Catherine ‘Kate’ Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, spoke before the spectators on the sensitive issue of child mental health at a headteachers conference yesterday.
According to Daily Mail, Prince William’s wife spoke about having a ‘wonderful and secure’ childhood in her address which was about the need to extend help to the vulnerable young people as soon as possible in order to prevent problems in their later lives.
She confessed that she was indeed lucky to have parents and teachers who supports children like her. Moreover, she also emphasized that even the kids who came from ‘stable, happy homes’ can suffer emotional issues later in life, too. So, it is crucial to be there for them.
'I often get asked why I decided to spend time highlighting the mental health of children. I imagine my answer might be similar to many of yours. I know that I was lucky. 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,’ she told the audience.
'I am sure you will agree that all children deserve time, attention and love from the adults in their lives. These basic qualities are so much more valuable than the always changing material and social concerns that can seem so important to young people. 'As today's theme reminds us, many children – even those from stable, happy homes – are finding that their heads are just too full. 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,’ she added.
Kate has been silent and does not speak much in public ever since she and Prince William tied the knot in 2011.
Moreover, the aides commented that what she made at the Place2Be Headteacher Conference was ‘very much her own.’ The conference, entitled ‘My Head is Too Full,’ was organized to bring together senior leaders from Place2Be partner schools in England, Scotland and Wales and as a means of sharing ideas and expertise in order to help build children’s emotional stability and help them achieve their potentials.
The Duchess wore a previously-worn £995 grey and green bejewelled Matthew Williamson dress to the event.
She thanked the aides and headteachers that commit to Place2Be.
'Parents, teachers and other school staff need the tools to help these young people early in their lives. And the earlier, the better. It is proven that early action 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.
'As head teachers you have the chance to reach tens of thousands of children during your careers, and make an impact on a great scale. Thank you for making the work of Place2Be part of your mission. I hope you know how much your work is valued.'
What do you think of Princess Kate’s speech? Is it ‘very much her own’ as the aides said?
