Princess of Wales ‘absolutely determined’ to change attitudes to early years development

The royal wants greater understanding about the importance of early childhood

Embargoed to 2230 Saturday January 28 Undated handout photo issued by Kensington Palace of the Princess of Wales who has said she is "absolutely determined" to change attitudes to the development of children during the early years of their lives. Issue date: Saturday January 28, 2023.Show less

British people should focus more on the developmental needs of children aged under five, Kate Middleton, the wife of heir-to-the-throne Prince William, said in an open letter released on Saturday ahead of a new awareness campaign.

The Princess of Wales made the issue one of her focal campaigning causes, setting up the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood two years ago.

"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," wrote the royal, who earlier this week met a group of experts to provide advice and oversight of her centre.

"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."

She said she would be joined by experts along with "well-known faces from music, sport and television" to highlight the critical importance of early childhood.

The British royals have been in the spotlight over the last two months following accusations from Prince William's younger brother Prince Harry and his wife Meghan about internal family divisions and allegations about their behaviour.

They have made no public response to these, but have focused attention instead on their official duties and campaigning issues.