collaborate with charities and other bodies to raise and distribute money and support victims at the time of a domestic disaster."

Kate and William's outing on Thursday included meeting with victims from the Grenfell fire and the Westminster Bridge attack as well as making an inaugural speech.

The parents-of-three dutifully wore their navy attire and remembrance poppy brooches -- William in a navy suit and Kate in an Emilia Wickstead dress, Jimmy Choo leather pumps and Princess Diana's diamond and sapphire drop earrings -- ahead of this weekend's Remembrance Day commemorations.

The holiday honors the fallen servicemen and women with a slew of royal-attended services on both Saturday and Sunday. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex began commemorations for the holiday on Thursday by attending the 91st annual Field of Remembrance service at Westminster Abbey to speak with veterans and plant their own Cross of Remembrances.

The Duchess of Cornwall was expected to join Harry and Meghan, but had to cancel last minute due to a chest infection.