WHEN Isabella Clarkson and her siblings missed out on seeing Kate Middleton in Grimsby, she decided to write a letter to the Duchess telling her how disappointed she was.
And the ten-year-old's initial dismay has now been overcome by feelings of delight after she received a letter and photograph from St James Palace in response.
Old Clee Academy pupil Isabella and her siblings, Alice, 8, and Reuben, 4, were taken to Havelock Academy in the hopes of seeing HRH The Duchess of Cambridge.
But because of delays caused by the bad weather and the huge crowds, they were lucky to spot a glimpse of Kate's car and waving hand as she passed.
Isabella explained: "We were so excited but we hardly saw anything at all.
"I'd spent ages making a glittery banner to hold the night before, but I don't think she saw it.
"I wrote a letter to her afterwards saying how disappointed we all were not to get to meet her and then we got a reply.
"My mum was so excited when it arrived at our house that she brought it into school and the teacher read it out to the class."
Thousands of well-wishers braved the bitter weather to meet pregnant Kate when she visited Grimsby's Fishing Heritage Centre, Peaks Lane Fire Station and Havelock Academy on March 5.
Her helicopter was delayed due to thick fog, but after a nervous wait, she eventually landed at Humberside Airport about an hour and a half behind schedule, to the delight of waiting well-wishers, many of whom had taken along gifts and flowers for the Royal visitor.
Every pupil from Old Clee was taken across to Havelock, which she officially opened on the day during her tour of the area, but they were disappointed not to get to meet Kate in person.
Alice added: "It was freezing and all we saw was the car and her hand. We were waving flags and singing the national anthem to keep warm."
Reuben added: "I wanted to see her because she's very kind and pretty."
Isabella explained that she was so keen to meet Kate because she is the future queen.
"I think Kate is doing all the good work that Princess Diana did and she seems very generous," said Isabella, of Colin Avenue, Grimsby.
"I'm going to get my letter and photograph framed and keep them forever."
Mum Jackie, 47, explained: "When I heard what had happened I told Isabella to write the letter.
"I knew she would get a reply and that it would cheer her up.
"It's a lovely thing for her to keep and look back on in the future, especially as Kate will be Queen one day.
"All of her friends will be doing the same thing now!
ON THE WEB: Visit www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk to discover what the letter from St James Palace said pictures and video from the Duchess' visit to North East Lincolnshire.
THE ROYAL LETTER Web copy for p2 Monday Dear Isabella, The Duchess of Cambridge has asked me to thank you for the lovely letter you recently sent, in which you wrote about Her Royal Highness' visit to Grimsby and told her a little about your brother and sister. The Duchess of Cambridge was sorry to hear you and your school friends were unable to see her when she visited Lincolnshire but Her Royal Highness had a wonderful day and gratefully appreciated the warm reception Grimsby gave her. The Duchess of Cambridge was immensely touched that you should take the trouble to write as you did. It really was most thoughtful of you and Her Royal Highness has asked me to send you her warmest thanks and best wishes,Yours sincerely,Claudia Spens