Kate has been heavily involved in a landmark study on early childhood and aims to raise awareness of the importance of a child’s first five years. The Duchess will deliver a keynote speech video call later today, but royal fans have already praised Kate for doing such important work.
Kate has made early years development one of the main pillars of her public role since she first joined the Royal Family.
Social media users have praised the Duchess for her pivotal role in the area, with one person describing her as “the Queen in waiting”.
Others congratulated the royal for doing “fantastic work” and several users said “well done” for discussing such a pertinent issue.
Kate has been the driving force behind a Royal Foundation study that has revealed a discrepancy between scientific and parental understanding of the significance of early years development.
More than half-a-million people took part in the Royal Foundation’s “five big questions on the under-fives” poll which was carried out by Ipsos MORI and produced the largest-ever response from the public to a survey of its kind.
The 57-page report found that just one in four people recognise the key importance of the first five years of a child’s life – something the Duchess wants to change.
The Duchess warns that poor care during the first five years of a child’s life can result in family breakdown, addiction and homelessness.
In a keynote speech to be delivered at a Royal Foundation forum on Friday, the Duchess will say: “Over the last decade I have met people from all walks of life. I have seen that experiences such as homelessness, addiction, and poor mental health are often grounded in a difficult childhood.”
“But I have also seen how positive protective factors in the early years can play a crucial role in shaping our futures…
“The early years are not simply about how we raise our children. They are in fact about how we raise the next generation of adults. They are about the society we will become.”
Kensington Palace said next year the Duchess will announce ambitious plans to help elevate the importance of early childhood.
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8.10am update: Kate shows off thrifty side in recycled Zara blazer and £49 gold hoop earrings
The Duchess of Cambridge was joined with the managing director of public affairs at Ipsos MORI Kelly Beaver.
During the meeting, Kate helped unveil findings of a UK study on the early years of children.
Kate opted for a timeless look in a slim fit white blazer from Zara.
The white ‘waffle’ blazer from Zara was first worn by the royal in 2016 on a tour of Canada.
The smart casual garment had pockets on each side and a sole gold button on the front, which Kate left undone.
While the jacket has not been available to buy from Zara for many years, it can be picked up on eBay for as little as £12.
The Duchess of Cambridge wore the look over a simple black top that was tucked into black tailored trousers.
She wore a pair of the ‘gold small molten hoop earrings’ from Missoma, which are on sale for £48.75, reduced from the original price of £65.
