Kate Middleton Says Her Interest in the Early Years Is Not Only Because She Is a Mom
For the best part of a decade, the Duchess of Cambridge has been researching the importance of the earliest years of a child’s life. And today Kate has opened up about what has driven her passion for this work.
In a keynote speech during an online forum hosted by the Royal Foundation, the royal mum quashed suggestions that having her own three children is what motivated her interest in childhood development. She first became a mother to Prince George in 2013, followed by Princess Charlotte in 2015, and Prince Louis in 2018. “People often ask why I care so passionately about the early years. Many mistakenly believe that my interest stems from having children of my own. While of course I care hugely about their start in life, this ultimately sells the issue short,” she said in a speech that was recorded and played during the online forum.
The Duchess continued, saying that “parenthood isn't a prerequisite for understanding the importance of the early years,” and pointed out that it is “too late” if people are only expected to become interested in childhood development when they become parents themselves. She added that it also underestimates “the huge role others can play in shaping our most formative years.”
Kate delivered her speech as findings from extensive research were revealed, including the results of her nationwide 5 Big Questions survey. The research showed that 70% of parents in the UK say they feel judged by others, with parents also reporting a big increase (from 38% to 63%) in loneliness throughout the pandemic. Kate described the past few months as “a very worrying time for us all,” adding that “the pandemic has reminded us just how much we value living in a world where people care for one another and the importance of feeling connected to the people around us.”
The Duchess said she wants to get to the “root of why parents feel so judged” and also increase understanding of the importance of the early years. Next year she is expected to announce action plans based on the findings which will aim to elevate the importance of the earliest years of a child’s life. Kate concluded her major speech by saying: “Only by working together can we bring about lasting change for the generations to come. Because I truly believe, big change starts small.”
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