Kate says emotional skills must be priority for healthier society

Princess Catherine of Wales has publicly called for a societal "rebalancing," prioritizing mental and physical well-being and advocating for greater compassion. Catherine, who is gradually returning to work following cancer treatment, is launching the next phase of her early childhood project, which aims to place greater emphasis on the development of emotional skills.

In the foreword to her charity's report, Catherine wrote: "At times, the world can seem full of distrust and misunderstanding, leaving many feeling isolated and vulnerable during difficult times. The impact of this – poor mental health, addiction, and abuse – can be devastating for individuals and society."

The "Shaping Us" early childhood project has released a new framework document stating that addressing these deep-seated problems depends on how children are educated from an early age, which should include fostering social skills and "positive relationships." Catherine called the early childhood project her "life's work" and wrote that to "create a healthier society, both mentally and physically, we must reset, restore and rebalance. We must invest in people." "This means taking a deep look at ourselves, as well as our own behavior, emotions and feelings."

The Princess is expected to launch a campaign next week to initiate projects based on her ideas. After experiencing difficult health issues over the past year, Catherine has issued further calls for compassion and empathy. At her Christmas carol concert, she called for "love, not fear," and stated that "love is a light that can shine even in our darkest moments."

The Princess, who has announced that her cancer is in remission, has embraced patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital where she received treatment. She also embraced and held the hands of Holocaust survivors at a memorial event earlier this week. The latest publication of her "Shaping Us" project, supported by numerous experts in early health and education, calls for greater emphasis on fostering children's emotional and social connections from a young age.

The project aims to raise awareness of the importance of a child's first five years and the profound long-term impact that early experiences can have on adult life. "Now is the time for us to recognize and act on the undeniable importance of social and emotional skills and give them the recognition they deserve," said Christian Guy, Executive Director of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. "Getting this right in early childhood, as we lay the foundations for these skills to continue to develop throughout life, could have a truly profound impact on individuals and the future of our society."

Vicki Nevin, Policy Manager at the UK's National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), welcomed Catherine's initiative and highlighted the importance of early childhood well-being. "We know that raising young children can be challenging and stressful. Families need to know where they can find trusted advice to do the best for their babies. When parents feel supported, they are better able to support their children," she said. "That's why health visits and family centers should be open to every family."

Ofsted, the education regulator in England, warned in its annual report released in December 2024 that social disparities are widening in access to childcare. The report warned that childcare "deserts" are particularly likely to occur in areas with low incomes and high levels of child poverty. Research from the Coram Family and Childcare charity last spring showed that parents face difficulties finding and affording childcare places. Coram’s Managing Director, Ellen Broome, said that families face a "double whammy of above-inflation price rises and a dramatic fall in availability."