William and Kate greet well-wishers at Coventry Cathedral

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have walked through the ruins of Coventry Cathedral cheered by hundreds of flag-waving schoolchildren and well-wishers.

William and Kate began their day in the city by visiting its famous landmark which was destroyed by bombing during the Second World War but is now a symbol of hope and peace.

The youngsters waving union flags lined the nave of the former place of worship which still has many of its walls intact, although the roof is gone.

The Duchess, who is pregnant with her third child, shook hands and collected flowers from well-wishers.

Her growing bump was hidden under a bright pink double-breasted Mulberry coat.

In a poignant moment, William and Kate will stop in front of a replica of the Charred Cross - spotted in the aftermath of the bombing on November 14 1940 - which was formed from two timbers that fell from the roof.

The couple were taking part in the Coventry Litany of Reconciliation.

The litany is inspired by the story of Coventry Cathedral, aimed at healing the wounds of history and building a culture of peace.

The Cambridges were also meeting members of the choir before having a cup of tea with staff and volunteers at the Rising Cafe, a social enterprise aimed at providing work and opportunity for those overcoming drug and alcohol addictions.

Later they will learn about an innovative training centre for nurses, midwives and paramedics when they open the £59 million facility at Coventry University.

William and Kate will tour the institution's new science and health building during a day spent in Coventry celebrating the city's history, people and heritage.

The Duke and Duchess will end their away day by seeing first-hand the work of the Positive Youth Foundation in the city.

The organisation works with young people who find themselves living in challenging circumstances, from those excluded from school to others at risk from a range of social issues.

The royal couple will meet staff members, volunteers and young people supported by the service and watch music and boxing workshops.