How Kate spent her birthday

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge turned 36 yesterday and attended an engagement alone.

The expecting mother visited the Reach Academy in London which is a school that works with the children's mental health charity Place2Be. According to People, she toured the nursery and met with staff and students to learn about its programmes.

Kate recycled one of her knee-length floral maternity dresses she wore in 2015 when pregnant with Princess Charlotte.

During her visit to the Academy, Kate met with staff, students and parents. The Kensington Palace Twitter account shared photos of Kate meeting with the school's farm animals.

According to E!, the Duchess celebrated her birthday in private at home with Prince William and her gorgeous children.

"No big party," a source told the website.

The family has a lot to celebrate this week, with princess Charlotte beginning preschool on Monday.