Monday 30 January 2023

The Princess of Wales Delivers First Speech in New Role Ahead of Early Years Campaign Launch

Ahead of the launch of Kate's early years campaign tomorrow, the Prince and Princess of Wales stepped out for a glamorous pre-campaign engagement hosted by the Royal Foundation at BAFTA, London.

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The event kicks off what is expected to be a busy week filled with engagements and appearances to mark the unveiling of 'Shaping Us'. Tomorrow, Kate will share her plans against the backdrop of long-scheduled visits highlighting the importance of a child's first five years. It has been reported a host of influential figures from media, music and sport will join the Princess, with social media considered a key element of the campaign. 

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On the grapevine, there's a growing rumour Kate recorded a podcast episode with Giovanna Fletcher (with whom she spoke during 5 Big Questions) and presenter and author Fearne Cotton. Both ladies were present tonight.

Kate with Fearne.

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Shaping Us was revealed on Saturday night. In an open letter, the Princess wrote: "During our very early childhood, our brains develop at an amazing rate – faster than at any other time. Our experiences, relationships, and surroundings at that young age, shape the rest of our lives. It is a time where we lay the foundations and building blocks for life. It is when we learn to understand ourselves, understand others and understand the world in which we live. But as a society, we currently spend much more of our time and energy on later life. I am absolutely determined that this long-term campaign is going to change that. It will start by highlighting how we develop during early childhood and why these years matter so much in terms of shaping who we become.

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"We all need to know the critical importance of our early childhood. They really are years like no other in our lives. I urge everyone reading this, to take the opportunity to learn more about this incredible time of life, to think back to your own childhood and how it shaped you, and most importantly, to ask yourselves what you can do to make the world a more supportive and loving place for our children. Because healthy, happy children shape a healthy, happy future."

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Presenter and former member of popular UK girl band the Saturdays delivered a speech. Other familiar faces included Professor Green and England football captain Leah Williamson. 

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The evening was compered by Kate Silverton and a Q&A session took place between Eamon McCrory, Professor of Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology, University College London, and Dr Guddi Singh, a paediatrician and campaigner.

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The Independent reports:

'Rochelle Humes brought her nine-year-old daughter Alaina Mai Humes to the event and joked the youngster had said about Kate: “She’s got the best hair.”

Humes spoke about her childhood being brought up by just her mother, and ended her speech by saying: “Everyone in society needs the very best for every child, because if every child realises their full potential we’ll have a society that is infinitely better off than the one we have today.”

The campaign film was screened at the event.

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Kate delivered her first speech in her role as Princess of Wales.

The Princess outlinined the goal for Shaping Us: "The campaign is fundamentally about shining a spotlight on the critical importance of early childhood and how it shapes the adults we become. During this time we lay the foundations and building blocks for life. And it is when we learn to understand ourselves, understand others and understand the world in which we live."

Kate's speech in its entirety:

'This week sees the launch of our new awareness raising campaign, Shaping Us. The campaign is fundamentally about shining a spotlight on the critical importance of early childhood and how it shapes the adults we become.

During this time we lay the foundations and building blocks for life. It is when we learn to understand ourselves, understand others and understand the world in which we live. This is why it is essential, to not only understand the unique importance of our earliest years, but to know what we can all do to help raise future generations of happy, healthy adults.

Shaping Us is a long-term campaign, and we’re starting by highlighting how we develop during early childhood and why these years matter so much in terms of shaping who we become. As the campaign progresses, we will explore in more depth the importance of a child’s social and emotional world, the significance of relationships, and the impact of the surroundings and experiences a child is exposed to during these formative years. Together these play a key role in shaping our future lives. Yet they rarely get as much focus as our physical health and cognitive development.

And of course, by understanding our own childhoods – what has shaped our own beliefs, relationships, behaviours and feelings – we, as adults, are better placed to play our part in positively shaping future generations.

Those involved in raising children today need the very best of information and support in helping to achieve this mission – and this campaign aims to help do that too.

I want to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to so many of you in this room, for your ongoing work in this area. Thank you for the years of dedication and your unfailing determination to advocate for and improve the lives of the very youngest members of our society.

And thank you also to many of you in this room this evening, for your personal support to me in helping me develop my thinking and work on this issue over the years. As you all know, by building a supportive, nurturing world around children and those caring for them, we can make a huge difference to generations to come.

Because fundamentally healthy, happy children shape a healthy, happy future'.

Prince William is President of BAFTA, and their glamorous Central London location offered an elegant backdrop for the occasion.

More on the building's background:

'Housed in an historic Grade II Listed building in the heart of London’s West End, BAFTA 195 Piccadilly is a truly world-class space, providing innovative state-of-the-art facilities for all event needs, whether live, virtual or hybrid.

No stranger to red carpet glamour and making dreams become a reality, the five floors of BAFTA 195 Piccadilly offer 1,600 square metres of incredible, flexible, creative spaces; presenting a spectacular way to wow guests.'

The Princess Anne Theatre is considered one of the "most technologically advanced screening facilities in the world", boasting a commanding stage, luxurious armchair style seating, ample leg room, comfort cooling temperature controlled air conditioning and perfect sightlines from every seat.

Red is a fantastic colour on Kate. I've been waiting for her to debut a red trouser suit and tonight was the perfect occasion for it. For such an important event, the Princess turned to Alexander McQueen for the appropriately 'Welsh Red' ensemble. Kate sported McQueen's Leaf Crepe Drop Hem blazer. The piece is finished with a single button fastening.

With thanks to UFO No More, the blazer is teamed with McQueen's Narrow Bootcut Trousers, which feature side pockets and a back jet pocket. The sharply tailored look is available at My Theresa.

Kate wore her fabulous statement CHALK earrings. The Florence style is available for £75.

More from the product description:

'Ornate obsession overload. The Florence Earrings are inspired by the auditorium ceiling of the Royal Opera House in Central London. A beautiful neutral pair with gold, bronze and regency green tones.

Chalk Jewelry, by architect Malaika Carr creates unusual, geometric, jewelry all handmade by Malaika in her London based studio. Chalk's collections are influenced by architectural elements, everyday objects and bold colorful, cultural patterns. Materials are sourced from small UK based shops.'

It looks like Kate wore her red suede Gianvito Rossi pumps.

I'll see you tomorrow!

54 comments:

  1. Wow - power suit!! Love it. I could see Meghan wearing this too! Great speech from HRH.

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  2. I remember when W&K first got married, Kate got a fair bit of criticism in the early years for not taking on more patronages. The wisdom of her decision to concentrate on quality over quantity is illustrated nowhere better than her Early Years work and the Royal Foundation’s mental health initiatives, both of which have been able to effect real change. Annje, Wales

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  3. I was really struck by the suit! It fits so perfectly and I LOVE all the details. It's really a great outfit, and I like the red bag and shoes.

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  4. Gorgeous! She is stunning 🔥

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  5. Wow! Jaw dropping beautiful and glowing.

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  6. Gorgeous outfit! They look great together. The suit looks perfect from all angles! Early childhood was my undergrad, and like the mental health campaign, our littlest ones are being brought into the every day conversation. She can’t change laws or fix salaries, but they can use their influence in other ways. Thanks Charlotte. I’m looking forward to more of these engagements. Sue

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  7. Great suit for Kate. Striking, with clean lines and power colour- she looks stunning, and a nice change from her love of bows, ruffles, prints, peplums, and buttons.

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  8. Catarina of Sweden31 January 2023 at 00:38

    I agree so much with the Princess of Wales on this subject. Those early years are everything!!!

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  9. While I always love to see what she wears,(stunning), impressed with the causes she champions, it comes down to her radiance.

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  10. WOW, red is Catherine’s colour, and this exquisite creation by McQueen is perfection. It’s interesting that the very important moments in Kate’s life have been almost always been either McQueen or Jenny Packham. Beautiful fashion that will live on in the pages of history. I have the smallest frustration, which feels almost silly to comment on … but I wonder if anyone else ever notices this. Her magnificent engagement ring rarely seems to sit correctly on her finger, something I never saw happen with Princess Diana. It often spins & twists on her finger and ends up either crooked or sitting completely under her hand. It seems to me that it is still too large for her finger.

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    1. wishiwereinlondon31 January 2023 at 01:01

      My rings turn on my fingers. They need to be a little big to go over my knuckles. Maybe Kate’s fingers are the same?

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    2. Yes I've noticed. I know she had metal beads placed inside the band for a better fit. I'd be very surprised if she hasn't lost a bit of weight. It's been a very stressful few months for the family. S🙂

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  11. Terrific trouser suit. I saw this blazer online and was tempted by its interesting asymmetrical design, but I already own two, somewhat unusual, red blazer-jackets and couldn't justify the purchase. I went with something by Proenza Schouler instead.

    I agree that Meghan Sussex would also wear this look quite well. She hasn't ventured into McQueen, though, perhaps because the label is so identified with the Princess of Wales.

    I think I said once before that I admired the unusual earrings. I wanted also to comment that for years, I avoided anything, including "bootcut" jeans and trousers, that suggested the bell-bottoms of the 70s, when, as a fashion-obsessed teenager, I felt passionately that everyone looked terrible, that fashion had hit a true nadir of bad design. Bell-bottoms were on my list of "most-hated trends". However, I have slowly come around to appreciating the interesting design effect of a modified bootcut/bell-bottom look.

    I also long avoided pumps in any color but neutrals, but I recently bought a pair of red suede pumps to match a great red Acler skirt. Funny how I'm abandoning some of my long-held fashion shibboleths as I grow older. I hope that doesn't signify creeping eccentricity or, worse, senile dementia.

    On a personal note: I commented on an earlier post that I was considering no longer following the royals, and circumstances -- the sudden and unexpected death of my beloved mother two days ago -- are forcing me to take some serious time off from visiting my favorite blogs. I don't know when I'll return to this site. However, I expect that I will and that this time away will give me an opportunity to get a good fix on the Princess's campaign and on whether it is substantially different from her previous work in this area.

    If there was anyone who understood the importance of the early years, it was my mother. I will remain grateful for the childhood she gave me for the rest of my days.

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    1. Vittoria, please accept my heartfelt condolences. I am so truly sorry for your loss. I know I speak for all of us when I say I eagerly await your return.

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    2. Vittoria, I was just telling a friend about my mother and some good times we had. I am deeply sorry for your loss and do hope you will return. I find your comments invaluable.

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    3. Oh Vittoria, I’m so very to read your news about your darling Mum. I lost my beautiful Mum just over 12 months ago, and I know how difficult the days & weeks ahead will be. As Her Majesty said “Grief is the price we pay for love”, and she was so right. Sending my love to you from Australia, you are in my thoughts across the miles xx Dee

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    4. Vittoria, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. 🙏 . It's. 3 years since I lost my Mother and I think of her every day. Sometimes I feel like she is still with me especially at times when you need advice and know exactly what they would of told you to do. Make sure you make the time to eat well and sleep. It really does take it out of you. ❤️. S. 🙂

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    5. Vittoria, my condolences for the loss of your beloved mother.

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    6. Vittoria so sorry for your loss, I too lost my mother a few months ago and I sympathise deeply with you. Take care of yourself cherish your memories and I look forward to when you return as I find I agree with your comments. : )
      Sue in WA

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    7. I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my mom a year ago from cancer and am still grieving. I know your pain and am sending you comfort, strength and love in this difficult time. My thoughts are with you. One thing to remember your beautiful mom lives on with you and the relationship continues even if her physical body is gone from you.

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    8. Vittoria, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. I wish you strength and peace. Zora from Prague

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    9. Vittoria, I am so very sorry for your loss. With what you said about your Mother & your childhood, she sounds just wonderful. You are in my thoughts & prayers & you will definitely be missed until your return. Take care of yourself!! xoxo

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    10. My dear Vittoria, please accept my deepest and sincere apology for the passing of your beloved mother. A loving and doting mother will leave an everlasting impression on her children and I have no doubt that she has now become your guardian Angel to watch over you. I will pray for you and your family in this trying time and hope to see you return to this lovely page of friends and extra support system here for you! ♥️

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  12. Her elocution and pronunciation was the BEST I have heard in all the years I have followed her online when giving speeches. I am so proud of her improvement in her public speaking skills. I understood every word. Thank you for your great website, Charlotte a always! The only place I go for updates.

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  13. i love her suit cant wait too see the finish product tomorrow thamk charlotte for putting these up

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  14. She really is doing a fantastic job. I'm so happy for her. As for the suit. It's a 10/10 from me and WOW. She looks amazing tonight. I like those earrings, they work very well with her look. I can't help thinking what the Grenville chandler earrings would look like with this suit. Now my mind wonders to the jewel's she will choose for the Coronation. Charlotte, any news on your announcement? Your keeping us guessing. 😂. S🙂

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  15. Knock out! she looks gorgeous in this suit I love the unusual hemline. I'm still patiently waiting for some length to be taken off her hair. Sue in WA

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  16. I was fortunate enough to listen to most of the speech, and the Princess spoke eloquently and with conviction, beautifully delivered. I am very proud of the progress she has made and the way she has carried herself with such dignity and grace, in difficult circumstances. She has my respect.
    Her red pantsuit looks superb. The fit and cut of this outfit, is splendid. She wears this pantsuit so well, with her height she looks so polished, elegant and chic. Love the red accessories. The earrings are gorgeous.

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  17. I read this in the Telegraph : Eamon McCrory, professor of developmental neuroscience and psychopathology at University College London and a member of the Centre for Early Childhood’s advisory group, said it is in the early years that “resilience to adversity” is established.

    He said there is “extensive” scientific evidence showing how experiences during the early years predict lifelong mental health, physical health, wellbeing and life satisfaction into middle age and beyond.

    “We believe that there's a lack of societal recognition of that fact,” he added.

    “There's a lack of investment in the potential to shift the way society thinks about the early years as a true opportunity for prevention in terms of homelessness, addiction and mental health.”

    For those who have been questionning the utility of the campaign because we know about early years, societal recognition is lacking and the campaign aims to change that. There won't be improvement if there is no interest.

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  18. I'm agreeing with everyone here in saying Catherine was at her best here. She has taken time to study her subject (as well as having hands on experience with her own three!) and speaks with truth, passion and conviction.
    She looked perfect in the red suit - not too froo froo, but the asymmetry and wider pants just softened the look for an evening event. Statement earrings without being gems from the vault and the perfect accessory - William beaming with pride beside her!
    Go girl!

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  19. I am unsure about this particular pant suit. Ok the on hand I love a bold power suit and it’s great Kate has stopped the wide legged pants in favour of the more elegant and professional slim cut. But I really don’t like the asymmetrical cut of the blazer. And while I think Kate looks good in red, this particular shade doesn’t translate well in a pant suit. At least not worn like this. With a more relaxed cut blazer, worn open and a black or white top underneath it would work. There have been some examples of this kind of power suit in the last years and most had the same problem.

    Regarding her initiative: I am still somewhat unsure about what exactly she tries to achieve. Awareness for the importance of the development in early years is a bit of a weak approach. And I say this as someone absolutely agreeing with the voices calling for higher wages, more recognition and more resources in this sector. But I don’t see exactly what she wants to achieve. Parents taking those years more serious? Because I don’t see how politics will put better programs and more resources ok it JUST because it’s actually crucial. If that would be how it works we wouldn’t see some of the problems, be it education health care. Sadly, the only motivation would be companies lobbying for it to ge better workers out of it. I also don’t get some of the arguments. Example; Children starting school not toilet ready. Is that new? The starting age is still the same isn’t it? Were children ten years ago toilet trained? Because this problem has nothing to do with little resource in schools? Maybe I don’t get it because here children start school at 6. So that’s not even a question. And the 3-6 year period in nursery they are normally diaper free but the odd accident is expected.
    In general I wonder- where is this crisis that some talk about stemming from. What has gotten worse. Because resource while bad are not less than before? Childcare for the youngest while still hard to get is more still more available than ever? I am not saying it isn’t a dire situation and it needs changing but I also don’t get why it seems we, as a society create worse outcomes then when there was basically no childcare under 3, children were less talked and thought about and school resources were a joke.
    I miss some clear pinpoints in her approach that showcase solutions. She won’t scold Parliament and make them grovel and pass some much needed bills. And she shouldn’t. But she can voice again and again how important Early Years are and underline the message by publicly supporting efforts in that direction.

    Regarding criticism. I think most of the criticism we see arise now stems from several things. As most I am a reader basically from the start. Kate was never free of criticism but people were quite willing to wait and see. Let them raise their family, let her find her footing. But at one point you start to wonder. So what we see is disappointing after we were told to wait till she settled in, got the children to school age, to rise up in rank….. and now we get a campaign to
    raise awareness. The thing is, most people are aware. But families in hard circumstances will easily neglect this, low wages and missing respect will not bring good childcare staff. As of now, no party is coming up with a convincing concept for this sector. So people can’t even change this by voting. So WHO is she addressing with an awareness campaign?
    I hope we will see good things come from it. Because I want this success for her and for children, families, teachers, and caretakers.

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    1. I completely agree with you - raising awareness is a very woolly target - very difficult to measure its success . So many people are struggling with bills they are working more hours to keep a roof over their heads and food in the table . So naturally there is less time for parents to spend with their children. It’s not just the poorest in society it’s the majority of the uk . Who is going to pay for any measures she wants done - there’s no appetite or ability for the money needed . More government spending is not the answer as it has to be paid for by those already struggling. Raising awareness doesn’t make money appear to provide for increased wages , cheaper food , lower bills .
      I agree we’ve been waiting over 15 years for them to up their workload and have an impact on their subjects.

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    2. I see some hyperbole here. 15 years, hmm—they’ve not even been married for 12 years. And they have only been full time working Royals since Philip retired in 2017.

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    3. I am pretty sure they have been listed as full time working ever since Wiliam left the Air Ambulance in 2017. At least that is how it was annoounced. But yes, it has not been 15 years.

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    4. They’ve certainly been together for 15 years so plenty of time to form plans . I’m sorry but they’ve never been full time working royals doing 90 engagements a year

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    5. How can you be unsure of what Catherine is trying to achieve? She was very cautious in the early days and quite rightly so because she was and still us open to criticism. She took her time to find a calling. Even before she had her own children she started to develop an interest in young children and the effects it has on later life. She has not jumped in with 2 feet and lectures. She’s learnt from experts, parents and extended families. She a looked, learnt and listened. Making people aware of the effects of negative start in life the massive impact it can have to society. More and more people are aware because of the work she has done in raising its profile. The charities that have developed and been created because of the work she has done and the amazing gifted people she is working with. My nephew is a teacher and more and more children are starting school wearing nappies and not able to use knives and forks. We can’t just expect children to grown and develop without nurture and guidance and I do feel that over the years this has been forgotten which will effect society in years to come. If we can nip this in bud from birth we raise a happy future generations. Health in pregnancy is vital and raising the profile of this is amazing. We assume most people are aware of good parenting and nurturing but it’s very naive to think that most of us know. There are many thousands of people who do not care or understand. Catherine doesn’t go for the in topics. She is a woman of integrity and the future generations will see the positive outcomes of the work she is doing and the people she is working with. She has found her passion and this will be her thread for many years to come. We also need to remember the children are still young and from being in her early 20s has faced unimaginable criticism and cruelty. She carries herself with integrity and what shines is she won’t be pushed into something because it’s what’s we feel she should do she’s very much like our beloved queen. She not here for a sprint but for the long haul and long may her amazing work in early years continue.

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    6. In response to An on 13.59, who do you think is going to pay for it. The British government/ tax payers will be paying one way or the other. Most of the people involved in crime or in jail would say that they had a bad start in life. Those who's lives have been ruined by drugs etc. That will all cost the state in the long-term. In response to this 15 years business. I'm sure when they get their super powers, they will save the children of the world, end all war's. Basically save the world. They are bringing up 3 children themselves and obviously practice what they preach. S. 🙂

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    7. It's a great cause, a great idea, but "bringing awareness" isn't what's needed, frankly. What's needed are tangible things: real programs or financial relief for working-class parents, funded through their nonprofit, for example. I understand that she's been immersing herself in research and learning about this for years (and I applaud that), but: If this initiative is to succeed, there needs to be substance backing it up. It can't just be about "shaping awareness."

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    8. @Anonymous 20:14 I get the confusion. Because if, per your post, she is trying to raise awarness that is nice and I fear that might be about it. She has supported some charities and programms in that sector but I have yet to learn about one initiative that has been created thanks to her efforts. I would have absolutely no problem with "just" raising awarness if her work wouldn't be described as something "landmark", "dramatic shift" and to "revolutionise thinking". Awareness is nice but the parents that need this lecture are often the ones that also need to be taken by the hamd and led to the ressources, initiatives and programms. Picking them up and pointing them in the right direction is not an easy job. Because it means stepping on their toes. And from my experience no topic is so full of sensetive feelings and judgement than parenting. Who wants to get told that letting your children eat a fried dinner in front of the tv is not exactly stellar parenting? And who is helping parents out of such behaviours when, I assume, it is not desinterest and lazyness that leads to this? Kate can't magically build great free nurseries and schoold full of happy, well educated, well paid and motivated staff to balance out the circumstances in the families.
      Her vision is aimiable, but it would be a shame is her "live's work" won't have much to show for. Changing the way society and government treat this topic is no easy feat. Charles and his enviroment focus only paid off after decades of work, being ridiculed for it and a shift that has not necesserily something to do with him. He is more a benefactor.
      But that is not to say, Kate shouldn`t put her effort into the Early Years. Maybe she can surprise her critics and we will see a much needed shift in society and politics. I certainly hope so. But I do understand where her critics are coming from.

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    9. As I just wrote on yesterday's page, this campaign is not Kate's whim. She has consulted numerous experts, set up an early childhood center, she has asked for advice and listened to lots of people in the field. If those experts had recommended another course of action, she would have done so. She is the figurehead and the driving force behind the campaign but raising awerness is the result of much thought and a strategic step in what will be a decades long enterprise. The critics are disparaging the experts. I for one think they probably know better than me what is needed.

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    10. @annon 10.16 -you are being unfairly harsh here. What projects you would like the POW working on? She raising awareness and through her high profile amazing charities are receiving much needed support and finances. A lot of which goes under the radar. It’s not her style to ‘tweet’ about every donation made or received. She is not ‘just’ raising awareness. Like the work the DOE and KC did it took years to see the benefits of the work and achievements. For those that are cynical I find it sad that people just can’t support her and those that she is working with and let time speak for itself. POW has never lectured people that is not her style - she doesn’t do the ‘do as I say’. She talks about what she has learnt in a very kind and compassionate way. More Families and those in need are receiving the support they need and that is what should matters. She is not critiquing parenting, she knows what it is like to be so pulled apart for example on sites such as this so why would she criticise parenting of other humans. What’s she is saying is we should be mindful of 0-5 and the effects it can have on later life. Catherine can’t single handed build schools and nurseries - it’s takes a village of people to help raise content children. But in her position she can help raise the awareness which I think is absolutely amazing. The POW could have easily picked fluffy topics to work on and shift from one to another. Through her early work with action against addiction and other charities she saw a thread and a lot of it started at early childhood. So if we can as a village nip it in the bud aren’t we raising a future generations of secure adults? I hope Catherine, Princess of Wales continues to put her efforts into her passions like KC and DOE did. Perhaps we focussed more on the work she was doing and instead of what she is wearing we would understand more of what they are achieving.

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  20. This is a great look! 🤩 And important cause also 😉

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  21. Catherine looks amazing and I think it’s a wonderful initiative that need more public awareness and the more it is spoken about the more likely change will happen. Children are our future and the future starts when they are born.
    D

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  22. Stunning, as always, and even more than that, Kate has been the busiest of Royals, working very hard at all of her commitments. I especially take interest in her new endeavor , Shaping Us. The formative years are so important, and investing time and energy in them helps shape a better future.

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  23. Lovely and modern look on Kate - red is her colour!

    It's virtually impossible not to support an awareness campaign like this - but I'm afraid that's all she can do: raise awareness. Like most other issues, this is all about politics, taxes and social structures. All parents want what's best for their child.

    I hope this moves beyond the "spotlight" she refers to, and that the campaign is worth bringing out an expensive and stylish McQueen for :-) because I think this is heartfelt for her.

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    1. That's were she can have an impact. All parents want what is best for their children but do they know what is best for them? And do those who interact with the children?

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  24. Wow! She looks absolutely radiant!!! Great command of a color on her and for this wonderful initiative.♥️♥️

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  25. Kate looks absolutly spectacular!! I too love seeing how she has really grown into herself & her position! I remember her once saying, that they are in a unique position to follow issues, not just for years but for decades! Just like so many of the aspects of her life... we are yet again seeing her play "The Long Game" & that is something we should remember! She is well aware of her limitations, with regards to politics, but she can effect change with "soft/if not strong diplomacy"!

    Natasha, I love what you said at the end of your post & I absolutely agree!

    I also wanted to mention, that we had the Screening of 1 of our UK Films @ BAFTA 195 & I can personally attest that it is a wonderful facility! We actually used that theater & we used one of the other floors for a cocktail reception, before the screening. Also with it's location on Piccadilly, it made for easy transportation to our after party. :)

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  26. I went back and forth on whether to submit this comment b/c I don't know how it will be received, but I decided to keep it real, so here goes:

    Poor Catherine- she's damned if she does, damned if she doesn't. "She's not doing enough!!" or "She's doing something but it's not the right thing!!" I'm curious as to what people would prefer that she focus on? Homelessness? Substance abuse? Domestic violence? Hmmm...research shows that those issues are tied to a person's early years, so....

    I don't mean to sound snarky but for goodness sake, let's give her and this cause a chance. I for one have people in my family who would've benefited from this type of campaign. They're good people who wanted what was best for their children (most people do) and raised them in a clean home with plenty of food and clothing. They chose to stay home with their kids, thinking it was the right thing. But they were not educated on even the basics of early childhood development. The TV was on all the time and there was no stimulation. They didn't sit with them on the floor and read to them or draw or play with them. They didn't send them to preschool, even the free universal pre-k we have here in the States, so they didn't learn how to make friendships or interact with other children at a young age. Again, their children were taken care of physically but there was much lacking in their emotional and mental development and sadly, it really shows now that they are teenagers and adults. (I know there are also examples of people who were raised the same way and still managed to thrive and become successful, but I do not believe that is the majority.) I'll bet if they heard one of their favorite actors or sports figures talking about this, it would have made an impact because those are the people they look up to. I hope that doesn't come across as snooty in any way, it's just how it is.

    Yes, this is a cause that has been discussed for years and it is very daunting. But throwing our hands up in the air and saying oh well, there's no way this can be fixed, isn't an answer either.

    Kim in Saratoga

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    1. Kim, I love your post! It's so authentic. I feel there is so much truth in it & I agree with you implicitly! I praise you for being brave enough to share your voice!

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    2. As one of the ones being gently critical I will challenge you - you know people who would have benefited? How? She is not actually offering anything, there are no clear goals, there are no funded projects. For others saying ‘give her time’ - how long does she need? We had the Big 5 questions… this project is not new, yet we still don’t see substance. If I compare this to some of Camilla’s projects it is so much easier to see what Camilla is trying to achieve. Is Kate actually raising awareness amongst the people who are not already aware? LRB

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    3. LRB thank you for your comment and I absolutely hear what you’re saying. I understand that a lot of people would like to see a concrete plan and specific steps written out rather than just more talking about awareness. For example (and I’m totally making this up), literature on early childhood development will be sent home with every newborn leaving a hospital or birthing center. Maybe this is just the way I’m interpreting what I’ve read and I could be wrong, but I believe that is their plan for the future- giving people tools. But right now the experts she’s working with seem to think there is still a need for awareness and buy-in. Whether that’s wrong or right I don’t know, I’m not an expert. But based on what I’ve read (and what a lot of commenters on here who are teachers have said) it seems logical and greatly needed and I say give it a chance. Others disagree. I suppose in the end it’s really not my business since I don’t live in the UK and my tax dollars aren’t supporting the royal family. I just know that I wish we had something like this happening in my country.

      I have to say, I am definitely enjoying the lively discussion here. Lots of well-written comments! Thank you, Charlotte for giving us this forum to connect on!

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    4. LRB- this is Kim in Saratoga. I responded to your comment but forgot to sign it. :)

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  27. Joanne in Virginia1 February 2023 at 14:43

    Hi Kim,you expressed your thoughts so well! I often feel as you do about Catherine,damned if she does,damned if she doesn’t. I think that the importance of the early childhood years can’t be overstated.They are the future,after all! As a mother of a now 38 year old,I always felt that one of my most important tasks was to raise my daughter to be a capable adult and a good person.I’m fortunate that she’s become that! But today’s parents are facing greater challenges than I did in the eighties and nineties,especially with the influence of social media.Parents and children need all the help they can get.I can’t think of a more important issue, and I wish Catherine and everyone involved the best in their efforts!

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