Kate Middleton

Duchess Catherine admits she was ‘lucky to have a wonderful childhood’

Catherine

The Duchess of Cambridge has opened up about her happy and healthy childhood, saying that she was “lucky” to grow up with such supportive parents.


Catherine was speaking at the Head Teacher School Conference when she gave an insight into her early life.



In a three-minute speech, she confidently addressed the teachers sitting in front of her. The conference was being held to discuss what schools can do to support children’s mental health. “I often get asked why I decided to spend time highlighting the mental health of children,” said Catherine. “My answer might be similar to many of yours.”

“I was lucky,” she said. “My parents and teachers provided me with a wonderful and secure childhood where I always knew I was loved, valued and listened to. “But of course, many children are not so lucky. Since beginning my work in areas like addiction, for example, I have seen time and time again that the roots of poor mental health in adulthood are almost always present in unresolved childhood challenges.”

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Duchess Catherine added that even children from safe, stable homes are finding that “their heads are just too full”. “Children deserve time, attention and love from the adults in their lives,” said the Duchess. “It is our duty, as parents and as teachers, to give all children the space to build their emotional strength and provide a strong foundation for their future.”

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“Of course, not all children have the anchor of a strong family. Many will arrive through your school gates feeling a real lack of love and devotion in their lives. This often leaves them feeling insecure and without confidence and trust in the world around them.”

Kate ended her speech by outlining that early intervention prevents problems later in life. “Imagine if everyone was able to help just one child who needs to be listened to, needs to be respected, and needs to be loved – we could make such a huge difference for an entire generation,” she said.

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The Duchess has been a royal patron of the charity since 2013, reflecting her interest in child mental health and early intervention. She headed into the conference where headteachers from England, Scotland and Wales had gathered to discuss the role that schools can play in promoting good mental health in children.



The conference – the second held by Place2Be – featured presentations from headteachers working in some of the UK’s most disadvantaged areas, child psychology experts and students. 

Youngsters from The Crescent Primary School then performed a drama on leadership for their royal guest of honour.

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