The Princess of Wales was photographed in Reading's 'Little Ukraine' today (November 17), meeting refugees who had fled the war with Russia

Pictures show the Princess of Wales greeting Chairman of the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre, Antonia Gresko, who presented her with the traditional Ukrainian gift, bread and salt, which represent prosperity and purity.

She met with families who had escaped the country, some having slept in bomb shelters before reaching the UK.

They spoke of the opportunities the centre had offered them to connect with other survivors and to embed themselves in the Reading community.

The Princess of Wales comforted a weeping Ukrainian mother and said “I wish we could do more.”

Galina Bolebrukh, 39, who arrived in the UK with her mother Iryne and three-year-old son Renat, wept as she told the princess how she fled Ukraine with her family and a few clothes.

Kate placed her hand and on her own heart and said “I wish we could do more” and later told the mother, whose husband remained in Ukraine to fight the Russian invasion: “Everything you’ve experienced is so understandable.”

The centre has been the hub of the Ukrainian community in Berkshire for years but has now focused much of its efforts in supporting Ukrainians arriving in the UK, and delivering medical equipment and humanitarian aid to those on the front line.

The princess posed for a picture with Mrs Bolebrukh’s son on her lap and did the same with another little girl.

She sympathised with a group of women, telling them: “It’s still all going on and you have loved ones and family in Ukraine, they still see the horrors of war every day.”

Kate said she was impressed by their “bravery”, adding: “You’re showing a resilience, I’m overwhelmed by how strong you all are.”

In a lighter moment Kate joined children taking part in an art session. The monthly workshops allow the Ukrainian youngsters to have fun, build friendships and express their emotions and experiences through a creative outlet.

She praised the youngsters for their efforts and was left with blue and yellow paint – the national colours of Ukraine – on her hands.